I’m trying to find a Sony universal remote app for my iPhone after my original remote stopped working. I’ve searched the App Store, but I’m not sure which app is compatible with my Sony TV and actually works well. I need help choosing the right iPhone remote app so I can control my TV again.
I went through this a while back trying to control a Sony set without hunting for the physical remote every night. What I found was pretty simple. You’ve got two paths. One sticks to Sony only, the other handles Sony and a pile of other brands.
If you want one app that does more than a single job, TVRem – Universal TV Remote is the better pick. On my setup, pairing was fast. Same Wi-Fi, open the app, tap the TV, done. It works with Sony TVs running Android TV or Google TV, including BRAVIA sets like X80, X90, A80, and A95. The part I liked was obvious after a day or two. You are not boxed into Sony only. It also works with Samsung, LG, Roku, Fire TV, and others.
That matters more than I expected. If you’ve got more than one TV at home, you don’t end up installing a different app for each room. Typing felt easier too. Navigation was smooth, and voice input saved time when I had to search for shows with annoying names I always misspell.
The other option is Remote Control for Sony TVs. This one felt more old-school to me. You connect it, enter a code, and then you get a layout closer to a standard Sony remote. All the familiar buttons are there, along with the normal shortcuts. It works fine. No drama. It’s simply more limited and built for Sony TVs only.
If your only goal is a plain Sony remote on your phone, the Sony-focused app does the job. If you want something you’ll keep using later instead of swapping out once your setup changes, TVRem made more sense to me.
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First check your Sony model and OS. That matters more than the app name.
If your TV runs Android TV or Google TV, the Google TV app for iPhone is worth trying first. It’s free, stable, and the keyboard input is better than most remote apps. Pairing is simple if your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi. I liked it more than some Sony-only apps becuase it avoids the fake button clutter.
If your Sony is older and not on Android TV, app support gets messy fast. A lot of App Store “Sony remote” apps look similar, then hit you with ads or a subcription before you test anything. Read the recent reviews, not the overall score.
One small disagreement with @mikeappsreviewer. A universal app is nice, but if you only need one Sony TV, I’d start with the free option first, then move to a paid universal app if pairing fails or you want extras.
Also check if your iPhone has no IR blaster, so apps only work over Wi-Fi. If your TV is not on your network, no app will fix thta.
I’d split this by how your Sony TV connects, not by whatever app has the nicest screenshots.
If your Sony is a newer BRAVIA with Android TV or Google TV, I actually think @viajantedoceu is right to push the free route first. The Google TV app is usually the least annoying option on iPhone. Fewer junk ads, better text entry, less “unlock premium to use volume” nonsense.
Where I kinda disagree with both takes is this: a lot of “Sony remote” apps are basically the same app with a different icon. So don’t get too hung up on the word Sony in the title. Check these instead:
- does it support Sony BRAVIA
- does it use Wi-Fi, not IR
- does it have recent reviews
- does it mention Android TV / Google TV if your set uses that
If you want one app for multiple TVs, then yeah, what @mikeappsreviewer said about TVRem makes sense. Universal apps are handy if you’ve got a mixed setup at home.
One catch people miss: some Sony TVs need “Remote Start” or network control turned on in TV settings first. If pairing fails, that’s often why. Not the app. Took me way too long to figure that out lol.
So my short version:
- Try Google TV app first if your Sony runs Google TV/Android TV
- Try a universal app like TVRem if you want more features or brands
- Avoid old-looking Sony-only apps with sus subscription popups
- Make sure the TV and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi
If you post your exact Sony model, people can probly tell you which one will actually work.