Your Android phone can replace a lost or broken TV remote in a few minutes. This guide sets up TVGO, a free remote app on Google Play that works with Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense and 50+ other TV brands over your home Wi-Fi. It covers the Android-specific parts of setup, such as installing from Google Play and allowing network access, the five pairing steps, and what to do if your TV is a Samsung or LG and the original remote is gone. If you use an iPhone instead, follow our iPhone setup guide; if your TV itself runs Android TV or Google TV, our Android TV guide covers the extra features on those TVs. For streaming and cable boxes, see the general guide to using your phone as a TV remote.
Before You Start: Phone, TV and Network
You need three things: an Android phone, a smart TV or streaming box, and both of them on the same home Wi-Fi network. TVGO works on most Android phones and connects over Wi-Fi rather than infrared, so your phone does not need an IR blaster.
Check the network carefully, because it is where most setups go wrong. The phone and TV must be on the same network name, and on routers that broadcast separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, the same band too. Turn off any VPN on the phone while you set up, since a VPN makes the phone look like it is on a different network. Finally, switch the TV fully on rather than leaving it in standby, so it can be found.
Set Up TVGO on Android in 5 Steps
- Install TVGO. Get it free from Google Play, then open it.
- Turn on the TV and connect it to Wi-Fi. Use the same network, and band, as your phone.
- Allow network access. When TVGO asks for permission to find devices on your local network, allow it. Without it, the app cannot see your TV.
- Let TVGO scan. The app lists every compatible TV and streaming box it finds. Tap the one you want to control.
- Confirm on the TV. Either type the code shown on the TV into the app, or accept the approval prompt on the TV screen, depending on the brand.
Once paired, your Android phone is the remote, and TVGO reconnects automatically next time.