Apple TV is a favorite streaming media player for those who love streaming in 4K resolution. If your Apple TV remote is not working, you can use the built-in Apple TV remote app to control your device. But the built-in Apple TV remote app is only available for Apple devices like iPhones and iPad. However, those with Android smartphones or tablets can also control Apple TV. To make TV controlling effortless, our team of experts recommends the best remote app to control Apple TV without a remote.
An Overview of the Remote App for Apple TV
You can compare the following remote apps to choose the ideal one for your Apple TV.
| REMOTE APPS | RATING | DOWNLOAD LINK |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV Remote App Best TV remote app for iPhone available for free | ★★★★★ | NA |
| Peel Universal Smart TV Remote Simple and easy-to-use remote control | ★★★★☆ | App Store Play Store |
| SURE Universal Smart TV Remote World’s most trusted universal remote app | ★★★★☆ | App Store Play Store |
| AIR Remote Best remote app for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD | ★★★☆☆ | Play Store |
| AnyMote Perfect remote to control home & entertainment devices | ★★★☆☆ | Download Now |
| Learn Universal Remote Lightweight remote app with all playback controls | ★★★☆☆ | Play Store |
Best Remote App for Apple TV
Here are the best third-party remote apps to control Apple TV from a smartphone.
Apple TV Remote App
Apple TV Remote is a built-in tool on Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. It is available on the Control Center of your iOS and iPadOS. If you don’t see the Apple TV Remote icon, you need to update your iOS or iPadOS to the latest version. The remote app mimics the original remote controller and thus navigating the TV is easy and simple.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like | What’s Missing |
|---|---|---|
| No need to install | Sometimes lagging issues may occur | Not available for Android devices |
| Supports Siri voice commands | ||
| Built-in keyboard |
Peel Universal Smart TV Remote
Peel Smart Remote app is an all-in-one universal remote for all entertainment devices. This app can control Apple TV if it is connected to the same WIFI network as your smartphone. It is compatible with Android and iOS devices, and you can get the app from the Play Store or App Store.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like | What’s Missing |
|---|---|---|
| Controls smart TV, home theater, gaming console, etc. | It contains too many ads | No built-in keyboard |
| Supports voice control | ||
| Control devices without WIFI using an IR blaster |
SURE Universal Smart TV Remote
SURE Universal remote App is suitable for controlling smart TVs, streaming media players, set-top boxes, and more. It also comes with built-in voice controls for easy navigation. This app also features a built-in media player to play audio or video files.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like | What’s Missing |
|---|---|---|
| Works with WIFI or using WIFI to IR converter | Takes more time to connection | Could be better if sensitivity is adjustable |
| Supports casting to smart devices | ||
| Supports old IR-based TVs and DVD players |
AIR Remote
AIR Remote is an IR-based remote control app for Apple TV. You can get this app for free from the Play Store. As it uses infrared signals, you should use the remote app within a distance of 30 feet. The AIR Remote app is also supported on MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, and iPod Universal Dock.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like | What’s Missing |
|---|---|---|
| It is an infrared remote app, and no WIFI is required | Hanging issue is prevalent | No ad-free access |
| Comes with D-pad and Swipe controls | ||
| Supports haptic feedback |
AnyMote
AnyMote is one of the best Apple TV remote apps for Android devices. You can control smart TVs like Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, and Sharp, and streaming media players like Apple TV. It even supports voice commands like Alexa. Currently, the app is not available on any official app stores.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like | What’s Missing |
|---|---|---|
| Controls multiple devices at a time | App’s performance needs to be improved | Not supported for iOS devices |
| Supports over 900,000 entertainment devices | ||
| Customize the remote control interface |
Lean Universal Remote
Lean Universal Remote can control Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, soundbar, Blu-ray player, etc. In addition, it can also control traditional IR devices if your smartphone has an IR blaster. If you have multiple devices, you can save up to 10 devices for convenient remote access.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like | What’s Missing |
|---|---|---|
| Use this remote with or without WIFI | The input button doesn’t work sometimes | No ad-free access |
| Stylish user interface with all basic controls | ||
| You can even use playback controls |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use your Android, iPhone, or iPad as a remote for Apple TV.
The built-in Apple TV remote app is the best option to control Apple TV without a remote.
The Apple TV remote app is available in the Control Center of iOS and iPadOS.
