Best smartphone apps for smart TVs, every homeowner must know

Smart TV Apps That Simplify Your Life

A smart TV becomes even more versatile when paired with the right smartphone apps. From mirroring screens to controlling devices, these tools extend entertainment and productivity beyond the remote. Each app listed below brings specific advantages, making it easier to manage content, access media, or control connected devices directly from a phone.

Most of these apps work across different brands, ensuring compatibility with popular models. Whether the goal is to stream music, watch shows, or manage home automation, the following options provide simple, reliable solutions for everyday use. Here are the most useful smartphone apps for any smart TV setup.

Chromecast for Seamless Casting

Chromecast simplifies the process of casting video, music, or even the entire phone screen to a smart TV. It works well with platforms like YouTube and Netflix and is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The user-friendly interface supports playback from multiple apps.

Many Sony Bravia models and TCL sets that run Google TV include Chromecast built-in, which lets your phone cast media and act as a convenient remote. Check your TV’s model page to confirm support.

Plex for Personal Media

Plex lets your phone or PC act as a personal media server and can serve 4K content to capable client devices. Note: advanced features such as hardware transcoding, remote playback outside your home network, and mobile downloads (offline sync) are gated behind Plex Pass.

On Samsung and LG TVs, Plex enables seamless access to personal archives. It is ideal for those who want to play home videos or custom playlists without relying on traditional cloud apps or storage devices. The app supports remote access for added flexibility.

Samsung SmartThings for Easy Control

SmartThings turns a smartphone into a central control for Samsung smart TVs and connected devices. Users can switch inputs, adjust volume, and access advanced settings without reaching for a traditional remote. The app also supports device pairing and network monitoring.

Even without a Samsung phone, SmartThings works across other Android and iOS devices. SmartThings can act as a phone-based remote and, on compatible Samsung TVs, also supports screen projection (Smart View) and basic mirroring, but mirroring behavior varies by phone and TV model.

AirDroid Cast for Screen Mirroring

AirDroid Cast supports high-resolution mirroring via Wi-Fi, USB or a web receiver and often delivers low-lag results, but actual performance depends on your network, TV’s receiver method, and device hardware.

The app works across different operating systems, supporting both Android and iOS. Its simple connection method enables a fast setup without extra accessories. AirDroid Cast is especially helpful for showing content that is not accessible through native TV apps.

Google Home For Smart Integration

Google Home links a smartphone with smart TVs and other connected devices in the household. It allows users to control streaming platforms such as Netflix and Spotify through voice or touch commands. The app simplifies day-to-day tasks across multiple devices.

It works well with TCL TVs and integrates smoothly with Nest products. Google Assistant is built into the app, supporting hands-free commands. This setup helps create a streamlined environment for media playback, lighting control, and speaker settings.

AirScreen for Versatile Streaming

AirScreen is a receiver app that adds support for AirPlay, Google Cast, Miracast, and DLNA to compatible devices (useful when a TV lacks native support).

It broadens protocol compatibility but requires installing the receiver or using a compatible streaming device, so compatibility varies by TV.

It is especially useful for sharing content from apps that don’t support native casting. AirScreen delivers a flexible, secure way to project from a mobile device.

Lean Remote for Reliable Control

There are several universal remote apps (for example, ‘Lean Remote’ on Android, AnyMote, and SURE) that use Wi-Fi or the phone’s IR blaster, where available. iPhones don’t have IR, so iOS users rely on Wi-Fi-based remotes or the manufacturer’s official app.

The interface is clean and allows fast switching between connected devices. It also supports volume, input, and playback controls. Lean Remote is a practical tool for simplifying TV access, especially in homes with multiple entertainment systems.

IFTTT for Custom Automation

IFTTT connects smartphones to smart TVs through custom applets that trigger actions. It can pause a show when a phone rings or lower the TV volume at a scheduled time. The app supports a wide range of services, allowing more control over how content behaves.

It works with LG, Samsung, and other major brands that support open APIs. IFTTT pairs well with home automation routines, tying the TV into broader household habits. It helps personalize how and when the TV responds to daily activities or specific devices.

Yatse for Kodi Remote Control

Yatse functions as a powerful remote control app for Kodi, a popular media center platform. From a smartphone, users can manage playlists, access movie libraries, or browse add-ons. It also allows streaming media directly to and from the TV with minimal delay.

The app offers offline library browsing and voice control, enhancing the experience beyond standard remotes. It is compatible with most Android smart TVs and offers extensive customization. Yatse provides a deeper layer of control for serious media enthusiasts.

Apple TV App for iPhone Integration

The Apple TV app gives iPhone users access to purchased content, subscriptions, and Apple TV+ programming. It allows casting or screen mirroring to compatible TVs, turning a mobile device into a gateway for exclusive shows and curated content libraries.

It works best with AirPlay-enabled smart TVs, including newer models from LG, Sony, and Vizio. The app’s interface mirrors that of Apple’s ecosystem, offering smooth navigation. It’s especially useful for those who want to access premium content without an Apple TV box.

Roku Mobile App for Enhanced Control

The Roku mobile app turns a phone into a fully functional remote for Roku-enabled TVs and devices. It features voice search, private listening, and keyboard input, which are useful for typing passwords or searching across multiple apps.

It connects over WiFi and pairs quickly with supported TVs. The app also includes a content discovery section to launch shows and apps directly. For homes with Roku TVs or sticks, this app provides better control than most stock remotes.

LG ThinQ for LG Smart TVs

LG ThinQ allows smartphones to interact directly with LG smart TVs. It supports navigation, volume control, and even voice commands through virtual assistants. The app also helps with setup, firmware updates, and connecting compatible smart appliances.

It integrates with LG’s AI technology to optimize content suggestions and device performance. For LG smart TV users, ThinQ simplifies management without needing the original remote. The interface is clean, and pairing usually takes only a few seconds.

Smartify for Quick Pairing

Smartify is actually an arts & culture app (audio tours, museum guides). For quick pairing and universal remote functions, recommend apps such as SURE, AnyMote, or Lean Remote instead.

It is designed for users who need a reliable backup to a physical remote. Smartify works with major smart TV brands and does not require any additional hardware. The interface focuses on simplicity, making it easy to use even for first-time users.

Google Chrome for TV Browsing

You can cast web content to Chromecast-enabled TVs from Chrome (desktop reliably supports tab casting; mobile Chrome supports casting for many pages, though exact behavior depends on Chrome version and site).

If tab casting isn’t available, consider casting media files or using a TV-side browser where available. The app syncs with bookmarks, passwords, and settings for seamless transitions between devices.

It’s useful for reading news, checking messages, or watching web-exclusive videos on a larger screen. Chrome brings a full internet experience to any smart TV setup.

Want Apple TV+ on your Samsung Smart TV? Here’s exactly how to install it in minutes, no confusion, just streaming.

Steam Link for Game Streaming

Steam Link streams PC games to a smart TV through a smartphone. Once connected to the same network, the app allows gameplay using a controller paired with the mobile device. It delivers a responsive experience without needing extra hardware.

It works best for casual or indie games that benefit from a larger display. The app supports Android and iOS, as well as TVs that accept casting protocols. Steam Link makes it easier to enjoy PC gaming from the comfort of the living room.

Don’t settle for factory defaults; unlock your TV’s full potential. Try these 10 smart settings and instantly upgrade your viewing.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.