To date household appliances has become an integral part of our everyday life. If previously devices functioned separately, today they form an entire ecosystem through their interaction with each other. Recently, household appliances are becoming smarter, and their functionality is becoming more extensive. Previously, it was difficult to imagine that we would be able to plan and manage laundry in washing machine or control the lighting in the house using a smartphone, or use your smartphone as a TV remote control, but today these opportunities are available to everyone.
In this article we will look at how to control your TV from your phone. To do this, we need a TV that supports Smart TV technology. You can find out about support for this technology on the manufacturer’s website. If you bought a TV in the last two years in the mid-price segment of the TV market, this technology is most likely available. Quite often, you need to purchase a remote control for a Smart TV separately; such a remote control will cost up to a couple of thousand rubles. Also, if the remote control breaks down, we can use our smartphone. Using the phone is much more convenient for typing than using the remote control.
As previously mentioned, we will need a TV with Smart TV technology and a smartphone running operating system Android or IOS. We can control the TV using wireless Wi-Fi networks or infrared, if your phone has one.
First, we need to install an application on our smartphone to control the TV. To do this we should go to Google Play or AppStore, in the search bar we write the brand of our TV and add Smart TV to it (Example: Samsung Smart TV). We find an application from our manufacturer and install it on our smartphone.
Since I have a TV from the Samsung manufacturer, I installed Samsung app Smart View.
The application allows us to view images, watch videos from the phone on the TV screen, use the smartphone as a remote control, and much more.
The functionality of manufacturers' applications is similar everywhere. Let's look at all the necessary steps to set up TV controls.
After installing the application, we need the phone and TV to be connected to the same network. We connect our TV and smartphone to the Wi-Fi router.
If there is no router:
- You can use a laptop as such an access point and distribute Wi-Fi from it.
- We use Wi-Fi technology Direct on our smartphone and TV, and we pair them.
After connecting the devices to the same network, you need to launch the application, in it you need to search for our TV. Next, select our TV and click Connect. Enter the password to pair devices. After connecting, the TV control functions will become available to us.
With the development of the Internet and the connection of televisions to the World Wide Web, we have entered a new era when your iPhone Apple(iPod/iPad) or smartphone based Google Android can be used as a remote control remote control. Using your phone, you can select the channel you want to watch, adjust the volume and use the more convenient smartphone keyboard to navigate the Internet.
In this guide, we'll help you get the hang of it.
Controlling your TV using your smartphone
Before we talk about how you can control a modern Smart TV using a smartphone, it’s worth answering the question, why is this necessary? One of the reasons is that mobile phone has become one of the essential items that is always at hand. And, more importantly, the ability to use the phone's keyboard to navigate the Internet, including typing when searching for movies on YouTube, Netflix and other Internet services, as well as media sources on the home network.
Controlling your TV using your smartphone - especially convenient if you want to use the TV's smart features
Not all TVs support remote control via smartphones, but more and more latest models Even some Blu-Ray players get this feature. If you have a mid-range or higher-end TV from 2010, there's a good chance it will support this feature. If you bought a TV this year, your chances increase significantly. To find out for sure, check out the options. specific model your TV on the manufacturer's website. Currently, the following manufacturers integrate the function of controlling the TV from a smartphone:
Samsung
LG
Sony
Panasonic
Philips
Click on the picture to enlarge it
Sony TVs can be controlled from Apple and Android devices
Step-by-step installation wizard guide
1. Home network
First of all, you need a wireless home network so that your smartphone and TV can communicate through it. If you don't have a wireless router, you can purchase one from your local computer hardware store. Preferably with support for the fast option "N" for wireless standard Wi-Fi.
2. Connect the TV to the network
Now you need to connect your TV to your home network either via wireless connection, or by cable.
Cable connection
If you plan to connect your TV via cable, installation is simplified. You just need to plug the cable into the Ethernet sockets and you're done.
Wireless interface Wi-Fi,
Wi-Fi will require you to go through an installation procedure. Few TVs yet come with integrated Wi-Fi, so you may need one connected via USB port module Wi-Fi connection from your TV manufacturer. After this, you need to go through the network setup menu. In the beginning step by step installation in the TV menu and then select the previously installed home wireless network. Then enter your login password and you should be ready to go.
3. Download the management application
Now you need to download the Remote App for your Apple or Android smartphone. The application you select depends on your TV, see the table below for application names and links.
4. Pairing TV and phone
Before using your smartphone for control, you must pair it with the TV. Open the app and follow the onscreen instructions. Sometimes you will also have to go to the TV menu and enable the option there remote control.
5. Use it
Now you're ready to control your TV from Apple's Android or iOS smartphones.
Today, in order to control the TV, it is not always necessary to have a remote control at hand. Enough simple smartphone. Regular phone quite capable of coping with the task of controlling a TV device. To do this, just download a special application to your smartphone and connect it to the TV. After this, the user will have the opportunity to remotely control the TV directly from the phone.
Ways to control your TV via smartphone
There are two main ways to control your TV via your smartphone. The first method is to broadcast the image from the phone screen to the TV display. The second way is to use a special application that replaces the remote control.
In the first case, the undoubted advantage is versatility, which allows the user to look at big screen absolutely any media resources presented on the Internet. It is also possible to run applications installed on a smartphone or tablet, including games. This technology allows you to turn a regular TV into a real Smart TV. The downsides include the mandatory Wi-Fi connection and the rapid decrease in battery charge on the phone.
In the second case, the smartphone replaces a regular remote control and allows the user to control the TV device through a special application. In this case it is not always necessary Wi-Fi connection, however, the functionality of such a connection is an order of magnitude lower.
REFERENCE! The ability to connect a smartphone as a remote control can be very useful if the TV remote control is lost or damaged.
How to connect a smartphone to the TV
In order to connect your phone as a Smart TV, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. The easiest way to connect is via Wi-Fi Direct. Below is step by step instructions, how to switch two devices:
- First, you need to enable Wi-Fi Direct on your phone. To do this, you need to go to “Advanced settings” and find the appropriate item (for some models this option is located in “Wireless connection settings” or “Network settings”). Once Wi-Fi Direct is enabled, your device is ready to pair with your TV.
- The next connection step is to configure the option on the TV. To do this, you need to go to settings and enable Wi-Fi Direct. Then select a model from the list of possible connections the desired smartphone and make the switch.
- After the above steps, a message about the possibility of connection will appear on the phone. After confirmation, the setup is considered complete.
To connect your phone as a remote control, you must first download a special application (specific programs will be described below). Then connect the device to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV and make connections between the smartphone and the TV. A message about the possibility of remote control should appear on the device screen, after which the setup is considered complete. In some cases, setting remote access should be turned on on the TV yourself through the menu of the corresponding function.
Selecting an application to control your TV
In order to use your smartphone as a remote control, you must install a special application. There are several of these programs, the most popular of them are presented below.
TV Remote Control
Most universal application, which provides control of almost all modern models of TV devices. In order to connect to a TV, you need to enter its IP address in the application and select the appropriate model from the list of proposed ones. Since the application supports all models of the most popular brands such as Samsung, Sony, LG, Akai, etc., there should not be any connection problems. The program also provides such features as turning the device on/off, a numeric keypad, connection settings, audio settings and channel switching.
One of the disadvantages is the lack of a Russian-language version. However, the application has a fairly clear interface, and it will not be difficult for the user to understand the functionality of the program even without a translator.
One of the disadvantages is the inability to control TVs of other brands. Also, many users note poor optimization and large number errors that occur when using this application.
Onezap Remote
This paid application contains a database for more than two hundred different device models. The utility allows you to change the control menu by changing the size and shape of the keys, as well as the color and style. There is also an option to create additional keys to switch between devices or control them simultaneously.
ATTENTION! The only downside for users may be the download fee. On Google Play, the price for applications is 170 rubles.
Benefits of controlling your TV from your smartphone
Speaking about the advantages of such interaction between two devices, it should be said that controlling TV through a program on the phone does not require the user to have any special skills or knowledge. All utilities have an intuitive interface that even a child can handle. Also, this function of smartphones is indispensable in case of breakdown or loss of the remote control.
Samsung Smart View. TVs with Smart TV functionality have become extremely popular among users today. This is not surprising, because they have a huge amount capabilities, one of which is controlling the TV via a smartphone, as well as using files stored on a PC running on Windows based, tablet or any other portable device.
Televisions from such well-known brands as Samsung are in particular demand. This is not surprising, because the equipment of this company has proven for quite a long time that their equipment is not only of high quality, but also very convenient to use. So, for example, owners of modern TVs from Samsung with the Smart TV function can connect their phone of the same company with it and view video stored on the smartphone through the large screen, without installing a special program for this.
At the same time, if you have a smartphone from another manufacturer, you can also connect it to Samsung Smart TV. To do this, just install the Samsung Smart View application. It is also necessary that your phone runs on the Android operating system.
Having installed Samsung program Smart View on your mobile device, you will have access to the following functions:
- TV Remote – this mode allows you to use your smartphone or tablet as a remote control. When you enable this function, you will see on your screen all the buttons found on a regular remote control, making it quite easy to get to the necessary functions. If you need to enter text in any field, an on-screen keyboard will appear on the screen of your mobile device.
- Dual View – thanks to this feature, you can watch TV programs through your tablet or phone. This is especially convenient if you are busy doing something in another room, but want to see how your favorite TV series or sports program ends. In addition, using this mode, you can watch video and audio recordings stored on your PC or mobile device through your TV. However, it is worth considering that the signal will slow down for approximately 10 seconds.
- Bluetooth PowerON – With this feature, you can use your phone to turn the TV on and off, which must be connected via Bluetooth at the time. However, please note that some TVs may not have this feature. They simply won't see your smartphone.
- Game Remote - this option, built into the Samsung Smart View program, will allow you to turn your mobile device into a convenient controller, with which it will be much easier to control characters. In addition, this function can work in both simple and full mode. The latter mode supports a gyroscope, thanks to which it is enough to simply tilt and rotate the tablet or smartphone in one direction or another to control it during the game.
- Smart – thanks to this feature you can use widgets on your phone Smart Hub, which can turn out to be quite convenient and interesting.
- Sleep mode - using this program, you can put the TV into sleep mode. At the same time, the screen and sound will not work, and you can continue to watch TV shows through a tablet or other mobile device.
Samsung Smart View for Android
In order to install and configure the Samsung Smart View program on your phone or tablet, you first need to download this program via Play Store or from our website.
Once you download Samsung Smart View to your smartphone, the installation of the application will begin automatically. Once the installation is complete, you can go into the program and configure it. To do this you will need to connect to shared network Wi-Fi and search for the TV by pressing the Refresh button. If the smartphone does not find the TV, then you should make sure that they are connected to the same network and everything is working correctly. After the phone detects the Smart TV, you will need to select it in the list and connect to it.
Now you can use all the functions of this application available to you and view videos stored on your phone on the big screen. It is worth noting that you may not see all the functions and features described above. It depends on how modern the version of the program is installed on your phone, as well as on what year it was produced Samsung TV Smart TV.
In addition, when watching a video, the program may slow down and delay the broadcast of the signal by approximately 10 seconds. The same thing will happen when watching television programs from your phone. The signal will also not keep up, and the video will lag by the same 10 seconds.
Download the remote control app for Samsung TVs - Samsung Smart View on Android you can follow the link below.
Developer: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Platform: Android 4.1 and higher
Interface language: Russian (RUS)
Status: Free
Root: Not needed
The emergence of so-called “Smart” TVs with their own Wi-Fi module took their interaction with smartphones and tablets to a new level. Now, with the help of simple manipulations, you can configure the control of your TV from an iPad or iPhone, completely duplicating the functions of a standard remote control.
To be honest, this is a rather dubious innovation that won’t be particularly useful. The feature will be useful only as a temporary replacement - when the regular remote control breaks down, or if it is lost. There will always be some limitations, for example, most TVs cannot be turned on from a smartphone due to the lack of Wake-On-LAN function.
Connection requirements
Not every TV can be connected to a smartphone or tablet, but only those that have the appropriate functionality. If your “box” is older than 2010-2011, then you will have to abandon the idea. In addition, an important requirement is to have a special application on your smartphone. Below you can find a short list of compatible devices from well-known companies.
- Samsung - AllShare TVs and iOS Samsung Remote App
- LG - Smart TVs and LG TV Remote app
- Sony - Wi-Fi TVs and Media Remote app
- Panasonic – TVs with Vierra Connect and Vierra Remote app
- Philips – TVs with Net TV and Philips MyRemote app
All applications can be downloaded to your device through the official AppStore completely free of charge.
Synchronization process between smartphone and TV
Before you can set up control of your TV via your iPhone, you need to connect it (the TV) to the Internet via cable or wireless connection. Then you need to download the application that matches your TV model. Launch the application and follow the instructions. Most applications ask you to enter a code using the keyboard of your smartphone or tablet, which will be displayed on the TV screen.
Sometimes activating remote control requires additional settings in the menu of the TV itself, where you should check the box next to the corresponding item (by analogy - activate, “On”).
As you can see, it’s easy to set up controlling your TV via an iPhone or iPad. You just need to fork out for a modern TV model.