Have you ever forgotten to turn off your TV when leaving home, or wanted to turn it off remotely without getting up from the couch? Modern Smart TVs allow you to control the power supply via your smartphone—not only is it convenient, but it also helps save energy. However, not all users know how to properly set up this feature and which apps to use.
In this article, we'll cover all possible ways to turn off your TV via Wi-Fi using your phone—from standard manufacturer apps to universal solutions for all models. You'll learn how to connect your TV to the network, what settings to check, and what to do if the feature isn't working. We'll also cover a few other tips. hidden possibilities, which are not written about in official instructions.
Important: Control methods depend on your TV model and firmware version. If your TV was manufactured before 2015, it likely doesn't support remote shutdown via Wi-Fi. In this case, you'll need additional equipment (e.g., IR blaster or smart socket).
1. Which TVs support turning off via phone via Wi-Fi?
Not every Smart TV can be turned off remotely. This feature depends on operating system, model, and year of manufacture of the device. Here are the main criteria:
- 📺 Samsung Tizen (2016+) — all models with Tizen 2.4 OS and later (Q, U, LS, The Frame series). Support the app SmartThings.
- 📺 LG webOS (2014+) — TVs with webOS 2.0 and higher (OLED, NanoCell, QNED series). Controlled via LG ThinQ.
- 📺 Sony Android TV / Google TV (2015+) — models with Android 5.0+ (Bravia X80/X90/A8/A9 series). Video & TV SideView.
- 📺 Xiaomi Mi TV / Redmi (2018+) — all smart TVs of the brand with MIUI TV. Controlled via Mi Home.
- 📺 Philips Android TV (2017+) — models with Android 7.0+ (The One series, OLED+). Supported Philips TV Remote.
If your TV is older than the specified years or belongs to the budget series (for example, Samsung Series 4 or LG UK6300), most likely it does not support remote shutdown via Wi-Fi. In this case, you can use workarounds — we’ll talk about this in the last section.
⚠️ Note: Manufacturers periodically update the list of supported models in their apps. If your TV doesn't appear in the list of devices, check Settings → About device → Software update and install the latest firmware version.
2. Preparing the TV: connecting to Wi-Fi and setting up the network
Before turning off the TV via your phone, you need to make sure that both devices are in one local networkHere are the step-by-step instructions:
- Connect your TV to Wi-Fi:
- 📶 Press on the remote control
Menu → Network → Network Setup(the path may differ depending on the model). - 📶 Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. To Samsung path:
Settings → General → Network → Open network settings → Wireless. - 📶 If your TV supports
5 GHz, select this frequency - it is more stable for control.
- 📶 Press on the remote control
- Check your TV's IP address:
- 🔍 Go to
Settings → Network → Network Status(orNetwork information). - 🔍 Write down the IP address (e.g.
192.168.1.105) - it will be needed for some methods.
- 🔍 Go to
- 🔧 On Samsung:
Settings → General → External devices → Remote device management→ turn on. - 🔧 On LG:
Settings → All settings → General → LG ThinQ → Remote control→ activate. - 🔧 On Android TV:
Settings → Network & Sharing → Remote Management→ allow.
If your TV won't connect to Wi-Fi, check:
- 🔄 Reboot your router (unplug it for 30 seconds).
- 📶 Make sure the network is working in mode
802.11n/ac(old TVs do not support802.11ax). - 🔒 Disable the function in your router
Isolation of clients(it blocks interaction between devices on the network).
TV and phone on the same Wi-Fi network|
TV IP address recorded|
Remote control is enabled in TV settings|
The TV firmware has been updated to the latest version-->
3. Method 1: Official apps from manufacturers
The most reliable method is to use the TV manufacturer's proprietary app. Let's look at the most popular ones:
| Brand | Application | Download link | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | SmartThings | App Store / Google Play | Control all Samsung devices, Bixby voice assistant, automation |
| LG | LG ThinQ | App Store / Google Play | Supports Magic Remote, content management, and energy saving. |
| Sony | Video & TV SideView | App Store / Google Play | YouTube integration, voice search, Chromecast support |
| Xiaomi | Mi Home | App Store / Google Play | Manage all Xiaomi devices with automation scenarios |
| Philips | Philips TV Remote | Google Play only | Simple remote control, Ambilight support, quick buttons |
Let's look at the process using an example Samsung SmartThings:
- Download and install the application on your phone.
- Register or sign in to your Samsung account.
- Click
Add device (+)→ selectTV. - The app will automatically find your TV on the network. If not, enter the IP address manually.
- Once connected, a control panel with a button will appear on the main screen.
Nutrition.
For LG ThinQ The process is similar, but after adding the TV you need to go to the section Devices → select your TV → click on the power icon.
⚠️ Note: In some applications (e.g. Sony Video & TV SideView) the power button may be hidden behind a long press onHomeor in the menuAdditionallyIf you can't find it, check your app settings.
4. Method 2: Universal Remote Control Apps
If you have a TV from a lesser-known brand or don't want to install multiple apps, you can use universal remote controlsThey work according to protocol. IR (infrared port) or Wi-Fi, depending on the TV model.
Most popular universal apps:
- 🎛️ AnyMote Universal Remote — supports over 900,000 devices, including older TVs. Works via an IR blaster (requires an infrared port on your phone) or Wi-Fi for Smart TVs.
- 🎛️ Unified Remote — a universal remote control with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. Includes a power management plugin.
- 🎛️ Yatse: Remote for Android — an advanced application with scripting support. Suitable for Android TV And Kodi.
- 🎛️ Remote for Samsung TV — a specialized solution for Samsung TVs (including models without SmartThings).
Instructions for AnyMote:
- Download the application and provide access to the local network.
- Select
Add a device→TV→ specify the brand. - If your TV supports Wi-Fi, the app will offer to connect via the network. To connect via IR, point your phone at the TV.
- Once connected, use the virtual remote control - the power button is usually located in the upper left corner.
The advantage of universal apps is that they support older models. However, they can not work stably with Wi-Fi shutdown, since not all manufacturers open the API for third-party developers.
Why might universal apps not turn off the TV?
Many manufacturers (such as Samsung and LG) block access to the power off function via third-party APIs for security reasons. In this case, the app will be able to control volume and channels, but not power. The solution is to use official software or workarounds (see Section 6).
5. Method 3: Voice assistants (Alice, Google Assistant, Siri)
If your TV is integrated with smart home, it can be turned off with a voice command. This works through:
- 🗣️ Yandex Alice - supports Samsung SmartThings, LG ThinQ, Xiaomi Mi Home.
- 🗣️ Google Assistant — works with Android TV, Sony Bravia, Philips.
- 🗣️ Siri (Apple HomeKit) - limited support (only HomeKit-certified TVs, e.g. LG OLED 2021+).
Setting up via Yandex Alice:
- Open the app Yandex with Alice.
- Go to
Devices→Add a device. - Select
TVand follow the instructions (you will need to link your SmartThings/LG ThinQ account). - After adding, say:
Alice, turn off the TV in the living room..
For Google Assistant:
- Install Google Home on the phone.
- Add TV via
Add → Configure device. - After synchronization, use the command:
Okay, Google, turn off the TV..
⚠️ Note: Voice assistants can only turn off the TV if it is in standby mode (standby). If the TV is completely disconnected from the power supply, the voice command will not work—you will need to physically press a button on the remote or the TV.
6. Method 4: Workarounds for Old TVs
If your TV does not support remote power off via Wi-Fi, you can use alternative methods:
- 🔌 Smart socket - connect the TV via a Wi-Fi controlled outlet (for example, Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug or TP-Link Tapo). You can turn it off using the outlet app or by voice.
- 📶 IR blaster - a device that simulates remote control signals (for example, BroadLink RM4 Pro or Xiaomi Mi IR Remote). Controlled via an app on your phone.
- 🖥️ HDMI-CEC - if the TV is connected to a set-top box (for example, Apple TV or NVIDIA Shield), you can turn it off via the console command.
- 🔄 Automation via IFTTT — the service allows you to create a rule of the type
If I leave the house, turn off the TV.(requires SmartThings or Google Home support).
A critical detail: When using a smart plug, the TV will be completely powered down, not put into standby mode. This may reset some settings (such as sleep timers or scheduled recordings).
Instructions for BroadLink RM4 Pro IR Blaster:
- Connect the blaster to the network and add it to the app BroadLink.
- Point the original remote at the blaster and record the shutdown command.
- Save the command and assign it to a virtual button in the application.
- Now you can turn off your TV using your phone, even if it is not a Smart TV.
7. Possible problems and their solutions
If the TV does not turn off via phone, check the following:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The TV is not online. | Wi-Fi is disabled or the password is incorrect. | Check your connection in Settings → Network |
| The app doesn't detect the TV. | Remote control is disabled | Enable it in TV settings (see section 2) |
| The power button is inactive | The TV firmware is outdated | Update software via Settings → Support → Software Update |
| The TV turns off but turns on again | Timer or function is enabled Quick start |
Turn off in Settings → General → Timers |
| The application returns a connection error. | Blocking by router firewall | Turn it off Isolation of clients in the router settings |
If nothing helps, try:
- 🔄 Restart your TV (unplug it for 1 minute).
- 📱 Reinstall the app on your phone.
- 🔧 Reset the network settings on your TV (
Settings → Network → Reset network settings).
8. Security: How to protect your TV from unauthorized switching off
Remote control is convenient, but it also poses potential risks. Here's how to protect your TV:
- 🔒 Use a strong Wi-Fi password - This will prevent third-party devices from connecting to your network.
- 🔒 Disable remote control when away from home — You can temporarily deactivate the function in your TV settings.
- 🔒 Set up two-factor authentication in SmartThings/LG ThinQ accounts.
- 🔒 Update your TV firmware — Manufacturers regularly patch vulnerabilities.
If you are using a smart plug or IR blaster, make sure that:
- The control application is protected by a PIN code.
- The device is connected to guest network router (if supported).
- Feature disabled
Remote accessin the socket/blaster settings.
On some TVs (eg. Samsung QLED 2020+) there is a function Control lock, which allows you to prevent shutdown via apps. Find it in Settings → General → Control Lock.
⚠️ Warning: If you sell or give away your TV to another person, be sure to reset it to factory settings (Settings → Support → Self-diagnosis → Reset). This will delete all linked accounts and prevent the previous owner from remotely controlling them.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to turn off a TV using a phone if it is not a Smart TV?
Yes, but this will require additional equipment:
- 🔌 Smart socket (will completely cut off power to the TV).
- 📶 IR blaster (simulates remote control signals).
- 🖥️ Set-top box with HDMI-CEC (for example, Apple TV or Android TV Box).
Without these devices, it is impossible to turn off a non-smart TV remotely.
Why does the TV turn on by itself after turning it off via phone?
This happens due to one of the reasons:
- 🕒 Enabled sleep/wake timer (check in
Settings → Timers). - 🔄 Function
Quick startorEco modeAutomatically turns on TV for updates. - 📡 Signal from a remote control or another device (for example, a game console via HDMI-CEC).
Solution: Disable all timers and the function Quick start in the settings.
How to turn off the TV using your phone if it freezes?
If the TV does not respond to commands:
- Try it forced reboot via the app (in SmartThings or LG ThinQ there is an option
Reboot). - If that doesn't help, unplug the TV from the power outlet for 30 seconds (or use a smart plug).
- For Android TV You can use the ADB command (root required):
adb shell reboot -p
If freezing occurs repeatedly, check the firmware or contact a service center.
Can I turn off the TV using my phone if I'm not at home?
Yes, but for this you need:
- 🌍 Connect your TV to cloud account (SmartThings, LG ThinQ, Google Home).
- 📶 Make sure that the router is not blocking external connections (port
8080or443must be open). - 🔒 Enable remote access in the app settings.
Please note: Remote shutdown from another network may not work reliably due to delays.
Which TVs can be turned off using an iPhone?
All modern Smart TVs with Wi-Fi support:
- 📱 Samsung - through SmartThings (App Store).
- 📱 LG - through LG ThinQ (App Store).
- 📱 Sony - through Video & TV SideView (App Store).
- 📱 Android TV - through Google Home (App Store).
There are also universal apps available for iPhone, such as AnyMote or Unified Remote.