Lost your TV remote? Use your phone

A phone can replace a lost remote if the TV is already on your Wi-Fi. The catch: some TVs ask you to confirm the new device on the TV itself. Here is how to get through that.

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The honest limit: Zorvo talks to the TV over your home network. If the TV was never connected to Wi-Fi, or your Wi-Fi changed, you need to fix that first (see the last section).

Step by step

Turn the TV on with the button on the TV itself. Most TVs have a small button or joystick under the screen, on the back near an edge, or under the logo. Press it once to power on.
Check that the TV shows a picture and its home screen. A TV in standby is hard to find on the network.
Install Zorvo on your Android phone and allow nearby devices or local network access.
Open Zorvo and pick your TV from the list. Not sure which one is yours? Tap Show on TV.
If the TV shows an Allow prompt or a code, answer it using the TV's own button: on most TVs the joystick moves left, right and presses in to select. Roku does not show a prompt.
Tap Volume up in Zorvo to test. Done: you now have a remote that cannot slide under the sofa.

Which TVs ask for confirmation?

Roku: no prompt, but the Control by mobile apps setting must allow it. The default usually does.
Samsung and LG: an Allow or Accept prompt appears on the TV for about 30 seconds.
Google TV and Android TV: a short code appears on the TV and you type it into Zorvo.
Sony Bravia: depends on the model. Sony TVs with Google TV or Android TV use a code. Older models may need network control switched on in their menu.

If the TV is not on your Wi-Fi

This is the real trap: you need the remote to set up Wi-Fi, and the app needs Wi-Fi to replace the remote. Options that often help:

Plug the TV into your router with an Ethernet cable if the TV has a port. No Wi-Fi setup needed.
Create a hotspot on a second phone with the same network name and password the TV used before. Many TVs reconnect to a known network name by themselves. Then connect your Zorvo phone to the same hotspot.
Use the joystick or buttons on the TV to open network settings and type the Wi-Fi password with the on-screen keyboard. It is slow but it works on most TVs.
A spare remote from a cable box, a universal remote, or a replacement remote from the TV maker can bridge the gap.

The TV itself must confirm a new device on Samsung, LG and Google TV or Android TV. Zorvo cannot bypass that, and no honest remote app can.

Make it last

Once connected, put Zorvo's remote in the notification shade and add the Quick Settings tile. Then the controls are one swipe away, even from the lock screen.

Frequently asked questions

Can I connect to my TV without any remote at all?

Only if the TV is already on your Wi-Fi and you can power it on with its own button. Brands that ask for confirmation need you to answer on the TV, which the joystick or buttons on the TV can do.

Where is the power button on my TV?

It differs by model. Look under the screen near the center or a corner, on the back edge, or under the logo. The button is often a small joystick.

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Last reviewed: 2026-11-14

Zorvo is an independent app. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Samsung, LG, Roku, Sony, Google, Amazon, Philips, TCL, Hisense, Xiaomi, Vizio, Panasonic or any other TV maker. All product names, logos and trademarks belong to their owners and are used only to describe compatibility. Compatibility depends on the TV model, its software version and your network. Run the in-app compatibility check to see what your TV supports.