Hack of the day: Control TV with your phone when the remote is lost

'The Times of India' brings you 'Hack of the Day'—a new weekday series of quick, practical solutions to everyday hassles. Each hack is designed to save you time, money or stress, using tools and features within your reach—from government websites to everyday apps. In simple terms, it's simple fixes for smarter living. We’ve all been there—settling in for a movie night or your favourite show, only to realise the TV remote has mysteriously vanished. Whether it’s buried under couch cushions, misplaced in another room, or simply out of battery, losing the remote can be surprisingly disruptive. But in today’s connected world, you don’t have to let a missing remote ruin your plans. Your smartphone can step in as a powerful replacement, giving you full control of your TV without the hassle of searching or waiting. With the r aight apps and settings, you can change channels, adjust volume, launch streaming services, and even use voice commands—all directly from your phone. This simple hack not only saves time but also ensures you’re never stuck staring at a blank screen again. How to do it* Download the official app: Check if your TV brand (Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, etc.) has a companion app in the App Store or Google Play. These apps usually let you change channels, adjust volume, and even access smart features.* Use streaming apps: If you own a Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV, install their respective apps. They provide full remote functionality, including voice search.* Enable Wi-Fi control: Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This allows seamless pairing and control.* Try universal remote apps: If your TV doesn’t have an official app, third-party universal remote apps can often connect via Wi-Fi or infrared (if your phone supports IR blaster).* Smart assistants: Voice assistants like Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri can also control compatible TVs with simple commands.