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Most Android TV devices come with a voice-enabled remote to easily search for content using the Google Assistant. However, there are many times when you might not want to use a remote, and you would find it more convenient to control your Android TV with your smartphone instead. For instance, typing on an Android TV is easier using a phone than a remote control. If the remote control stops functioning properly, a phone can also help you navigate and use your Android TV. Here’s how to control your Android TV using your smartphone.
Read more: Everything you need to know about Android TV
The Android TV Remote Control app is the easiest way of controlling your Android TV device using a smartphone. The app is available for both iOS and Android phones. It is free and works with Android-powered televisions, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, and other devices.
Make sure that your phone and Android TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the Android TV Remote Control, and your TV’s name should appear if they are on the same Wi-Fi network. Tap the name and wait for a PIN to appear on the TV screen. Enter the PIN on your phone and tap Pair.
You will see a D-pad interface once you have successfully connected your phone to the Android TV device using the Android TV Remote Control app. You can use the up/down/left/right arrows to navigate your Android TV screen. You also have an option to use a Touchpad instead of a D-pad. To do this, select the Touchpad controls from the hamburger menu on the top left corner of your screen.
The bottom of the app screen houses a back button, a home button, and a play/pause button. If you want to type on your Android TV device using your phone, tap the keyboard icon on the top right corner of the screen.
If the above-mentioned app pairing method does not work, you can try troubleshooting the problem using the following methods.
Both the Android TV and phone should be on the same Wi-Fi network for you to use your phone as a remote control. Press the Home button on your Android TV remote and go to Settings (the gear icon) at the top right corner. Go to Network and accessories–>Network–>Advanced–>Network status. Find the Wi-Fi network name and make sure it’s the same as the network on your phone.
You can also pair the Android TV Remote Control app with your Android TV device using Bluetooth. Enable Bluetooth on your phone, open the Android TV Remote Control app, and tap the name of your Android TV. You might see a Bluetooth pairing request on the TV. Select Pair. If it doesn’t pop up on the TV, look for the Bluetooth notification on your phone. Tap Pair.
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