The Ultimate Guide to Using Your iPhone as a TV Remote

Can I Turn My iPhone Into a TV Remote Controller?

Yes, with the right setup you can absolutely use your iPhone as a remote control for your TV. There are a few different ways to do this:

Control Your Apple TV

If you have an Apple TV box, you can install the Apple TV Remote app on your iPhone to control it. This allows you to browse shows, adjust volume, and more. The Apple TV Remote utilizes WiFi so your devices just need to be on the same network.

Control a Smart TV

Many smart TVs like Samsung, LG, Sony, and others can be controlled from your iPhone by downloading the manufacturer‘s remote app. These apps connect over WiFi to give you full remote capabilities. You‘ll need to enable screen mirroring and install the app on your iPhone.

Control a "Dumb" TV

For non-smart TVs, you‘ll need additional hardware to allow your iPhone to act as a remote. An IR blaster plugs into your iPhone and shoots out infrared signals that can control your TV, similar to a normal remote. Some older phone models had IR blasters built-in.

Pros and Cons of Using Your iPhone as a TV Remote

There are some advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind when using your iPhone as a TV controller:

Pros:

• Convenient – your remote is always with you on your phone
• Extra functionality – voice control, keyboards for text input
• Single device – can consolidate remotes if you control TV, streaming box, etc.
• Lost remote – can still control TV from your iPhone

Cons:

• Extra setup – have to connect phone and TV
• Drains battery – constant use as remote can drain your iPhone faster
• Limited range – IR/WiFi remotes have shorter range than physical remotes
• Connection issues – remote may disconnect or lag if WiFi is spotty

Using Your iPhone As a Remote for Smart TVs

Here are some tips for setting up and using your iPhone as a TV remote controller for smart TVs from top brands:

Samsung Smart TVs

• Download the SmartThings app from the App Store
• Connect phone and TV to same WiFi network
• Open SmartThings app and it will auto-detect your TV
• Enter pairing code shown on TV screen
• You can now use iPhone to control TV and features

LG Smart TVs

• Get LG TV Plus app from App Store
• Turn on TV and connect phone/TV to WiFi
• Open app and select your TV model
• The app will discover TV and pair automatically
• Full remote control features from app after pairing

Sony Smart TVs

• Install Sony TV Remote Control app on your iPhone
• Input WiFi password on TV under network settings
• Launch app and it will detect your Sony TV
• Enter PIN from TV screen to connect phone
• You can now use iPhone as remote after pairing

Controlling Non-Smart TVs with iPhone

To use your iPhone as a remote for "dumb" TVs that lack smart capabilities:

• You need an IR blaster accessory that plugs into iPhone
• Attach IR blaster, open a remote app, and point phone at TV
• IR signals will mimic traditional remote to control TV
• Some older iPhones like iPhone 4 had IR built-in
• Universal remotes can also work if compatible with your TV model

Without an IR blaster, your iPhone won‘t be able to directly control a non-smart TV. But apps like Roku or Fire TV let you mirror content from phone to TV with the right hardware.

Tips for Controlling Your TV with an iPhone

Here are some handy tips for getting the most out of using your iPhone as a TV remote:

• Open Control Center on iPhone to quickly access TV controls
• Activate Siri on your iPhone for voice commands like "Pause TV"
• Use Find My Remote app if you misplace your physical TV remote
• Check for connectivity issues if remote is laggy or disconnects
• Placing phone closer to TV improves reliability for some IR/WiFi remotes
• Reduce battery drain by disabling remote apps when not in use

Recent iPhones & IR Blaster Compatibility

The most recent iPhone models do not have built-in IR blasters. Here are some of the last iPhones to include IR:

• iPhone 4
• iPhone 4s
• iPhone 5
• iPhone 6

So you‘ll need an external IR blaster or WiFi-based methods to use new iPhones as remotes. Some Android phones still include IR today like Xiaomi and Huawei models.

Troubleshooting iPhone TV Remote Issues

If you‘re having trouble getting your iPhone to work properly as a TV remote, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Make sure TV and phone are connected to same WiFi network
• Re-pair phone with TV via app instructions
• Check for IR/WiFi interference if remote is laggy
• For IR control, point phone directly at TV sensor
• Update remote app and TV software/firmware
• Delete and reinstall remote app if connectivity problems

If the issues persist, your IR blaster may need replacement or the remote app may have a bug requiring an update from the developer.

Conclusion

While newer iPhones don‘t have built-in IR blasters, there are still great options for using your iPhone as a TV remote control. For smart TVs, WiFi-based apps provide full functionality and convenience. For other TVs, affordable IR blasters can let you control equipment from your iPhone. With the right setup, your iPhone makes a versatile streamlined replacement for multiple remote controls.

An Introduction to iPhone TV Remotes

With the rise of smart TVs and streaming devices, our phones can now act as handy all-in-one remote controls. According to recent statistics, over 80% of TV sets sold today are smart TVs with internet connectivity. This allows them to be controlled wirelessly from your iPhone. Even for older "dumb" TV sets, affordable IR blaster accessories can let you harness your iPhone as a remote.

But how exactly does this work? And what are the pros and cons of using your iPhone as your television remote control? This guide will explore the technology behind iPhone TV remotes, tips for setup and usage, popular accessories, troubleshooting advice, and the future of TV remote tech. Let‘s dive in!

How IR Blasters Turn Your iPhone into a Remote

For non-smart TV sets, you need additional hardware to allow your iPhone to control your TV. This typically comes in the form of an IR blaster, a small device that plugs into your iPhone‘s charging port or wirelessly connects via Bluetooth.

IR blasters work by emitting infrared light signals, just like a traditional TV remove. Inside the IR blaster is an IR LED that blinks on and off very quickly based on the command it‘s sending—like "volume up"—to your TV. These rapid pulses of infrared light are invisible to our eyes, but the IR sensor on your TV detects them and translates them into actions on the screen.

So with a compatible IR blaster connected, you can open a remote control app on your iPhone, and point it at your TV to change channels, adjust volume, and more! Many universal remotes also utilize IR blasters to control multiple devices from one unit.

Popular IR Blaster Accessories for iPhone

IR Blaster	Connectivity	Price
Sensy IR	Lightning port	$14.99
ITHINKSO IR	Lightning port	$16.99
B255 Bluetooth IR	Bluetooth	$21.99

These are some top-rated IR blaster options for controlling TVs and other devices from your iPhone. The Sensy is an affordable wired pick, while the B255 lets you connect wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Using Your iPhone as a Remote via HDMI

In addition to IR blasters, you can also use an HDMI cable to directly mirror content from your iPhone to your TV screen. This allows you to not only control media playback, but also stream videos, movies, games, and more right from your phone.

To set this up:

1. Connect an HDMI cable from your TV‘s HDMI port to the iPhone HDMI adapter
2. On your iPhone, swipe down from the top right to open Control Center
3. Long press the media box and tap "Connect to TV"
4. Select your TV from the list of available devices

Your iPhone screen will now be mirrored to your TV display. You can use the on-screen controls in apps to play, pause, rewind, navigate, and control content. Just note that many apps block video output via HDMI due to DRM restrictions. But it works great for personal videos, presentations, games, and more.

The Benefits of Using Your iPhone as a TV Remote

Beyond basic channel and volume control, using your iPhone as your television remote provides some great additional benefits:

• Convenience – Your remote is always in your pocket ready to use!
• No juggling remotes – Control TV, streaming box, soundbar all from one device.
• Control from anywhere – Change channels and adjust volume from another room.
• Help find lost remote – Use "Find My Remote" apps if remote goes missing.
• Extra functionality – Voice control, keyboards for text input.
• Gaming & streaming – Play games and stream video from iPhone to TV.

Million of viewers are now taking advantage of these perks by using their iPhones for their TV control needs according to data from mobile analytics firms.

Potential Drawbacks of Using Your iPhone as a Remote

However, there are also some downsides to keeping in mind:

• Drains battery faster – Constantly using phone as remote sucks battery life.
• Limited range – IR and WiFi remotes have shorter range than physical remotes.
• Frequent disconnections – Signal may drop or lag if WiFi connection is spotty.
• Extra setup – Having to install apps and pair with TV can be a hassle.
• No backup if phone dies – No way to control TV if your iPhone‘s battery depletes.

So while using your iPhone as a TV remote can be incredibly convenient, the technology still has some limitations. Having a physical backup remote handy can be useful in case of technical difficulties.

Controlling Your Smart TV from iPhone

For smart TVs, you can download the manufacturer‘s remote control app to connect your iPhone. Here are tips for popular brands:

Samsung Smart TVs

The free SmartThings app allows you to use your iPhone as a remote for compatible Samsung TVs. After installing the app:

1. Connect your phone and TV to the same WiFi network.
2. Open SmartThings and it will automatically detect your TV.
3. Enter the pairing code shown on your TV screen into the app.
4. You can now fully control your TV and even get expanded features like easier text input.

LG Smart TVs

You can download the LG TV Plus app to connect your iPhone and compatible LG TV:

1. Get the free LG TV Plus app from the iOS App Store.
2. Make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network.
3. Open the app and select your specific LG TV model.
4. The app will discover your TV and pair with it automatically.
5. You‘ll now have remote control access directly from the handy app.

Sony Smart TVs

For recent Sony TVs, you can use the Sony TV Remote Control app:

1. Install app from the iOS App Store.
2. On your Sony TV, input your WiFi password under network settings.
3. Launch the iPhone app and it will automatically detect your TV.
4. Input the pairing PIN code displayed on your TV screen.
5. You‘ll then have wireless control of your Sony TV from the app.

Most other smart TV brands like Vizio, Sharp, Hisense, and more also have their own iPhone remote apps available. Simply search your App Store to find the correct app for your television.

Setting Up IR Blaster Control for Non-Smart TVs

To control older non-smart TVs, you‘ll need an IR blaster accessory for your iPhone. Here is a step-by-step setup guide:

1. Obtain an IR blaster – Choose a wired or wireless IR blaster designed for iPhone.
2. Attach IR blaster – For wired models, plug into iPhone charging port. Wireless models pair via Bluetooth in settings.
3. Download remote app – Search iOS App Store for compatible IR remote app.
4. Launch app & point phone at TV – Open app and aim top of phone at TV IR sensor.
5. Follow on-screen instructions – Send IR test signals to confirm setup works.
6. Start controlling your TV! – Use app interface to power TV, adjust volume, change channels, etc.

The most popular infrared remote apps include iRemote, Simple Control, RedEye, and Remote IR. Make sure to position your iPhone‘s top edge directly facing your TV‘s IR sensor for reliable performance.

TV Brands Without Remote Apps

While many smart TV brands have iPhone remote apps, some lesser known brands may not. If your TV manufacturer doesn‘t offer a first-party remote app, here are some solutions:

• Search app stores for compatible third-party remote apps.
• Use a programmable universal remote if compatible with your TV.
• Inquire with your TV manufacturer about remote app availability.
• Consider purchasing an external streaming device like Roku or Fire TV Stick which can provide iPhone control.

With the right setup, you can transform nearly any TV into one controllable right from your iPhone.

Optimizing Your iPhone for TV Remote Usage

Using your iPhone frequently as a TV remote can take a toll on battery life. Here are some tips to optimize settings:

• Lower brightness – Dim screen to lowest viewable brightness.
• Disable Raise to Wake – Stops motion from turning on screen.
• Close unneeded apps – Swipe away apps not in use to save power.
• Enable Low Power Mode – Limits background activity to preserve battery.
• Disable needless features – Turn off Bluetooth, cellular, etc. if unneeded.

You can also lower demand by disabling remote apps when not actively being used. And keep a charger handy in case your iPhone battery runs low!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about using an iPhone as a TV remote control:

Can I control volume from iPhone?

Yes, iPhone TV remotes allow you to turn volume up or down, mute, and more, just like a traditional remote.

Do I need WiFi for iPhone TV remotes?

For smart TVs, yes – your iPhone and TV need to be on the same WiFi network. IR blasters don‘t require WiFi.

How far can I control TV from?

Around 20-50 feet depending on connectivity. Pointing iPhone directly at TV helps maximize range.

Can I control TV without the original remote?

Yes, as long as your TV is still functional, iPhone remotes work independently from standard remotes.

Do iPhone remotes work without line of sight?

No, IR remotes require line of sight. But WiFi-based control for smart TVs works without line of sight.

The Future of iPhone TV Remotes

According to home technology experts, iPhone-based TV remote usage will continue expanding as smart TV adoption grows. As more viewers consume streaming content, the ability to control everything from one device becomes even more appealing.

We can also expect improved range and reliability as wireless protocols evolve. Motion sensing gestural controls are already being incorporated in some remotes to further enhance capabilities beyond simple buttons. And Siri voice integration offers even more ways to control your television using an iPhone independently or as a supplement to tactile controls.

The days of juggling multiple clickers to control our home entertainment systems are ending. Our iPhones are quickly become the central smart hub for running our lives, and TV control is a natural integration. As technology improves, using your iPhone as a television remote will only get faster, easier, and more fully-featured.