It is not easy to control modern smart TV without remote. Most of the current smart TVs have very few functional physical buttons or none. TVs now have the whole universe of features that are not accessible through physical buttons on TV.
TV remotes might be misplaced or lost between couch cushions, under the table or under the bed-sheet. They can stay lost when you need them the most. At that time you might wonder, is it possible to use your LG TV without the TV remote? In this article, I have listed some of those methods.
Use the LG ThinQ mobile App.
TLDR; LG has developed a mobile app. This app can easily control the network-connected LG TV without needing the remote.
The app is called the LG ThinQ app. Install this app on your phone, configure and set it up to connect with your home network. Then, use the Home Appliances section in the app and start pairing the TV with your mobile using the confirmation code shown on your TV.
Here is the step-by-step process to do so.
Step 1: Download and Install the LG ThinQ App
LG ThinQ App is available online on the Apple App Store and Google PlayStore.
Download and install the app on your mobile device. The app requires some basic permissions and details for the initial setup. Then, fill in the details. Sign in using your referred method and finish the setup.
Step 2: Connect the mobile phone with your home network
For the app to connect with the smart device, your device(here, LG TV) should be connected to the same home network.
Now-a-days, many WiFi routers come with the capability to run multiple isolated networks for different user groups. Ensure that both the the devices (mobile and smart TV)connect to the same network group.
Step 3: Use the ThinQ App to add a new device
The LG ThinQ app has a + Symbol icon on the top side of the screen to add a new device.
Tap the + button to add, and you will be prompted for a few basic questions. Fill out answers and click on the OK button.
Turn On the TV to connect it with the LG ThinQ app. In case your TV is off, you can turn it on by long pressing the physical power button on the TV panel.
Now, use the Home Appliance screen in your mobile app to select the type of the device, and click on the TV.
The app will search for nearby compatible devices. Select your LG TV and try to connect with it.
Step 4: Verify the mobile phone using the code
As soon as you try to connect to your LG smart TV, the TV screen will show the verification code for the authentication.
Enter the code in the mobile app and click OK.
Finished: Setup is now completed
Congratulations, you have successfully paired your LG TV with your Mobile phone. Navigate back to the home screen.
You will notice that all the remote buttons’ functionality will now be available in the app on your mobile phone. Use the app enjoy watching your TV.
Use the Universal Remote Control mobile app
The Universal Remote Control App offers the basic functionality to work with most known TV brands.
Download the app, Connect it to the same network as the TV and set it up according to your TV’s model.
You can download the Universal Remote Control mobile app for iPhone and Android device. There are multiple apps available under this category try few of them, and select what works the best.
Use LG TV Plus App
Like the LG ThinQ app, LG has made another app called LG TV Plus. It is available on both PlayStore and Apple AppStore. It has all the supported functions of a remote and a streaming device. So, you can also use it to stream media from your mobile phone to your LG smart TV.
Android TV Remote
Similar to the Universal Remote App, it works kinda the same way but for Android TVs. Connect your mobile to the same WiFi network as your TV, pair the devices, and enjoy using it.
It has cool voice control features that you may love to use.
Amazon Fire TV Remote
Amazon Fire TV Remote is the elephant in the room we cannot ignore.
If you have an Amazon Fire TV Box, you can use the Amazon Fire TV remote to control both the TV and the Amazon Fire TV box.
MI remote App of your Xiaomi mobile
If you own a mobile of Mi brand, and your mobile has an IR blaster built into it. You have a good news. MI mobiles come with the preinstalled Mi Remote app. This app has pre-configured remotes for many digital devices, including TV, AC, Freeze, DVD drives, etc.
To check the availability of your TV version,
- Open the Mi remote App
- Tap on “+” Icon to add new device
- From the list of devices, select TV.
- Select LG from the brand name
- There might be various remotes displayed. Find your TV’s version or a similar TV remote in the list.
Once you find the suitable remote to which your TV responds , Add it to the device list.
Many times, a selected remote may not support all the features of TV remote. You can always try to search for other available device from the list and search for the most suitable one for your TV.
Use Xbox One to control your LG smart TV
The Xbox One itself is a feature-packed smart device not limited for entertainment purpose only. It can mimic some primary functions of the remote.
To pair it, Turn both the TV and The Xbox One on
- Click on settings
- select TV and OneGuide Menu
- Select Device Control
- Choose LG(your TV Brand) and click on Automatic.
- Select Send Command and check if your TV gets muted. If it does, click on Yes.
- Press B for power settings and choose “Xbox One Turns On and Turns Off my devices”.
Now you can perform basic tasks like switching the TV On or Off, changing the volume and switching channels using Xbox One.
Use Buttons on the TV Panel
Usually, LG TV has 5-6 buttons mounted on the side or bottom side of the TV.
These buttons allow you to change settings from the menu. But, it will require a great effort.
First, try to read the function of buttons. Depending on your TV’s version, you can change channels and volume from the panel.
In case, if you need to access the other features, you may need to use the dedicated settings button or tap on the power button multiple times. It will activate the display input menu. Tap the button to go through all the options, and long-press (release as soon as it is selected or else the TV may shut down) it to select the button.
Connect a USB mouse to control the TV
LG smart TV uses WebOS as an operating system that supports the USB mouse. You can use any wired or wireless USB mouse with the LG smart TV.
Just Connect the mouse, and it will show you the mouse cursor. Now, you can use it to get access to the settings and other menus on the device.
Unfortunately, you cannot directly use it to turn the TV On/off or to change the volume or channels. But it can save you the hassle of accessing settings. In case you lose your remote.
Conclusion
Not having access to your TV remote is frustrating, but you can easily overcome the tradeoff of it using any of the above-written methods. It is always better to have a dedicated remote for any device.
