How to Use Your Phone as an LG TV Remote: Complete Guide (2026)

Can You Use Your Phone as an LG TV Remote? (Quick Answer)

Yes, you can use your phone as an LG TV remote - and it's easier than you'd expect. The free LG ThinQ app works on both Android and iPhone, connecting to your TV over WiFi for full remote control. It replaced the older LG TV Plus app, and every remote feature is included at no cost.

That said, ThinQ isn't your only option. Depending on your TV model, WiFi situation, and personal preference, you've got five distinct methods to choose from. I tested each one over the past several months, and the differences matter more than you'd think.

Before you pick a method, here's what you'll need at minimum: an LG Smart TV running webOS (2014 or newer models), a smartphone (Android 7.0+ or iOS 11.0+), and - for most app-based methods - both devices connected to the same WiFi network. If you're unsure whether your LG is a smart TV, check the back panel for a model number starting with letters like UB, UF, UH, or any of LG's newer designations.

Here's a quick look at what each method involves:

You'll also want your TV's WiFi connection active before starting. If you need help with that, here's how to connect your LG TV to WiFi. For Bluetooth-related features like connecting audio devices, check out how to connect Bluetooth headphones to your LG TV.

This guide walks through every method step by step - setup for both Android and iPhone, the best third-party apps compared honestly, without-WiFi alternatives, a full troubleshooting section for the most common connection headaches, and a compatibility reference so you know exactly what your TV supports.

How Phone Remote Control Methods Work for LG Smart TVs

Understanding how each method actually communicates with your TV helps you pick the right one - and troubleshoot faster when something goes wrong. There's more going on under the hood than just "app talks to TV."

WiFi-Based Control (ThinQ and Third-Party Apps)

This is how most people will control their LG TV with a phone. Both your phone and your TV connect to the same local WiFi network. The app discovers the TV on that network, you pair them with a PIN code displayed on the TV screen, and from that point, commands travel over WiFi.

Here's the detail most guides skip: LG's ThinQ app requires a 2.4GHz WiFi connection for initial device discovery. According to LG's official support documentation, you should connect to a WiFi network that doesn't include "5G" or "5GHz" in its name. If your router broadcasts a single combined network, the app may struggle to detect your TV - this one detail causes the majority of failed connections I've seen.

Once paired, commands are nearly instantaneous. Volume changes, channel switches, and app launches all happen within a fraction of a second on a solid WiFi connection. If your LG TV keeps disconnecting from WiFi, that's going to impact the remote app's reliability too.

Bluetooth Power-On Capability

WiFi-based apps have one obvious limitation: your TV needs to be on and connected to WiFi to receive commands. But LG TVs with webOS 3.5 and later (2016 models onward) support a neat workaround - power-on via Bluetooth from Android phones through ThinQ.

To enable it, navigate to All Settings → Devices → External Devices → TV On With Mobile, then toggle on both the WiFi and Bluetooth options. Android phones can wake the TV using either method. iPhones, however, are limited to WiFi-only power-on - no Bluetooth wake capability. That's an iOS restriction, not an LG limitation.

If you're curious whether your LG TV has Bluetooth at all, nearly every webOS model since 2016 includes it.

IR Blaster Method (No WiFi Required)

Infrared remote control is the original - your phone emits an invisible IR signal directly to the TV's IR sensor, just like a traditional physical remote. No network, no pairing process, no account creation. Point and press.

The catch? Most modern flagship phones (Samsung Galaxy, iPhones, Google Pixel) dropped IR blasters years ago. In 2026, you'll find them primarily in Xiaomi phones (Redmi Note 15 Pro+, Redmi Note 14), OnePlus models (OnePlus 13R, OnePlus 15), and select phones from OPPO, iQOO, and Vivo. These work with all LG TVs - Smart or not - going back decades.

If your phone doesn't have a built-in IR blaster, external USB-C IR dongles are widely available on Amazon for $8–$25 and work with most Android phones.

Voice Assistant Method

For hands-free control, you can link your LG ThinQ account with Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Once connected, voice commands like "Hey Google, turn on the living room TV" or "Alexa, set volume to 15 on the LG TV" work through your smart speaker.

Setup requires linking your ThinQ account within the Google Home or Alexa app. It's a one-time process. For a walkthrough, see our guides on how to connect your LG TV to Alexa and how to connect your LG TV to Google Home.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Here's a comparison to help you decide:

How to Set Up the LG ThinQ App on Your Phone (Step-by-Step)

The ThinQ app is the fastest path from "I don't have a remote" to "I'm controlling everything from my phone." I've set it up on multiple devices - a Pixel 8, a Samsung Galaxy S24, an iPhone 15, and an iPad Air - and the process is consistent across all of them. Here's what you need to know before you start, plus platform-specific instructions.

Pre-Setup Checklist

Before downloading anything, verify these four things. Skipping any one of them is the most common reason the app fails to find your TV:

1. Confirm your LG TV runs webOS. Any LG Smart TV from 2014 onward qualifies. If you need help, here's how to turn on WiFi on your LG TV.

2. Check your WiFi network name on both devices. They must be on the same 2.4GHz network. If your router shows separate "YourNetwork" and "YourNetwork-5G" options, connect both to the one without "5G" in the name.

3. Disable any VPN on your phone. VPNs route traffic outside your local network, making device discovery impossible.

4. Make sure your TV is powered on and connected to WiFi. The TV can't be in standby - it needs to be actively on.

Important: Both your phone and LG TV must be connected to the same 2.4GHz WiFi network. This is the #1 cause of connection failures.

ThinQ Setup for Android Phones

If you want to use your Android phone as an LG TV remote, here's the step-by-step process:

1. Download LG ThinQ from the Google Play Store. It's free, around 120MB.

2. Open the app and sign in with an existing LG account, or create a new one. You can also sign in with Google for a faster setup. The account is free.

3. Grant location permission when the app requests it. This isn't GPS tracking - ThinQ uses location access for WiFi network scanning and local device discovery. Select "While using the app" or "Only this time."

4. Tap the "+" icon in the top-right corner of the Home tab, then select Add Product.

5. Select "TV" from the device list.

6. ThinQ will scan your network. Your TV should appear within 5–10 seconds if both devices are on the same 2.4GHz band.

7. Tap your TV's name, then look at your TV screen - an 8-digit PIN code will appear.

8. Enter the PIN in the app and confirm.

The remote interface loads immediately. Test it by adjusting the volume or switching an input. If you need more detailed instructions on pairing, see how to add your TV to LG ThinQ.

ThinQ Setup for iPhone and iPad

The iPhone process is nearly identical, with one extra permissions step that trips people up:

1. Download LG ThinQ from the Apple App Store. The app supports iOS 11.0 and higher.

2. Open the app and create or sign in to your LG account.

3. Grant location permission - choose "While Using the App."

4. Grant Local Network permission when prompted. This is critical on iPhone. If you accidentally deny it, go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network and toggle on LG ThinQ. Without this, the app literally cannot see devices on your network.

5. Tap "+" then select "TV."

6. Select your TV from the detected devices.

7. Enter the PIN shown on your TV screen.

8. You're connected - test volume and navigation to confirm.

One important iOS limitation: iPhones cannot power on the TV via Bluetooth. You can only use WiFi-based power-on, which requires enabling "TV On With Mobile" in the TV's settings. Android doesn't have this restriction.

Key ThinQ App Features for TV Remote Control

Once connected, ThinQ goes well beyond basic channel and volume control. Here's what you actually get:

Full remote replication - Power, volume, channel up/down, number pad, input selection, and navigation arrows. Everything your physical remote does, the app mirrors.

Magic Remote touchpad - Swipe your finger across your phone screen to move the cursor on the TV, exactly like LG's Magic Remote pointer. This makes navigating webOS menus and web browsers dramatically easier than arrow keys.

Built-in keyboard - Searching for a show on Netflix? Type it on your phone's keyboard instead of pecking letter-by-letter with a remote. This alone justifies using the app.

App launcher - See every app installed on your LG TV and launch any of them with a single tap. If you want to add more, here's how to download apps on your LG TV.

Screen mirroring and casting - Share photos, videos, and music from your phone to the TV screen directly through ThinQ. For more on this, check out how to screen mirror on your LG TV or how to screen share on your LG TV.

Voice control - Use the built-in microphone button in the app to send voice commands to your TV, similar to pressing the mic button on the Magic Remote.

Best Third-Party LG TV Remote Apps Compared (Free & Paid)

The LG ThinQ app is excellent - but it's not perfect for everyone. Maybe you control TVs from multiple brands and want a single app. Maybe you don't want to create an LG account. Or maybe your older TV doesn't play nicely with ThinQ.

I installed and tested five popular options on both Android and iPhone. Here's an honest breakdown of what you're actually getting.

Smartify works well when it works. The auto-connect feature is genuinely useful - you don't re-enter a PIN every time. But the free version shows ads after nearly every interaction, and multiple users report reliability issues after paying for premium. It supports all webOS TVs and even older Netcast models from 2012.

SURE Universal Remote is the best pick for households with multiple TV brands. It supports WiFi, IR (on phones that have it), and Bluetooth control across Samsung, Sony, Roku, and more. The interface is customizable but feels cluttered compared to ThinQ.

TVRem is an iPhone standout - completely free, no ads, and it works with Samsung, Roku, Android TV, and LG. If you're an Apple user who wants simplicity without paying, this is the one.

One critical thing most third-party apps can't do: power ON your TV. Since WiFi-based apps need the TV to be connected to the network (which requires it being on), most third-party apps can only power the TV off, not on. ThinQ gets around this with Bluetooth wake on Android - a feature no third-party app replicates.

For those interested in expanding their TV's capabilities, you can explore how to add apps to your LG Smart TV. iPhone users might also want to know if their LG TV supports AirPlay for streaming content alongside remote control, or how to AirPlay to an LG TV. And for media sharing beyond remote control, here's how to cast to your LG TV.

My recommendation: Start with LG ThinQ. It's free, ad-free, full-featured, and directly supported by LG. Only explore alternatives if ThinQ doesn't support your TV or you need multi-brand control.

How to Control Your LG TV With Your Phone Without WiFi

Not everyone has WiFi - and even if you do, routers go down. When your network is out and you can't find the physical remote, you still have options. None of them are as seamless as ThinQ over WiFi, but they work.

Why WiFi Is Normally Required

ThinQ and most third-party apps communicate with your TV over your local WiFi network. No network, no communication. It's that straightforward. The TV itself doesn't accept direct Bluetooth remote commands from arbitrary apps - Bluetooth on LG TVs is limited to audio devices and the specific power-on feature within ThinQ.

Method 1: Use a Phone With a Built-In IR Blaster

If your phone has a built-in IR blaster, you can control any LG TV - Smart or not - without WiFi, without an account, without any setup beyond installing an app.

In 2026, phones with IR blasters include the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro+, Xiaomi Redmi Note 14, OnePlus 13R, OnePlus 15, iQOO 13, and several OPPO and Vivo models. Xiaomi phones come with a built-in remote app (Mi Remote) that includes LG TV profiles out of the box. Point your phone at the TV, select the LG brand, and you're controlling it within seconds.

This method works with every LG TV ever made that has an IR receiver - that includes non-Smart TVs from the 2000s, even models you'd connect an antenna to your LG TV on. If you want to know how to change input on your LG TV without a remote, an IR blaster phone handles it perfectly.

Method 2: Attach an External USB-C IR Dongle

Don't have a phone with an IR blaster? External USB-C IR dongles plug into your phone's charging port and add IR capability to any smartphone. They're available on Amazon for $8–$25, and most come with a keychain attachment so you won't lose them.

Pair the dongle with an app like ZaZa Remote or SURE Universal, select your TV brand, and you've got a working remote. The signal range reaches about 8–10 meters with a clear line of sight. These dongles work with both Android and iPhone (USB-C models).

Method 3: Mobile Hotspot Workaround

If you have two phones, or a phone and a tablet, you can create a WiFi network without a router. Turn on the mobile hotspot on your secondary device, then connect both the TV and your primary phone to that hotspot network. Open ThinQ on your primary phone and proceed with normal setup.

This uses mobile data, so keep an eye on your data plan. But it works - and it's a clever way to connect your LG TV to WiFi without a remote when your router is down.

Method 4: Universal Physical Remote (Backup)

When all else fails, a $10–$20 universal remote from brands like GE, RCA, or One For All works with LG TVs using standard IR codes. Most come pre-programmed or include an LG setup code in the manual.

This isn't a phone-based solution, obviously, but it's worth keeping one in a drawer for emergencies. And if your remote is already lost, here's how to turn on your LG TV without a remote using the physical buttons on the TV itself.

Troubleshooting: LG ThinQ App Not Connecting to Your TV

This is the section I wish I didn't have to write - but connection problems with ThinQ are genuinely common, and the fixes are scattered across forums, Reddit threads, and LG's support pages. I've compiled the six most frequent issues along with the specific solutions that actually resolve them.

Problem 1: "ThinQ App Can't Find My TV"

This is by far the most common complaint. The app opens, scans for devices, and finds nothing.

1. Verify both devices are on the same 2.4GHz WiFi network. This is the fix roughly 70% of the time. Many dual-band routers create a single network name and automatically assign devices to 2.4GHz or 5GHz. ThinQ needs 2.4GHz for discovery. On your TV, check the connected network at Settings → Network → WiFi Connection. On your phone, check your WiFi settings for the network name.

2. Restart your TV, phone, and router - in that order. Power cycle the TV completely (unplug for 30 seconds), restart your phone, then restart your router. Wait 2 minutes after the router restarts before trying again.

3. Disable any VPN on your phone. VPNs route traffic through external servers, hiding your phone from local network devices.

4. On iPhone: Check Local Network permission. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network and make sure LG ThinQ is toggled on. This permission is required for the app to see any device on your network.

5. Verify the TV's WiFi is actually connected. Navigate to Settings → Network on your TV. If it shows disconnected, reconnect. If your LG TV won't connect to WiFi, that's a separate issue to resolve first.

6. Enable "Mobile TV On" in the TV settings under All Settings → Devices → External Devices → TV On With Mobile. While this setting primarily controls power-on, some users report it also affects general discoverability.

Problem 2: "PIN Code Not Showing on TV Screen"

You've selected your TV in the app, but the 8-digit PIN never appears on the TV display.

Make sure your TV screen isn't in screensaver mode or displaying a "No Signal" input. Navigate to the Home screen using the TV's physical buttons before attempting the connection. If the PIN still doesn't appear, check that your TV firmware is up to date - here's how to update your LG TV software. Outdated firmware can interfere with the pairing process.

As a last resort, try restarting your LG TV with a full power cycle: unplug the TV for 60 seconds, plug it back in, and try again once it fully boots.

Problem 3: "App Keeps Disconnecting"

The app pairs successfully but loses connection every few minutes.

Check your WiFi signal strength first. Your router should be within 30 feet of the TV without major obstructions. Weak signal = dropped connections.

If you're using a mesh network (TP-Link Deco, Eero, Google WiFi), disable "Fast Roaming" and "Beamforming" in your router settings. Mesh systems frequently hand off devices between nodes, and ThinQ's connection doesn't survive these handoffs gracefully. This tip comes directly from community forums where users confirmed it resolved persistent disconnections.

Also, update both the ThinQ app and your TV firmware. Then clear the cache on your LG TV - cached data can interfere with network processes.

Problem 4: "Can't Turn TV On With Phone"

The remote works when the TV is already on, but you can't power it on from the app.

Your TV needs webOS 3.5 or later (2016 models onward). Navigate to All Settings → Devices → External Devices → TV On With Mobile and toggle on both Turn On via WiFi and Turn On via Bluetooth. The Bluetooth option only works with Android phones - iPhones are limited to WiFi power-on.

Keep in mind: if your TV is completely unplugged from power, no app can turn it on. The TV needs to be in standby mode (plugged in but screen off) for remote power-on to work.

Problem 5: "Third-Party App Won't Work"

If a third-party app connects but doesn't respond to commands, confirm it supports your specific webOS version. Some apps only support webOS 3.0 and above. Verify your WiFi connection is stable, and note that most third-party apps cannot power on the TV. If nothing resolves the issue, switch to ThinQ for a more reliable connection.

Problem 6: "Remote Works But Touchpad/Keyboard Doesn't"

Update your ThinQ app to the latest version - LG frequently patches feature-specific bugs. Also verify your webOS version: touchpad and keyboard features generally require webOS 3.0 or higher. Try force-closing the app and reopening it.

If nothing else works and you've exhausted all options, a full factory reset is the nuclear option. Here's how to reset your LG TV, but use this only as a last resort since it erases all your settings and app logins.

Which LG TVs Support Phone Remote Control? (Compatibility Guide)

Not sure if your TV works with ThinQ? The answer depends almost entirely on which version of webOS it runs. Here's a definitive breakdown by TV generation.

First, you'll want to identify your TV model. Here's how to find your LG TV model number - it's printed on a label on the back of the TV and accessible in the settings menu.

Full support means all ThinQ features work: remote control, touchpad, keyboard, app launcher, screen mirroring, and power-on. Basic support means core remote functions work, but advanced features like touchpad emulation and power-on may be unavailable.

LG's Re:New Program

LG committed to providing five years of webOS upgrades to eligible TVs through their Re:New program. A 2024 C4, for example, shipped with webOS 24, received webOS 25 in late 2025, and is scheduled for webOS 26 in late 2026. A 2023 C3 has already been updated to webOS 25 as of early 2026. This keeps older TVs compatible with the latest ThinQ features and security updates, according to FlatpanelsHD's reporting on the rollout schedule. TechRadar confirmed that models from 2022 through 2024 are all eligible.

If your TV needs a software update to stay current, here's how to update firmware on your LG TV.

Third-Party webOS TVs

Since 2021, LG has licensed webOS to other manufacturers including RCA, Konka, and Ayonz. However, ThinQ support on these non-LG webOS TVs is limited or unavailable. If you own a third-party webOS TV, you'll likely need to use a WiFi-based third-party remote app or IR blaster instead.

Whether you're considering an upgrade or just curious about how your model stacks up, LG is a solid TV brand with one of the most comprehensive smart TV ecosystems available. Taking care of your display matters too - here's how to clean your LG OLED TV screen without damaging it. For information on how long your LG TV warranty lasts, check our dedicated guide. And for recommendations on specific models, see our guides on the best LG TV and the best LG OLED TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the LG ThinQ App Completely Free?

Yes, the LG ThinQ app is completely free with no ads, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees. Every remote control feature - keyboard, touchpad, app launcher, screen mirroring - is included at no cost on both Android and iPhone. This is a significant advantage over third-party apps that typically lock premium features behind monthly or annual subscriptions. The app does require a free LG account to use, which some users may find mildly annoying, but account creation takes under a minute.

Can I Turn On My LG TV With My Phone?

Yes, but only on LG TVs with webOS 3.5 or later (2016 models onward). You need to enable "TV On With Mobile" in your TV settings at All Settings → Devices → External Devices → TV On With Mobile. Toggle on both the WiFi and Bluetooth options. Android phones can use either WiFi or Bluetooth to power on the TV, while iPhones are limited to WiFi only. If the TV is completely unplugged from the wall, no phone app can turn it on - it needs to be in standby mode.

Do I Need WiFi to Use My Phone as an LG TV Remote?

For the LG ThinQ app and most third-party apps, yes - both your phone and TV must be on the same WiFi network. However, if your phone has a built-in IR blaster or you use an external USB-C IR dongle, you can control your LG TV without any WiFi connection at all. The IR method works with every LG TV, including older non-Smart models.

What Happened to the LG TV Plus App?

LG TV Plus was fully replaced by the LG ThinQ app around 2020. According to LG's official support page, all features from LG TV Plus are now integrated into ThinQ. The ThinQ app supports Android OS 7.0 or higher and iOS 11.0 or higher. If you still have LG TV Plus installed, switch to ThinQ for continued support and updates.

Can Multiple Phones Control the Same LG TV?

Yes, multiple phones can pair with and control the same LG TV through ThinQ. Each phone completes the setup and PIN pairing process individually. There's no practical limit on the number of paired devices, so every family member can have remote access on their own phone.

Does LG ThinQ Work on iPad and Android Tablets?

Yes, LG ThinQ supports iPad running iOS 11.0 or newer and Android tablets running Android 7.0 or newer. The interface adapts to the larger screen, making the touchpad and keyboard features even more comfortable to use.

Why Does the LG ThinQ App Require Location Permission?

ThinQ uses location permission for WiFi network scanning and local device discovery - not GPS tracking or location monitoring. The app needs to identify which WiFi network your phone is on so it can find devices on the same network. On Android, you can select "Only while using the app" to limit this access. On iPhone, the Local Network permission serves a similar purpose. Without granting this permission, the app cannot detect your LG TV.

For related setup guides, you might find these helpful: Does your LG TV have Chromecast for streaming, is your LG TV running Android (it's not - it runs webOS), how to reset your LG TV password if you're locked out of settings, or how to pair your LG remote to your LG TV if you're switching back to the physical remote. If voice controls are getting in the way, here's how to turn off voice command on your LG TV.

Conclusion: Choose the Right LG TV Remote Method for You

Using your phone as an LG TV remote isn't just possible - for most people, it's the better experience. The touchpad and keyboard alone are worth the switch.

For most LG TV owners: Download the LG ThinQ app. It's free, ad-free, and provides everything you need. Setup takes under five minutes.

For multi-brand households: SURE Universal Remote or TVRem (iPhone) let you control LG, Samsung, Roku, and other TVs from a single app.

When WiFi isn't available: A phone with a built-in IR blaster (Xiaomi, OnePlus) or an external USB-C IR dongle gives you full control without any network. These also work with non-Smart LG TVs.

Lost your remote and need immediate access? Download ThinQ right now from the App Store or Google Play, connect to the same WiFi as your TV, and you'll be controlling it in minutes. Or, if the TV is already off, use the physical buttons on the back or bottom panel to power it on and connect to WiFi first.

ThinQ also controls LG soundbars and other smart home appliances, so if you're wondering about how to connect your LG soundbar to your TV, the app handles that too. And given how well LG supports their TVs with software updates through the Re:New program, you can expect your phone remote setup to keep working for years. If you're curious about how long LG TVs last, the combination of quality hardware and ongoing software support makes them a solid long-term investment.

Whatever method you choose, the days of tearing apart couch cushions searching for a misplaced remote are over. Your phone's already in your hand - might as well use it.