Guide

Use your phone
as a TV remote.

No remote in sight? Your iPhone can be one. Here's how to control your Google TV, Android TV or smart TV in under a minute — free.

Download on theApp StoreFree · no account
Zap

How it works

Your phone is a TV remote in under a minute

1 · Download Zap

Get Zap free from the App Store and open it on your iPhone.

2 · Same Wi-Fi

Make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi. Zap finds your TV automatically.

3 · Tap to connect

Pick your TV from the list — it connects in seconds and your phone becomes a full remote.

Ready?

Turn your phone into the remote.

Free on the App Store. Point, tap, done.

Download on theApp Store

Which TVs and devices work

Zap works with any Google TV, Android TV or streaming device on your Wi‑Fi — including Sony, TCL, Hisense, Philips and Xiaomi TVs, Chromecast with Google TV, NVIDIA Shield and Mi Box. All you need is your iPhone on the same Wi‑Fi network, and a full remote — D‑pad, keyboard, voice search and touchpad — is instantly on your phone. No infrared, no line of sight, and nothing to install on the TV.

How your phone talks to the TV

Zap turns your iPhone into a remote over your home Wi‑Fi — the same wireless network your TV is already on. When you tap a button, your phone sends the command straight to the TV across the network, so there’s no infrared, no line of sight and nothing to pair with a cable. Because it rides Wi‑Fi instead of an infrared beam, you can point your phone anywhere in the room — even from the next room — and the TV still responds instantly.

If it doesn't work

My TV doesn't appear
Make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi‑Fi (not a guest network), the TV is switched on, then tap Search again. Some routers block devices from seeing each other — turn off AP/client isolation.
No pairing code on the TV
A few TVs need “network control”, “remote & accessories” or a similar option enabled in their settings first. Enable it, reopen Zap and reconnect.
The buttons feel slow
Lag is almost always Wi‑Fi. Move closer to the router, or connect the TV to a 5 GHz network for an instant, snappy response.

FAQ

Questions, answered

Can any phone be a TV remote?
An iPhone with Zap can control any Google TV, Android TV or compatible smart TV on the same Wi-Fi network.
Does it need internet?
No internet needed — just the same local Wi-Fi. Zap talks to your TV directly over the network.
Is it really free?
Yes. The full remote is free with ads; Premium removes ads and adds extras.
Can I use it without the original remote?
Yes — Zap fully replaces a lost or broken remote while the TV is on and on Wi‑Fi. To power a fully‑off TV back on, enable Network Standby / Wake‑on‑LAN in your TV settings first.
Which TVs are supported?
Google TV, Android TV and most smart TVs and streaming players — Sony, TCL, Hisense, Philips, Xiaomi, Chromecast and NVIDIA Shield among them.
Can I type and search by voice?
Yes. Zap includes a keyboard and voice search that go straight into your TV's search box, so you never peck at an on‑screen keyboard.
Does my phone need to be on the same Wi‑Fi as the TV?
Yes. Zap and your TV talk over your local Wi‑Fi, so both need to be on the same network. Nothing leaves your home and no internet connection is required.
Can I use my phone as a universal TV remote?
Zap is a full remote for any Google TV, Android TV or streaming device on your Wi‑Fi — Sony, TCL, Hisense, Philips, Xiaomi, Chromecast and NVIDIA Shield included. It replaces those remotes completely from one app.