How to Use Your Phone as a TV Remote and Connect It to Your TV

With the help of this tutorial, you can learn how to use your smartphone as your television remote and connect it to your TV.

The TV remote has disappeared again. You’ve looked inside sofa cushions, underneath the centre table and even asked all those in the household. It is unknown when or where it was found. In the meantime, your favourite IPL match is about to start.

Here’s something to know. If your television has a mobile remote feature, then your smartphone can serve as a TV remote as well.

You can adjust the volume, navigate entertainment applications, search for movies, and operate a handful of TV functions from the remote without having to get up and touch it.

All Google TVs, like some models from Haier India, feature mobile remote apps that will ease daily TV viewing.

So how and what if your TV doesn’t connect to your phone? Let’s do it together.

How to Use Your Cell Phone as a TV Remote?

Yes. A lot of clever TVs have the ability to be remote-controlled with a suitable Android phone or iPhone.

Most smart TV remote applications use your home network instead of infrared signals, like a traditional remote.

For instance, if you have a Haier TV with a Google TV remote, you can utilize the smartphone remote performance of Google TV for controlling the features that are supported by the Haier TV.

With a compatible remote for the phone, you may be able to:

• Change channels: Swipe through the channels and interfaces that are supported.
• Volume adjustment: Volume up, down or mute.
• Navigate between applications and menus.
• Look up entertainment: Supported voice search or phone keyboard.
• Playback control: Pause, resume and maneuver compatible content.

The actual activities, however, are dependent on the model of the TV, mobile application and operating system.

The significant difference lies in the fact that not all smart TVs have the same remote application.

Connect Your Phone to Your TV with Google TV

In most cases, the set up of your television that runs Google TV is easy. No need for an additional remote-control device or complex installation.

Step 1: Connect Both Devices to the Same Wi-Fi Network

First check your television’s internet connection.

Look into your TV’s network settings to find out the Wi-Fi network it is using. Next, enable your cell phone to be connected to the same network.

In some cases, for instance if you have a TV that connects to a home WiFi called Home_WiFi, your phone should use the same network as well.

One of the most frequent causes for a phone not being able to see a television is being on a different network.

Step 2: Open Google TV App

Install or open the official Google TV app, if available, on your smartphone.

It is an application that works on the compatible Google TV devices and offers remote control.

Once you’ve opened it:

1. Look for the TV remote option.
2. Tap on the connect TV option.Tap on connect TV option.
3. Do not kill the application in order to let it find compatible devices.
4. Select the desired TV from the list of options.

The interface may vary from Android and iOS versions and devices.

Step 3: Pair Your Phone With the Television

Once you have chosen your TV, a pairing code will be displayed on your TV screen.

Congratulations, you can now pair with the mobile application by entering this code.

This check will prevent an unknown device from taking over control of your TV.

Your phone will show a virtual remote control.

Step 4: Test the Remote Functions

If you are ready to put the physical remote down, first make sure that the connection is working.

Adjust the volume, un-minimize the home screen and switch between menus.

You can also test the phone keyboard while typing in the movie title in one of the supported search fields.

And that’s it. Your cell phone is now a handy substitute for your conventional TV remote.

Which TV’s are compatible with the Haier TV remote control and HDMI?

Haier India has some Google TV models for which mobile remote is available, and entertainment features for different room sizes and viewing preferences.

There are two options that you should consider exploring.

1. Haier QLED 109 cm (43) 4K TV: For Richer Colours & 4K Viewing

For families that love 4K movies, streaming videos and colourful images, the Haier S80G QLED 109 cm (43) Google TV (H43S80GUX) presents another option.

It integrates 4K UHD resolution and QLED display technology with a D-LED panel.

Highlights include:

• 3840 × 2160 resolution.
• HDR10 and HLG support.
• Google TV and Google Assistant.
• Dolby Audio with stereo speakers.
• MEMC technology.
• Built-in Chromecast.
• Support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
• 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM.
• Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.
• HDMI 2.1 eARC support.

The QLED colour technology and 4K resolution make this model attractive for those who desire more detail, vibrant colours and an immersive entertainment experience. Features such as MEMC and VRR also enhance motion smoothness for compatible content and gaming.

Most importantly, QLED refers to the display technology that enhances colour reproduction, while D-LED refers to the backlight technology used in the TV.

2. Haier P7GT 4K Ultra HD 108 cm (43) Google TV: Hands-Free Voice Convenience

The Haier P7GT 108 cm (43) Google TV (43P7GT) continues the trend with the P7’s hands-free voice control.

It also includes mobile remote capabilities for providing a variety of interaction possibilities with your TV.

It has some noteworthy characteristics:

• 4K Ultra HD resolution: Clear, detailed pictures for compatible 4K entertainment.
• Dolby Vision: HDR tech for supported material.
• Dolby Atmos: Immersive audio support.
• Built-in Chromecast: Smartphone casting made easy.
• Voice control (hands-free): Voice control is possible, even if the remote is not used.
• Game Mode with VRR and ALLM: Enhances responsiveness for gaming.

The hands-free feature is especially convenient when you’re doing other things.

As an example, when cooking up dinner for the evening, you might look for entertainment instead of turning on the TV with a remote. The P7GT offers that with the proper voice-control system.

How to Connect a Phone to a TV without Wi-Fi?

This will depend on your TV and your cell phone.

Most of the mobile remote functions using Google TV are dependent on the two devices communicating via a compatible network connection.

However, there are other possibilities.

Using an Infrared Blaster

Some of the Android smartphones have a blaster that is constructed of infrared (IR) light.

Certain televisions can be controlled by a compatible remote application, without Wi-Fi, if your phone has this hardware.

The phone transmits infrared signals like a regular remote.

Keep in mind:

• You need a mobile phone with an IR blaster built-in.
• The application has to be compatible with the codes of your TV remote.
• The phone typically requires an infrared receiver oriented towards the TV.

Not all recent smart phones have an integrated IR blaster, such as the iPhone.

Using a Mobile Hotspot

A mobile hotspot can serve as a common network for compatible devices but isn’t a sure-fire alternative to home WiFi.

Discovery and pairing of devices require the hotspot to manage connected devices. Some configurations may not work.

A standard home Wi-Fi connection is typically the more convenient option for everyday use.

What is preventing the phone from connecting to the TV?

You have followed all of the instructions, but the TV shows up in the app and fails to show up.

Annoying? Certainly. However, in most cases, a few simple tests will be sufficient to help determine the issue.

Check These Common Problems First!

• Check wireless networks: Make sure both devices are on the same wireless network.
• Update outdated applications: If there is an update available, update the Google TV application.
• TV not switched on: Make sure TV is on and connected to the network.
• Permission(s) denied: Grant the mobile app the necessary local network or nearby-device permission.
• When connection issues are temporary: Restart the application, smartphone or television.
• Unsupported TV model: Make sure the TV is compatible with the selected TV remote application.

If using an iPhone, see if the application has permission to access devices on the local network.

Nearby-device permissions might also apply, depending on the app and Android version, for Android users.

One more thing. Some guest WiFi networks do not connect devices to one another. If the phone and TV are unable to find each other, inspect the router’s network settings.

Will Screen Mirroring be Equivalent in Equal to Use Your Phone as a TV Remote?

Not quite.

People are often misinformed about the difference between screen mirroring, casting and remote control.

Mobile remote control will enable you to control supported functions of your TV with your mobile phone.

Screen mirroring shows your phone’s screen on a TV that is compatible.

Casting is used to transmit content from an application to the TV for playback.

Built-in Chromecast, for instance, is available on the Google TV models Haier S80 and P7GT.

This means you probably will be able to stream supported video or other content from your mobile phone to the TV.

But, it doesn’t imply that your cell phone can do all the things of a physical remote.

Can you use your smartphone as a TV Remote?

Yes, in most cases as long as the applications used are safe and your home network is secured.

There are a couple of precautions to be taken:

• Install apps from official app stores.
• Don’t install apps that are not familiar that ask for unnecessary permissions.
• Update your TV and cell phone operating systems.
• Use a secure password for home Wi-Fi networks.
• Don’t connect an unknown device to your TV.

Also keep in mind that they may not work as a remote on your phone unless it has the battery and network capacity.

It’s still smart to have a physical remote around.

Make Everyday TV Control Easier with Haier India

A remote for the smart TV is a great aid, but the overall convenience will be dependent on the smart TV.

Haier India’s Google TV lineup includes the mobile remote for selected models, including the Google Assistant, the inbuilt Chromecast and personalised entertainment recommendations.

Each of these Google TVs offers a unique blend of display technology and smart features, whether it’s the compact Haier S80 109 cm (43) QLED Google TV, or the Haier P7GT 109 cm (43) 4K Google TV with hands-free voice control.

Visit the Haier India online store to check out the different models and select the appropriate TV that matches your room size, viewing preferences, and entertainment control.

Frequently Asked Questions