Use your phone as the remote: connect it to the same Wi-Fi as the TV and pair a remote app (the brand’s official app or a universal one). For a TV without Wi-Fi, use the physical buttons, HDMI-CEC from a console or streaming stick, or a phone with an infrared blaster.
Every household has had this moment: the movie is about to start and the remote is nowhere. Before you take the couch apart, know that you can control your TV in under a minute without it. Here are seven ways, from fastest to most permanent.
1. Turn your phone into the remote
If your TV is a smart TV connected to Wi-Fi, your phone is the fastest replacement. Connect the phone to the same Wi-Fi network and open a remote app:
| TV platform | Official app | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (Tizen) | SmartThings | Requires a Samsung account; accept “Allow” on the TV |
| LG (webOS) | LG ThinQ | Requires an LG account; confirm the request on the TV |
| Roku and Roku TV | The Roku app | “Control by mobile apps” must be enabled |
| Google TV / Android TV | Google TV app (or Google Home) | Type the code shown on the TV |
| Fire TV | Amazon Fire TV app | Type the code shown on the TV |
If you have more than one brand at home, a universal app saves you from installing four apps. RemotApp scans your Wi-Fi, lists every Samsung, LG, Roku and Google TV it finds and walks you through pairing. Basic controls are free and you don’t need an account.
2. Use the buttons on the TV
Most TVs have a power button or a small joystick under the bottom edge or on the back. A long press often opens a mini menu with volume, channel and input. It is clumsy for browsing apps, but it gets the TV on. See where the button is on each brand.
3. Control the TV from your streaming stick or console
With HDMI-CEC enabled, the remote of your Roku, Fire TV Stick, Chromecast or Apple TV can turn the TV on and off and change its volume. A PlayStation, Xbox or Switch can wake the TV and switch inputs. If you still have one of those remotes, you may not need the TV remote at all.
4. Plug in a USB keyboard or mouse
Many smart TVs accept a USB keyboard or mouse. Google TV and Android TV handle keyboards well, LG webOS supports a mouse pointer, and many Samsung models support both. It is a great stopgap for typing passwords and navigating menus. Roku TVs generally don’t support USB keyboards.
5. Use a phone with an infrared blaster
If your phone has an IR emitter (common on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones), it can act exactly like the original remote, even with TVs that have no Wi-Fi. More in our guide to phones with an IR blaster.
6. Look in the right places
Remotes end up in the same few spots: between and under couch cushions, inside the recliner mechanism, in the fridge or pantry, in kids’ toy boxes, in the laundry pile and under the TV stand. Some newer remotes can even make a sound: the Roku Voice Remote Pro has a built-in lost remote finder.
7. Replace it the right way
- Official replacement: find the TV’s model number (sticker on the back, or in Settings › Support or About) and search for the matching remote. Best if you use voice search or brand-specific buttons.
- Universal remote: cheaper and covers several devices. Pick one that lists your TV brand.
- Keep using the phone: many people realize they don’t need a new remote at all. We compare the options in universal remote vs phone app.
Prevent the next disappearance
- Pair a phone app now, while everything works. If the remote vanishes later, you are already set up.
- Enable your TV’s network standby option so the phone can also turn the TV on.
- Give the remote a fixed home: a tray on the coffee table works better than willpower.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to control a TV without the remote?
A remote app on your phone. If the TV is a smart TV on your Wi-Fi, pairing takes under a minute and gives you power, volume, navigation and often a keyboard.
Can I use my phone as a remote for an old TV?
Only if your phone has an infrared blaster (common on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones). Old TVs without Wi-Fi can’t receive commands over the network.
How do I find the right replacement remote?
Look for the model number on the back of the TV or in its settings (usually Settings › Support or About). Search for “[model number] remote”. A universal remote also works if it lists your brand.
Will a universal remote work with my smart TV?
For basic functions, yes. Most universal remotes are infrared and cover power, volume, channels and navigation. Smart features like voice search usually need the original remote or a phone app.
The team behind RemotApp, a universal TV remote app for iPhone and Android. We test every fix on real Samsung, LG, Roku and Google TV sets before publishing. About us
