Most Android TVs nowadays have a remote with limited buttons, making it hard to control your TV. Whether it’s navigating your apps, changing your settings, or typing something, it can be annoying to use your TV’s basic remote.

Fortunately, you don’t have to. If you’re tired of using the directional pad, you can use your iPhone to do everything instead. Let´s go over the process of using your iPhone as a remote to control your Android TV.

Google TV app TV nearby button

Requirements for Controlling Android TV With Your iPhone

All you need to do to control your Android TV with an iPhone is download the Google TV app on your iPhone and log in with your Google account. Be sure to use the same account you use with your Android TV.

The Google TV app is one of thebest TV remote appsto control your Android TV. Next, ensure your iPhone and Android TV use the same Wi-Fi network for this to work properly. Alternatively, you can also connect the two devices via Bluetooth.

Google TV app Select a device list

If you run into any issues during the setup, you may try to troubleshoot the error. Restarting your TV and iPhone might also resolve the issue. If everything else fails, you can alsoconnect an Android phone to your TV.

How to Use iPhone to Control Your Android TV

The process of using your iPhone as a remote for your Android TV is pretty straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

You can use the on-screen buttons to control your Android TV, or switch to the D-pad layout by tapping the three dots in the top right corner.

Google TV app control TV buttons

You can also use the Google Assistant button to use voice commands on your Android TV. Google TV app also allows you to use your iPhone’s keyboard to enter the text as and when needed. The keyboard will automatically show up when you have to type something.

Once you’re done using your iPhone as a remote and wish to disconnect your Android TV from the app, tap on thegreen TV symbolnext to the name of your TV.

Google TV app keyboard option

you may also switch between Android TVs if you have more than one in your home. Simply tap the name of the Android TV you’re currently controlling, and you will once again get a list of TVs available nearby. Select the one you want to switch to.

Why You Should Use Your iPhone to Control Android TV

As you can see, it’s easy to connect and use your iPhone as a remote for your Android TV. Doing so can be more convenient than the traditional remote, as you can use it to navigate around your TV screen, adjust the volume, and quickly enter or paste text and links.

While the remote might get lost down the back of the sofa or tossed somewhere by a toddler, we all tend to keep our phones close to us all the time. Besides, using your iPhone instead of the remote means it’s one less gadget lying around the house to worry about.

Google TV app layout options