Connecting a Google TV or Android TV
Google TV and Android TV sets and boxes (Chromecast with Google TV, Google TV Streamer, NVIDIA SHIELD, Sony, TCL, Hisense, Philips, Xiaomi and others) pair with a code, once.
- Pick your TV from the list. The TV switches its screen on if it needs to.
- A 6-character code appears on the TV. It uses numbers and the letters A–F only, so an O is a 0 and an I is a 1.
- Type it in the app. Upper or lower case both work.
After that, the app connects automatically, also when the TV gets a new IP address. If the TV is reset, it asks for a new code once.
If it doesn't work
- TV not in the list, or no code appears: the TV needs an up-to-date Android TV Remote Service. On the TV, open Settings > Apps > See all apps > Show system apps > Android TV Remote Service and update it (it comes from the Play Store). TVs with version 4 or older can't be controlled from phones until it's updated. Not listed at all? Add the TV by its IP address.
- Still no code, or it keeps asking to pair again: in the same place choose Force stop, then Clear storage, restart the TV and pair again.
- The code didn't match: the TV shows a new code each time. Enter the newest one. If you stop halfway, press Back on the TV so the code doesn't stay on screen.
- The TV says “Use the keyboard on your mobile device”: that appears while the app is connected. Type from the app, or choose Gboard as the TV's keyboard (Settings > System > Keyboard).
- Volume shows no level: Chromecast, Google TV Streamer and SHIELD pass the volume to your TV over HDMI. Volume up, down and mute work; setting an exact level doesn't.
- An app opens the Play Store instead: Google changed how apps are opened from phones in 2026. Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Plex and Twitch open directly; for others, open them from the TV's home screen.
Fire TV is different: see Connecting a Fire TV.