6 Best TV Remote Apps for Android

The functionality of Android smartphones has continued to evolve over time. Beyond just communication, smartphones can now be used for a variety of tasks that were once unimaginable; one of which is serving as a remote control for televisions.

Initially, developers enabled Android smartphones to act as remote controls through WiFi connections. However, many Android devices now come equipped with an IR Blaster, allowing them to function just like traditional remote controls.

To take advantage of the IR Blaster, you’ll need to install a compatible TV remote app on your Android device. In this article, Carisinyal will explore a selection of the best TV remote apps available for Android.

1. Remote Control for TV by Hitchhike Tech

This remote app by Hitchhike supports over 1,000 TV models. With this app, you’ll never have to worry about losing or damaging your physical remote again!

The remote interface is also customizable to suit your preferences. You can choose between a manual version with traditional control buttons or a modern design featuring a touchpad.

What’s more, the app includes a virtual keyboard, an incredibly useful feature when using your smart TV, especially for typing in show titles or searching for content.

Beyond serving as a remote, the app also offers a casting feature, allowing you to stream content from your phone directly to your TV screen without needing any additional apps.

Another great feature is its clean, user-friendly interface. If any issues arise, users can easily send feedback directly from the remote page. Navigation is smooth and intuitive, making it a highly practical tool for everyday use.

Things I Like About Remote Control for TV by Hitchhike Tech:

• Flexible and user-friendly interface
• Compatible with many TV models
• Supports both IR remotes and Smart TV remotes
• Includes a touchpad and digital keyboard
• Allows content casting from your phone to the TV

Things to Note About Remote Control for TV by Hitchhike Tech:

• Some features are only available with a Pro subscription

2. Universal TV Remote by Codematics Media Solutions

Each time I open the app, the system automatically searches for nearby TVs that can be connected directly.

If you have multiple TVs at home, the system will save the signals from all of them in the “My TVs” list. This eliminates the need to retune each TV individually the next time you use the app. All your TVs are saved and ready for use whenever you need them.

To get started, simply connect your Android TV to the same Wi-Fi network as the device running the app. Once connected, the app will work automatically.

The remote itself is quite comprehensive, featuring a touchpad and virtual keyboard. However, the ad banner at the bottom of the remote layout can be quite distracting. On several occasions, I accidentally clicked the ad instead of the remote button, which was a bit frustrating.

That being said, this app remains a solid alternative to physical TV remotes for various models and brands. You can either manually select your TV or let the system automatically detect the model.

Things I Like About Universal TV Remote by Codematics Media Solutions:

• Automatically detects nearby TV models without manual input
• Compact yet fully functional remote interface
• Can automatically save a list of multiple TV models

Things to Note About Universal TV Remote by Codematics Media Solutions:

• In-app banner ads make the remote interface feel less comfortable to use

3. TV Remote by Evolly App

For those who frequently watch content on Netflix, YouTube, or Apple TV, this TV remote app from Evolly App is a must-try.

One of its key features is a remote display that includes dedicated buttons for all three platforms, eliminating the need to search for channels. With just one click, you can switch to your preferred platform in no time!

Additionally, the app includes a remote keypad that allows you to change channels or adjust the volume with a simple touch.

What I like most about this app is its voice search feature. You can easily say the name of a channel or the title of a show you want to watch, and the system will instantly locate it for you. The app also supports screen mirroring, allowing your entire phone display to appear directly on your TV screen.

Unlike casting, which only shows specific content (such as a video or song), screen mirroring shows everything happening on your phone, whether you’re browsing your gallery, listening to music, or viewing your Google Drive files. Everything can be displayed in real-time on your TV.

Things I Like About the TV Remote by Evolly App:

• The remote layout includes dedicated buttons for Netflix, YouTube, and Apple TV
• Comes with a super handy voice search feature
• Supports screen mirroring, and even allows you to display websites and Google Drive files directly on your TV

Things to Note About the TV Remote by Evolly App:

• Some features are only accessible with a premium subscription

4. UniMote

If you're looking for a TV remote app that resembles a traditional physical remote with number buttons, UniMote might be the perfect choice for you.

The remote has a modern and distinctive design, yet still captures the classic feel of a physical remote, complete with number buttons, volume controls, and letter buttons for searching show titles. Using it feels just like holding a real TV remote.

UniMote supports popular TV brands such as Samsung, Sony, TCL, Haier, Polytron, Kenwood, and many more. The app is compatible with both smart TVs and TVs with an IR Blaster feature. However, keep in mind that the IR Blaster function will only work if your phone supports the IR feature!

Things I Like About UniMote:

• The remote interface is neat, clean, and easy to use
• The control layout closely resembles a real physical TV remote
• Supports a wide range of TV brands
• Includes a screen mirroring feature

Things to Note About UniMote:

• Pop-up ads appear quite frequently and can be a bit distracting

5. Remote ATV

In today’s world, most families have transitioned from regular TV to digital or Android TV, thanks to its much wider range of viewing options. If you're an Android TV user, the ATV Remote app is an excellent alternative to your physical remote.

Setting up the app is incredibly simple. There's no need for manual connection, just ensure that your TV and device are within range, and the system will automatically detect your Android TV.

The ATV Remote layout is compact and designed to resemble a real Android TV remote. You can change channels using the navigation buttons or the touchpad.

What’s even more interesting is that for popular streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+, there are dedicated buttons on the layout for easy access.

Additionally, the ATV Remote offers advanced settings through the Settings menu. You can customize the app to suit your preferences, such as changing the button layout color, adding media buttons, or simplifying the display to include only navigation buttons.

Things I Like About Remote ATV:

• Specifically designed for Android TV
• Features a compact, modern, and user-friendly interface
• Includes dedicated buttons for popular streaming platforms
• Offers further customization through the settings menu

6. Stick by Ai Apps SRL

Turn your phone into a convenient digital TV remote with Stick! Designed with a user-friendly interface, Stick is easy for anyone to use. It is optimized for LG, TCL, Samsung, and Android TVs.

Unlike other remote apps, Stick doesn’t require an IR Blaster, as it supports the RF (Radio Frequency) protocol. Simply connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network, and they will automatically connect.

One of the standout features of Stick is its customizable remote theme. You can choose from a variety of colors, including blue, purple, orange, and rose, to personalize the remote to your liking and add some flair.

Additionally, Stick supports a casting feature, which is conveniently accessible directly from the remote layout, so you don't need to navigate through a special menu to activate it.

Stick also includes a smart keyboard feature for manually typing in show titles. However, this feature is only available to users who subscribe to Stick’s premium package.

Things I Like About the Stick:

• Supports various popular TV brands like LG, TCL, Samsung, and Android TV
• The remote theme can be personalized, with attractive color options
• Supports casting features directly from the main screen

Things to Note About the Stick:

• The virtual keyboard feature is only available for premium users

Anyone can experience losing their TV remote at home. The Android TV remote apps recommended by Carisinyal can be a great substitute for your default TV remote. Are there any other apps you would recommend?