How to Control a Streaming Device Without a Physical Remote

Many streaming device manufacturers offer a companion app that turns a phone into a fully functional remote, including navigation, volume, and voice search.

How to set it up generally

• Install the manufacturer's remote app from your phone's app store
• Make sure your phone and streaming device are on the same Wi-Fi network
• Follow the app's pairing steps, which usually take under a minute

When this is especially useful

A phone remote is a handy backup while you troubleshoot a physical remote, or replace one entirely — see our guide on replacing a lost streaming device remote if that's the situation you're in.

Typing with your phone

Most remote apps also let you type using your phone's keyboard, which is faster than entering account details with an on-screen keyboard and a directional pad.