Article Insight:
- Sony TV’s dedicated remote app called the TV SideView has been discontinued.
- Sony Android/Google TV users can use Google TV as their remote app.
- Certain compatible third-party remote apps can also control Sony TV from mobile.
Having your Sony TV remote malfunctioning or not working can make controlling the TV very frustrating. What do you do when this happens? Well, this is where the Sony TV remote app comes in, which potentially replaces the physical remote and allows various direct actions. Stick to this article to learn about Sony TV’s remote app and its details.
Does Sony TV Have a Dedicated Remote App?
Sony TVs used to have its own remote app called the Video & TV SideView. This app was used to control the Sony BRAVIA TV remotely from a smartphone. It also allowed users to watch locally stored videos through the app.
However, in October 2019, the TV SideView app stopped its distribution on the App Store, and later, in April 2021, it stopped its Google Play Store support.
However, the relief is that Sony TVs started using Android and Google TV OS. So, there was no need for the TV SideView app because both OS TV models have a different remote app for themselves.
How to Control Sony Android & Google TV Using Remote App
The newer Sony TVs use the Google/Android OS, and you can use the Google TV app to control these TVs on your smartphone. You can install the Google TV app from the Play Store and App Store.
To control the Sony Android/Google TVs using the Google TV app,
- Turn on and connect your Sony TV to WiFi. Make sure your mobile is connected to the same Wi-Fi as your TV.
- Then open the Google TV app on your phone and select Connect TV → Select your TV → Enter the code displayed on the TV. Then, tap on Pair.
- Then, you can use the virtual remote to control your Sony TV.
![Select Connect TV to add your Sony TV](https://i0.wp.com/smarttvbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sony-TV-Remote-App-Tap-Connect-TV-1.jpg?resize=745%2C1024&ssl=1)
You can easily access your Sony TV’s remote on the app by selecting your TV name. On the remote control, you will see the following options:
- Power button: Tap this button to turn the Sony TV On/Off.
- Navigation pad: Use the arrow buttons to navigate your TV screen.
- Back button: Tap this button to return to previous screens.
- Home button: Press this button to return to the Home screen from anywhere.
- Mute & Volume: Use these buttons to adjust the volume or mute the audio.
- Assistant button: Tap this button to provoke the voice assistant & give commands.
- Swipe Control: Use this option to navigate using swiping gestures.
![Use the virtual remote to control Sony TV using remote app](https://i0.wp.com/smarttvbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sony-TV-Remote-app-Google-TV-remote.png?resize=755%2C835&ssl=1)
- When you select a text field on your TV screen, the virtual remote becomes a keyboard so you can type on your phone.
Alternate Sony TV Remote Apps
The Google TV app isn’t the only app you can use to control your Sony TV with a smartphone. You can also link your Sony TV to the Google Home app and control your TV. Universal remote apps compatible with Sony TV also have authority in accession.
The Google Home app is available on both the Play Store & App Store.
For the best universal remote app, try the following suggestions.
- Universal TV Remote Control: Install from Play Store.
- Universal TV Remote Control For All TV: Download from Play Store.
- TV Remote – Universal Control: Install from the App Store and Play Store.
- You can pair your Sony TV with these apps using Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi Direct/LAN and go through the respective pairing process.
- After connection, perform the remote actions & make use of other functionalties available on the app you have preferred.
Alternatively, the Infrared (IR) Control apps doesn’t require Wi-Fi or any setup. If your phone or tablet has a built-in IR blaster, you can just point your phone at your TV and use the virtual remote to control it. The following are some of the popular third-party Sony TV remote apps.
- Remote Control for TV – All TV: Download from Play Store (Unavailable on App Store)
- Universal TV Remote Control: Install from Play Store and App Store.
Sony TVs might not have their own remote apps, but there are not many remote apps that are better than the Google Home app to control it. However, since there are many third-party Universal Remote apps, you can give those apps a try and use the one you prefer the most to control your Sony TV.