Best IPTV Remote Control Apps (UK 2026)

A physical remote is fine for basic navigation, but typing a search query letter by letter with arrow keys gets old fast, and hunting for a small remote down the sofa during a live match is worse. A phone-based remote app solves both problems, and most people who try one do not go back.

Why bother with a remote app

The main benefits are speed and comfort: typing on a phone keyboard is far quicker than an on-screen keyboard navigated with arrow keys, and a touchscreen trackpad-style control feels more natural for scrolling through a long channel list or EPG grid. It is also handy as a backup if your original remote goes missing or the batteries die mid-match.

Manufacturer remote apps

• Official device remote apps — most major platforms, including Fire TV, Android TV and Google TV, offer their own official remote app for iOS and Android that mirrors the physical remote's buttons plus adds voice search and a keyboard. These are usually the simplest option since they are built by the device maker and just work.
• Universal remote apps — some general-purpose remote apps support a wide range of streaming boxes and TVs from one app, useful if your household has a mix of devices from different brands.

Built-in controls inside your IPTV player

Many compatible IPTV player apps also offer their own companion remote or second-screen app, letting you browse the channel list, search and change channels directly from your phone while the picture plays on the TV. This tends to feel more integrated than a generic device remote because it understands your channel list and EPG rather than just sending basic button presses.

Getting the most out of it

Once set up, keep your phone on the same Wi-Fi network as your streaming device for the smoothest connection, and check whether your player app's remote supports typing directly into the search bar — that alone saves the most time night to night. If you are still deciding which player app to use in the first place, our guide to the best IPTV player apps for Firestick covers the main options and their remote features.

Setting things up properly

If you are configuring a new device and want the right player and remote combination from day one, our setup hub walks through each platform, and we are always happy to recommend a pairing that suits your exact devices over WhatsApp once you are a customer.

Want to see how smooth the whole experience is, remote included? Start a 6-hour free trial and try it on your own devices before deciding on anything.