How to control your TV from your smartphone

Today, in order to control the TV, it is not always necessary to have a remote control at hand. A simple smartphone is enough. A regular phone is quite capable of coping with the task of controlling a TV device. To do this, just download a special application to your smartphone and connect it to the TV. After this, the user will have the opportunity to remotely control the TV directly from the phone.

Ways to control your TV via smartphone

There are two main ways to control your TV via your smartphone. The first method is to broadcast the image from the phone screen to the TV display. The second way is to use a special application that replaces the remote control.

In the first case, the undoubted advantage is its versatility, which allows the user to watch absolutely any media resources presented on the Internet on a large screen. It is also possible to run applications installed on a smartphone or tablet, including games. This technology allows you to turn a regular TV into a real Smart TV.The downsides include the mandatory Wi-Fi connection and the rapid decrease in battery charge on the phone.

In the second case, the smartphone replaces a regular remote control and allows the user to control the TV device through a special application. In this case, a Wi-FI connection is not always necessary, however, the functionality of such a connection is an order of magnitude lower.

REFERENCE! The ability to connect a smartphone as a remote control can be very useful if the TV remote control is lost or damaged.

How to connect a smartphone to the TV

In order to connect your phone as a Smart TV, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. The easiest way to connect is via Wi-Fi Direct. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to connect two devices:

1. First, you need to enable Wi-Fi Direct on your phone. To do this, you need to go to “Advanced settings” and find the appropriate item (for some models this option is located in “Wireless connection settings” or “Network settings”). Once Wi-Fi Direct is enabled, your device is ready to pair with your TV.
2. The next connection step is to configure the option on the TV. To do this, you need to go to settings and enable Wi-Fi Direct. Then select the model of the desired smartphone from the list of possible connections and make the connection.
3. After the above steps, a message about the possibility of connection will appear on the phone. After confirmation, the setup is considered complete.

To connect your phone as a remote control, you must first download a special application (specific programs will be described below).Then connect the device to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV and make connections between the smartphone and the TV. A message about the possibility of remote control should appear on the device screen, after which the setup is considered complete. In some cases, the remote access setting must be enabled on the TV yourself through the menu of the corresponding function.

Selecting an application to control your TV

In order to use your smartphone as a remote control, you must install a special application. There are several of these programs, the most popular of them are presented below.

TV Remote Control

The most universal application that provides control of almost all modern models of TV devices. In order to connect to a TV, you need to enter its IP address in the application and select the appropriate model from the list of proposed ones. Since the application supports all models of the most popular brands such as Samsung, Sony, LG, Akai, etc., there should not be any connection problems. The program also provides such features as turning the device on/off, a numeric keypad, connection settings, audio settings and channel switching.

One of the disadvantages is the lack of a Russian-language version. However, the application has a fairly clear interface, and it will not be difficult for the user to understand the functionality of the program even without a translator.

Easy Universal TV Remote

Another universal software that has all the same functionality, but has a slightly modified interface.The application is also capable of switching channels, remotely turning the device on and off, adjusting the sound and entering data using the numeric keypad.

ATTENTION! The application is free, so while using it, advertising may appear, which is an undoubted disadvantage and interferes with comfortable use.

Samsung universal remote control

A proprietary application for TVs of the same brand was created to provide users with more convenient device control, as well as to add additional functions. The main difference between this application and its universal analogues is the ability to broadcast images from the smartphone screen to the screen of a TV device, and vice versa.

Also, an undoubted advantage of this utility is the ability to interact not only with Samsung TVs, but also with other equipment of the same brand. The only condition is the presence of an IR port on the managed devices. For easier switching, the program has a device scanning function for quick connection. This option makes the connection between devices much easier.

One of the disadvantages is the inability to control TVs of other brands. Also, many users note poor optimization and a large number of errors that occur when using this application.

Onezap Remote

This paid application contains a database for more than two hundred different device models. The utility allows you to change the control menu by changing the size and shape of the keys, as well as the color and style. There is also an option to create additional keys to switch between devices or control them simultaneously.

ATTENTION! The only downside for users may be the download fee. On Google Play, the price for applications is 170 rubles.

Benefits of controlling your TV from your smartphone

Speaking about the advantages of such interaction between two devices, it should be said that controlling TV through a program on the phone does not require the user to have any special skills or knowledge. All utilities have an intuitive interface that even a child can handle. Also, this function of smartphones is indispensable in case of breakdown or loss of the remote control.