How to control your TV and use your smartphone as a remote

Does a lost or missing TV remote need a fast fix? The secret to never being irritated again by a misplaced remote control is your smartphone.

Here's how to use your phone to control all your TV and streaming devices like a TV remote.

Life Hack for Remote Control
Who wouldn't love a hack for a good life? You can need a backup remote for many reasons: the main TV one has broken; it needs some new batteries and you don't have any spare batteries on hand.

Losing it in the sofa cushions can become a constant struggle with the scale of remotes becoming smaller and smaller (we're looking at you, Apple TV remote).

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Easy Set-Up 
The great news is that you can set up your mobile to be used as an external remote control in just minutes. So if you want to watch Disney+ next time, but can't find the clicker, don't go on an epic search, just pick up your phone. Below, we will take you through the full process.

What tools to use
No matter whether it is Android or an iPhone, you can use almost any smartphone. Even a smartphone or an iPod touch can be used. If you no longer use an older phone lying around you, utilize it as a backup device.

Get the applications
In order to get the thing rolling, you will need a few applications. To download, there are three different types of software, and they are all free. You can get a simple remote TV program, streaming system applications such as Roku or Chromecast, and general streaming service applications such as those for Netflix or Hulu. If you primarily use your smart TV or a streaming device, the apps that are most helpful to you will rely on them.

Remote apps for TV
There are loads of remote TV applications for phones in the App Store or Google Play. Universal Remote TV Smart are some highly-rated applications for iPhones or iPads. This software operates over Wi-Fi, is compatible with most major TV companies, and automatically identifies your TV, making setup time virtually zero.

While only available with Samsung TVs, myTifi is another remote TV app that is well-designed. It enables you to use easy labels to monitor several TVs in your household and you can switch channels by clicking on the logos. The app also provides simple directions, so you're never far from assistance.