Guide · updated 19 October 2026
Best TV remote app for iPhone in 2026: which one fits your TV?
Short answer: if you own one TV brand, try that brand’s free app first. If you have several brands at home, or you want no account and no subscription, pick a universal Wi‑Fi remote. If your TV only has infrared, no iPhone app can control it.
Disclosure: we make Remutto, one of the apps below. That’s why we also say when another app is the better pick. Prices and labels come from the US App Store pages, checked on 19 Oct 2026.
Step 1
Wi‑Fi or infrared?
iPhones have no infrared blaster, so remote apps talk to the TV over your Wi‑Fi network. That only works with smart TVs and streaming players that offer network control, such as Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, Roku, Google TV and many Philips and Sony models. An older TV without network features can’t be controlled by an iPhone app.
Step 2
Official brand apps: the free alternative
| TV | Official app (free) | Worth knowing | Remutto |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung (Tizen) | SmartThings (Samsung) | Smart-home app that also controls Samsung TVs. Data is managed through a Samsung account. | Yes |
| LG (webOS) | LG ThinQ | The App Store description focuses on home appliances. Check in the app whether your TV is listed. | Yes |
| Roku | Roku Remote (Official) | Full remote with keyboard. Some features may require a Roku account. | Yes |
| Google TV / Android TV | Google TV | Built-in remote and keyboard for Google TV and Android TV devices. | Google TV: yes |
| Philips, Sony Bravia, Panasonic, Vizio | Varies by model | If the TV runs Google TV, the Google TV app works too. | Compatible models: yes |
| Apple TV HD / 4K | Built into iOS (Control Center) | You usually don’t need an extra app for Apple TV. | Yes |
Only own a Roku or only a Google TV? The free official app is often all you need.
Step 3
Universal remote apps compared
Universal apps control several brands from one app. The biggest differences are the pricing model and ads and tracking.
| App | Pricing (US App Store) | Ads | App Store privacy label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal TV Remote · (Kraftwerk 9) | Weekly $2.99 or $5.99 · monthly $6.99 · yearly $34.99 · lifetime $14.99 | Yes | Data Used to Track You |
| TV Remote - Universal Control (EVOLLY.APP) | Weekly $4.99 or $6.99 · monthly $8.99 · yearly $19.99 or $39.99 · lifetime $44.99 | Yes | Data Used to Track You |
| TV Remote - Universal (Zap Software Studio) | Weekly $4.99 · yearly $19.99 | Yes | Data Used to Track You |
| Remutto TV Remote | Free trial, then Lifetime $14.99, once | No | Data Not Linked to You |
Prices and labels as shown on the App Store pages on 19 Oct 2026. They can change; check the App Store before you buy.
Checklist
Five questions before you choose
- Is your TV supported? Look at the TV’s platform (Tizen, webOS, Roku, Google TV), not just the brand.
- Subscription or one-time? A few dollars a week adds up to far more than a one-time purchase within a year.
- Ads and tracking? The privacy label is at the bottom of every App Store page.
- Account required? Some official apps need a brand account for some features.
- Keyboard? Typing on your phone saves a lot of time when searching streaming apps.
About Remutto
Who Remutto is for
Remutto is a Wi‑Fi TV remote for iPhone with no account. It covers power (where the TV supports it), volume, mute, navigation, OK, Back and Home. Lifetime Pro adds typing, a touchpad, app shortcuts, channels, input selection and multiple saved TVs. After your first successful TV connection you get a 3-day free trial with no automatic charge, then Lifetime $14.99 as one purchase.
Remutto is not the right pick for infrared-only TVs, Apple TV generations 1–3, or a Chromecast without Google TV.
FAQ
Questions
Can I control my TV with my iPhone without an app?
Only an Apple TV, through Control Center. Other TVs need an app.
Does a TV remote app work without Wi‑Fi?
Not on iPhone. Your phone and TV need to be on the same network.
Why can’t the app find my TV?
Usually the phone and TV are on different networks (for example a guest network), or network control is turned off on the TV.