Why Your Android Phone Outperforms Your TV Remote Control

While owning a smart TV can enhance your viewing experience, navigating it with the remote control can be frustrating. Typical remotes often make browsing for shows cumbersome and can be easily misplaced. Fortunately, if you have a smartphone handy, you can connect it to your TV via Bluetooth to streamline the remote control experience.

Requirements for Bluetooth Connection

Transforming your smartphone into a smart TV remote is straightforward; all you need is a Bluetooth-capable device. Ensure that both your TV and smartphone support Bluetooth connectivity. While my previous smart TV lacked this feature, my current model, which is approximately four years old, accommodates Bluetooth.

Be aware that some brands might only offer Bluetooth for limited functions such as audio streaming or specific applications. If you wish to conserve battery on your phone, consider repurposing an old smartphone as a dedicated remote; this can be conveniently stored where you normally keep your TV remotes.

Setting Up Your Bluetooth Remote

To establish a Bluetooth connection, you can find various remote control apps in the Google Play Store. I opted for Bluetooth Remote by Atharok, an open-source and ad-free option available exclusively for Android users. This app is particularly beneficial if you’re looking for efficient alternatives for controlling your Android TV.

Upon launching the app for the first time, I was prompted to enable Bluetooth. Connecting to the TV was my next step. By default, the Bluetooth Remote app scans for previously connected devices. Since my TV wasn’t connected yet, I tapped the Bluetooth icon and selected Pairing a device.

Depending on your TV model, you might need to go into its settings to activate Bluetooth pairing. This process can vary widely among different brands. If your TV isn’t showing up and you know it has Bluetooth, check its settings for the Bluetooth MAC address. In the app, tap on Bluetooth Connections (the Bluetooth icon at the top right) and choose Enter Bluetooth address manually.

Once the pairing is successful, you can proceed to personalize your remote control setup.

Personalizing Your Bluetooth Remote

Although you can start using the Bluetooth remote right away, I recommend taking a moment to customize the interface. Tap the Settings icon located at the top right of the app.

Here are a few customization options to consider:

Theme – The default theme matches your phone’s settings, but you can choose either a Dark or Light mode. For optimal viewing, especially in low-light conditions, I recommend the Dark mode with True black for OLED screens.
Navigation Mode – The app initially uses a D-pad layout, similar to most remotes. However, switching to the Touchpad mode can significantly enhance navigation speed and ease, making it simpler to browse through menus. If certain applications don’t support the touchpad, feel free to revert to the D-pad.
Minimalist Interface – If you prefer a cleaner look without TV channel shortcuts, enable this option to streamline the remote appearance.

Adjust the mouse pointer speed if the default feels too fast or slow for your comfort. Customization allows for a more user-friendly experience tailored to your preferences.

Using Your Phone as a Bluetooth Mouse

A highlight of utilizing the Bluetooth Remote on my Android TV is the enhanced navigation capabilities reminiscent of a Bluetooth mouse. Instead of repetitively pressing arrow keys, I can smoothly glide my finger across the touchpad, effortlessly transitioning between menus, shows, and movies.

After experiencing this convenience, I found it challenging to return to my TV’s conventional remote control, as using my phone feels significantly faster. For optimal usability, rotate your phone horizontally, although the touchpad functions effectively in any orientation.

Switching to vertical touchpad in the remote app

You can easily toggle between touchpad and D-pad navigation using the icon located at the top right of the app interface.

Simplifying Typing on Your Smart TV

Typing on a smart TV remote can often be quite tedious; while many modern TVs support voice search, this feature can be unreliable. To avoid unnecessary frustration, I prefer using my smartphone to type show and movie names, completing this task far quicker than with a remote.

The Bluetooth Remote app includes a keyboard feature that can be accessed by tapping the keyboard icon at the top right. This keyboard remains minimized most of the time, providing an unobtrusive way to enhance your experience.

I generally hold my phone in the portrait orientation for typing, but you can switch to landscape for a better-spaced keyboard. The app automatically uses your default keyboard for any text entry.

Whether you often misplace your remote or just want a more efficient way to navigate your smart TV, converting your smartphone into a Bluetooth remote is a clever and practical solution. Additionally, if you’re interested in transferring files from your phone to your TV, there are simple methods to achieve that as well. For a more aesthetic experience when your TV is not in use, consider exploring the Samsung Frame TV, which beautifully blends art and technology.

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