Have you heard about controlling a smart TV using an iPhone? If not, this guide is for you. To download TV remote control apps, visit your iPhone’s built-in app store. However, not all remote apps can control the TV, which will vary depending on the TV’s operating system. This guide showcases the list of the best remote apps you can use on an iPhone for free.
Best Remote Apps to Control TV from an iPhone
For seamless TV control using an iPhone, we have isolated the official remote apps and explained why they are at the top of our list.
| Remote App | Description | Device Compatibility | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Roku App | An official remote app to control the TV powered by the Roku operating system | iOS 15.0 or later | App Store |
| Amazon Fire TV | The Amazon Fire TV app serves as the best virtual remote for Fire OS TVs. | iOS 13.0 or later | App Store |
| Google TV | Absolute virtual remote controller with extensive features to control the Google and Android OS TVs. | iOS 15.0 or later | App Store |
| VIDAA | A dedicated remote app for TVs with the VIDAA operating system featuring necessary control icons | iOS 11.0 or later | App Store |
| LG ThinQ | It is a perfect remote app for controlling LG entertainment and smart home devices. | iOS 15.0 or later | App Store |
| SmartThings | An outstanding remote app works with all Samsung TVs powered by Tizen OS | iOS 14.0 or later | App Store |
| Xumo TV | An official remote app with adequate TV controlling icons for TVs running on Xumo OS. | iOS 15.0 or later | App Store |
The Roku App
The Roku App works with Smart TVs powered by Roku OS. It features a user-friendly interface, so you can conveniently use it like a physical remote. This app can instantly launch TV apps and effortlessly add and remove channels.
Overview of The Roku App
| Pricing | Free |
| Connectivity Type | WiFi |
| Latest App Version | 11.0.2 |
| App Size | 147.9 MB |
| Device Minimum Requirement | iOS 15.0 or higher |
| Features | Mic button to access voice commands, Dedicated headphone option, Basic TV controlling buttons, Navigation pads, Keyboard to input text |
| Compatible Smart TVs | TCL, Roku, Hisense, Magnavox, RCA, Sanyo, Westinghouse, Insignia, Sharp, Philips, Onn, Hitachi, and more. |
Amazon Fire TV App
Amazon Fire TV is an amazing remote application that is exclusively for TVs powered by the Fire operating system. It offers a clutter-free interface, ensuring a hassle-free TV control experience. Amazon Fire TV also has various perks, like controlling TV gameplay, casting shows, and more.
Overview of the Amazon Fire TV App
| Pricing | Free |
| Connectivity Type | WiFi |
| Latest App Version | 2.13.1 |
| App Size | 66 MB |
| Device Minimum Requirement | iOS 13.0 or higher |
| Features | Dedicated support for FireTV Recast, Button to access voice commands, input text on TV, control the TV apps, menus, and more |
| Compatible Smart TVs | Panasonic, Hisense, Westinghouse, Insignia, Sharp, TCL, Redmi, Toshiba, JVC, Onida, Element, and more. |
Google TV App
Google TV is an official remote app for Smart TVs running on Android and Google operating systems. This app works only if the iPhone and TV are paired to the same WiFi. It uses your phone keyboard to quickly type passwords, movie names, or anything on your TV.
Overview of the Google TV App
| Pricing | Free |
| Connectivity Type | WiFi |
| Latest App Version | 3.20.00002 |
| App Size | 65.9 MB |
| Device Minimum Requirement | iOS 15.0 or higher |
| Features | Touchpad for easy navigation, Voice assistant button, Input text using the keyboard, cast shows to the TV |
| Compatible Smart TVs | Panasonic, Element, Hisense, Westinghouse, Sharp, Sony, Skyworth, TCL, Xiaomi, Toshiba, JVC, Onida, and more. |
VIDAA App
The VIDAA app lets you seamlessly control TVs powered by VIDAA Smart TV OS. To use this app, ensure your Smart TV is paired to the same wireless network as your iPhone. The app features dedicated keys for volume control, quick search, power on/off, change channels, media sharing, etc.
Overview of the VIDAA App
| Pricing | Free |
| Connectivity Type | WiFi |
| Latest App Version | 1.08.005 |
| App Size | 105.9 MB |
| Device Minimum Requirement | iOS 11.0 or higher |
| Features | Control all TV functions, controlling playback, casting shows to TV, searching VoD on TV, Voice search function |
| Compatible Smart TVs | Hisense, Bruhm, Sharp, Toshiba, Devant, and more |
LG ThinQ App
LG ThinQ app is a remote application from LG Electronics, Inc. This app serves as a virtual remote controller for smart TVs powered by the WebOS operating system. This app makes it easy to carry out all TV functions using an iPhone, All you need is to connect your iPhone to the same WiFi as your webOS TV.
Overview of the LG ThinQ App
| Pricing | Free |
| Connectivity Type | WiFi |
| Latest App Version | 5.0.25141 |
| App Size | 570.4 MB |
| Device Minimum Requirement | iOS 15.0 or higher |
| Features | Control TV functions using the touchpad, access the TV apps, Stream shows to the TV, Monitor the TV, number pad icons to switch TV channels |
| Compatible Smart TVs | Bauhn, LG, Blaupunkt, Bruhm, Seiki, EKO, Hyundai, and more |
SmartThings App
SmartThings is an outstanding remote application for smart TVs powered by the Tizen OS. Using this app, you can go to the TV menu, settings, change channels, etc. Furthermore, you can use this app to screen mirror local media files to your TV.
Overview of the SmartThings App
| Pricing | Free |
| Connectivity Type | WiFi |
| Latest App Version | 1.3.0 |
| App Size | 110.5 MB |
| Device Minimum Requirement | iOS 14.0 or higher |
| Features | TV volume control, launch TV apps, change the input, playback control, and more |
| Compatible Smart TVs | Bauhn, Samsung, and some more |
Xumo TV App
Xumo TV is a fine remote application from Comcast Cable Communications. This app is exclusively for smart TVs powered by the Xclass/Xumo operating system. The Xumo TV app works when the iPhone and the TV are on the same WiFi.
Overview of the Xumo TV App
| Pricing | Free |
| Connectivity Type | WiFi |
| Latest App Version | 1.7.18 |
| App Size | 931.4 MB |
| Device Minimum Requirement | iOS 15.0 or higher |
| Features | Operate major TV functions, control TV media playback, access the TV channels and games, built-in number pad to switch channels, Touchpad for easy navigation |
| Compatible Smart TVs | Hisense, Pioneer, Element, and some more |
Unofficial TV Remote Apps for iPhone
Besides the official TV apps, other best universal remote apps are available for iPhone in the App Store. The table below provides the top remote apps list based on user ratings.
| Remote Apps | App Purchase | Download on iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| TV Remote – Universal | Free | Get from the App Store |
| Remote for Android TV | Free | Get from the App Store |
| Smart TV Remote Control Plus | Free | Get from the App Store |
| Universal TV Remote | Free | Get from the App Store |
| TV Remote – Universal Control | Free | Get from the App Store |
| Universal remote tv smart | Free | Get from the App Store |
| Smart TV Remote | Free | Get from the App Store |
| TV Remote Universal | Free | Get from the App Store |
The above remote apps are universal, so they support controlling all smart TVs. Install the suitable app on your iPhone and pair it with your smart TV. Then, you can control the TV functions using the icons on the remote app.
Which Remote App Should I Opt For?
The above-mentioned list includes the best TV remote apps for controlling the TV from an iPhone. To simplify the app selection, find your TV OS model and get a suitable official remote app. Otherwise, choose a universal remote app from the list and control your TV from the iPhone.
