Many people are familiar with the situation when the TV remote suddenly stops working and you just can't get off the couch. Fortunately, modern technology allows you to turn your smartphone into a universal remote control using only your home Wi-Fi network. This method is convenient not only in emergencies but also for everyday use, especially if you've lost the original accessory or it's broken.
The basic principle is that the phone and TV connect to the same wireless network, after which the smartphone app sends special data packets to the TV's IP address. This allows for basic commands to be performed, such as changing channels, adjusting the volume, and, of course, turning off the device. It's important to understand that your TV must support this technology for this feature to work. Smart TV and have an active internet connection.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all possible ways to control your TV's power via a mobile device. We'll explore built-in operating system features, third-party apps for Android and iOS, and even touch on the nuances of using IR ports in smartphones. You'll learn which devices natively support remote control, and which require additional settings on the router or TV itself.
Using built-in Smart TV features
Most modern TVs from leading manufacturers already have built-in protocols for network control. This is the most stable and secure method, requiring no dubious software. Manufacturers are building in support for standards such as DLNA or proprietary protocols that allow mobile devices to "see" a TV on a local network.
To get started, you need to make sure both your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you're using a guest network or client isolation on your router, the devices may not be able to find each other. On your TV, you'll typically need to enable "Mobile Connection" or "Mobile Device Control" in the network settings.
⚠️ Attention: TV menu interfaces may vary depending on the firmware version and model. If you can't find the desired option in the settings, check the official website of your model manufacturer, as the location of options often changes during software updates.
After activating the feature on your TV, open the app corresponding to your device's brand on your smartphone. For example, for Samsung devices, this app is SmartThings, for LG - LG ThinQ, and for Sony - Video & TV SideViewThe app will automatically scan the network and prompt you to connect a new device. A confirmation prompt may appear on the TV screen.
Universal remote control apps for Android and iOS
If the proprietary app doesn't suit you or isn't available for your model, you can use universal solutions. The mobile app market offers a variety of options that emulate a physical remote control by transmitting commands over Wi-Fi. These apps often support thousands of TV models across a range of years.
Popular representatives of this class of programs are Universal Remote Control, Peel Smart Remote And Sure Universal RemoteThey work by selecting a TV brand and model from the database, after which the app tests various control codes until it finds a working one. After successful calibration, you gain full access to the TV's functions.
However, it's worth keeping in mind that free versions of such apps often contain ads, which can pop up at the most inopportune moments. Furthermore, some features, such as voice control or macros, may only be available in the paid version. However, the basic shutdown function is usually available for free.
Connection stability is crucial. If your router is overloaded or the signal is weak, commands may be delayed. In this case, it's best to use apps that support local IP address, bypassing the developer's cloud servers, which speeds up the response.
Setting up an IR port on a smartphone
Not all smartphones lack an infrared port. Many models from Xiaomi, Huawei, Honor, and some other brands still come with a built-in one. IR emitterThis allows you to use your phone as a fully-functional remote control even without a Wi-Fi connection, which is a huge advantage in situations where the network is congested or unavailable.
To use this feature, you don't need to connect to your TV over the Internet. Simply launch the pre-installed app (for example, Mi Remote or Huawei Remote), select the device type "TV" and brand. The phone will begin running codes, asking you if the TV responds to test signals.
| Smartphone brand | Availability of IR port | Standard application | Working without Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Often there is | Mi Remote | Yes |
| Samsung (old) | Rarely | Peel Remote | Yes |
| iPhone (all) | No | Absent | No |
| Honor | Often there is | Smart Remote | Yes |
The main advantage of IR control is its versatility. You can even turn off an old CRT TV if it's controlled by an infrared signal. However, this method has a drawback: you need to point the top of your smartphone directly at the TV's receiver, as infrared radiation doesn't penetrate obstacles.
Why has the IR port disappeared from modern flagships?
Manufacturers are abandoning IR ports in thin flagships to save internal space and improve water resistance, relying on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control.
Control via HDMI-CEC and external set-top boxes
If your TV doesn't have Smart TV or its software is unstable, a great solution is to use an external set-top box, such as Android TV Box, Apple TV or a gaming console. These devices often connect via HDMI and support the protocol HDMI-CEC, which allows you to control the power of the TV.
The method is simple: you turn off the set-top box using the app on your phone, and thanks to CEC, the TV automatically switches to standby mode. This works with almost all modern TVs that support CEC (Samsung has Anynet+, LG has SimpLink, and Sony has Bravia Sync).
To set it up, you need to enable HDMI-CEC in the TV menu and in the set-top box settings. After this, any action on the set-top box, including turning it off, will be transmitted to the TV. This is especially convenient if you use your phone as a media center.
⚠️ Attention: The HDMI-CEC feature may not work correctly with some TV models, causing devices to turn on or off unexpectedly. If you notice unusual behavior, try disabling CEC in the settings.
Using the set-top box also unlocks more advanced control features, such as voice input and smart home integration. You can create a scenario where, upon the command "I'm leaving," your phone turns off the lights, closes the curtains, and turns off the TV via the set-top box.
☑️ Check HDMI-CEC settings
Integration with Smart Home systems
For those who want to achieve maximum automation, TV control via Wi-Fi can be integrated into the overall system Smart homePlatforms like Home Assistant, Yandex.Dom or Google Home allow you to combine devices from different manufacturers into a single ecosystem.
Setting up the integration may require some technical knowledge, especially with Home Assistant, which often requires manually entering YAML configuration. You'll need to know the TV's MAC address and possibly use special access tokens. However, this will allow you to turn off the TV using your voice or on a schedule.
For example, you can set up a scenario that automatically turns off the TV when you leave the Wi-Fi range (phone geolocation) or when a certain time is reached. This is not only convenient but also helps save energy.
It's important to note that for such complex scenarios to work, the router must maintain stable local network operation. Sometimes a static IP address is required for the TV to ensure commands aren't lost when network addressing changes.
Common problems and solutions
Despite its convenience, wireless control often faces technical difficulties. The most common issue is desynchronization of devices. If the router assigns different IP addresses or switches the device to the 2.4 GHz frequency instead of 5 GHz (or vice versa), the connection may be interrupted.
The smartphone's power-saving settings may also be the cause of crashes. The operating system may "kill" the remote app's background process, considering it inactive. To avoid this, add the app to the battery exceptions list or allow it to run in the background.
If your TV stops responding to turn-off commands, try the following:
- 🔄 Restart your router and TV by unplugging the power cord from the outlet for 10 seconds.
- 📶 Make sure your phone and TV are on the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.1.x).
- 🔒 Check if your antivirus or router firewall is blocking local connections.
- 📱 Update the remote app to the latest version through the app store.
In some cases, the problem lies with the TV itself: its network module may freeze. Regularly updating the TV's firmware via a USB drive or built-in updater helps resolve software errors in the network module.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to turn off your TV by simply unplugging it from the smart plug unless the auto-start feature is enabled in the settings. This may damage the Smart TV file system or cause loss of settings.
Please remember that software interfaces and model capabilities are constantly being updated. What worked on the 2023 firmware version may be changed or removed in the 2026 update. Always consult the manufacturer's current documentation if any unusual situations arise.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to turn off the TV via Wi-Fi if it is already turned off?
No, this is not possible in normal mode. To turn on the TV (Wake-on-LAN), the TV's network card must remain active, which requires power. If the TV is completely powered off or in deep sleep without WOL support, it will not be possible to turn it on remotely.
Does this method work if the phone is connected via mobile internet (4G/5G)?
In a standard scenario, no, since the phone and TV must be on the same local network. However, if you set up remote access via the manufacturer's cloud or use systems like Home Assistant with port forwarding (which requires security precautions), control from anywhere in the world becomes possible.
Is it safe to use third-party remote control apps?
Most popular apps are safe, but they may collect data about your network and device models. It's recommended to use only trusted apps with extensive reviews and not grant them unnecessary permissions other than local network access.
Why does the app see the TV, but the power button doesn't work?
This may be related to access rights. Some TVs require on-screen confirmation when connecting a new device for the first time. It's also possible that the TV model doesn't support the shutdown command via the application programming interface (API), limiting it to media control only.
How do I find out my TV's IP address for manual setup?
The IP address can usually be found in the TV menu under Settings → Network → Network Status (or Wi-Fi). The IP address will be listed there, for example, 192.168.1.55. You'll need to enter this address into the remote app if the automatic search doesn't work.