An old phone can work as a universal remote in two ways: through a supported home-network remote, or through its own infrared emitter.
Use the network path for compatible TVs, streaming devices, and smart-home devices supported by their own app or service.
Use infrared only when the phone maker lists an IR emitter in the phone specifications.
Choose the control method before installing anything
“Universal” does not mean that one app can command every device in the room.
A network remote controls a compatible TV, streaming device, or smart-home device through the app or service that supports that product.
Infrared sends a pattern from the phone to an appliance that accepts an infrared remote signal.
Android’s ConsumerIrManager reference says the feature can check for an IR emitter and transmit an infrared pattern.
It can also report supported carrier-frequency ranges.
Check the phone maker’s specification or support page before planning an infrared setup.
Prepare the old phone for one job
Charge the phone, connect it to your usual home Wi-Fi, and install only the control apps you need.
Set the phone name to a room-specific name, such as “Kitchen Remote.” That name identifies the spare phone when a setup screen lists devices.
For Android TV, Google’s process puts the pairing code on the TV screen; enter that code in the Google TV app on the phone.
Keep the screen lock and the account used by the chosen control app available during setup.
Put the phone near the room where it will be used, and route the cable so it does not pull on the handset.
If the phone or its battery is damaged, take it out of the remote role and arrange service before using it again.
Keep its charging cable and power adapter accessible so you can disconnect them promptly.
Apple says an iPhone battery should be repaired only by a trained technician to avoid damage that could cause overheating, fire, or injury.
Apple’s battery guidance describes professional repair options.
Make the remote screen simple
Place the remote app on the first home-screen page. Remove games, social apps, and old accounts that would distract from the remote’s single job.
Set a screen timeout that gives you enough time to use the controls.
Then test the screen wake, unlock method, and app launch from the place where the phone will stay.
Leave the original remote in a nearby drawer.
It remains useful for an initial network setup, a firmware prompt, or an input change that the phone app does not expose.
Set up a network remote for a TV or streaming device
Use the control method supplied for the device you own.
For Android TV, Google says to open the Google TV app, select the TV, enter the code shown on the television, and pair.
The phone and Android TV need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Google’s setup guide gives that pairing sequence and network requirement.
For an Apple TV HD, Apple TV 4K, or an AirPlay-compatible smart TV, the iPhone or iPad remote is available from Control Center.
Apple says an AirPlay-compatible television must first be added to the Home app and assigned to a room.
Apple also directs you to use the same Wi-Fi network if setup does not work.
Apple’s support page lists the supported devices and setup steps.
Samsung’s instructions say to add the TV or projector to SmartThings before opening its on-screen remote.
The available controls vary by device.
Samsung documents the device-addition requirement and its remote controls.
Connect compatible smart-home devices carefully
An old phone can be the room controller for third-party smart-home devices that you have connected to Google Home.
Google says that a third-party device that is not Matter-enabled must be set up in the manufacturer’s app before it is added to Google Home.
After that connection, use Google Home on the old phone to control that connected device.
Google’s device-connection guide describes the QR-code, setup-code, and linked-service connection routes.
Use a room name in the device entry, such as “Bedroom speaker,” so the old phone’s device list identifies the intended device by room.
Keep account credentials private and remove the old phone from a service if you later give the phone away.
Use infrared only when the phone supports it
First, open the phone maker’s specification or support page and confirm that the model includes an IR emitter.
Then follow the chosen remote app’s documentation to add the appliance.
Stand where the original remote works and point the phone toward the appliance.
Test a basic command, such as power or volume, before relying on additional controls.
The Android reference says Consumer IR requires the device to report the Consumer IR feature.
It can check for an emitter, transmit an infrared pattern, and expose supported carrier-frequency ranges.
Android’s ConsumerIrManager reference defines those Android capabilities.
If the test fails, check the phone maker’s specifications or support page for that exact model, then check the chosen remote app’s documentation.
Do not rely on the phone’s appearance to identify an IR emitter. Confirm the hardware in the maker’s specifications instead.
Test the setup before the original remote disappears
Keep the original remote nearby until the old phone can handle the tasks you need.
Check navigation, volume, input switching, and the controls you use most.
A phone remote may expose fewer controls than the original. Samsung explicitly notes that its on-screen remote options vary by device.
For Android TV pairing problems, Google directs you to verify that the phone and TV use the same Wi-Fi network.
Restart the TV, and try setup again.
For Apple TV Remote setup, Apple directs you to check that the iPhone or iPad and the Apple TV use the same Wi-Fi network.
The same check applies to an AirPlay-compatible smart TV.
If you want to give another spare device a focused role, see our guide to using an old phone as a digital photo frame.
There is also a guide to an old-phone smart-home control panel.
FAQ
Can an old phone be a TV remote without a SIM card?
For the Wi-Fi routes documented by Google and Apple, the pairing steps use the phone, the supported TV device, and the shared Wi-Fi network.
They do not ask for a SIM card.
Use the Android TV or Apple TV Remote steps above for the device you have.
Google and Apple give the platform-specific setup.
Why does my old phone remote app not find my TV?
For Android TV, verify the shared Wi-Fi network, restart the TV, and repeat Google’s pairing flow. Google lists that sequence.
Can an iPhone control an ordinary infrared appliance?
For iPhone TV control, Apple documents the network-based Apple TV Remote in Control Center for Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K.
It also supports AirPlay-compatible smart TVs.
For an ordinary infrared appliance, check the exact iPhone model’s specifications and the appliance maker’s supported-control documentation.
Do not use Android Consumer IR documentation to identify iPhone hardware.
Apple’s Apple TV Remote guide covers the supported iPhone network route.
Last updated: 2026-09