It’s no doubt that remotes were created out of convenience. Who wants to get up to change a channel once they’re in that comfy recliner, especially when you can just push a button on a handy device at your side? The problem with that device, though is that it’s small, always being misplaced, and can even be the cause of arguments and chaos!

You can control your Insignia TV from your phone, whether you have an Android or an iPhone. There are apps specifically designed to work with Insignia TVs, and there are also general universal remote apps.

Cleverly, someone thought of the ‘lost remote’ issues—the solution:  A phone app designed to help you navigate your Insignia TV. Just don’t lose your phone! It’s even better than just buying a new remote for your TV. In this article, you’ll learn how to use your Insignia Phone App and even some tips and tricks for keeping that remote within your arm’s reach at all times.

Where to Find the Remote Apps

Before downloading any apps, the most important thing you have to do to be able to control your Insignia TV from your phone is to ensure your phone and TV are connected to the same WiFi. If they’re not, the setup process won’t work when it comes to pairing your phone with the TV. Once they’re hooked to the same WiFi, you can download the app of your choice.

You’ll need to go to your app store whether you have an Android or iPhone. Android users should search for “Insignia TV Remote” from the GooglePlay store, as iPhone users would search the same in the App Store.     

Read the reviews if you want to check out any other apps besides the one Insignia makes. Once you have selected your remote app, you can follow the onscreen prompts to easily set up your Insignia TV phone remote with the app you’ve chosen to use. The app will direct you on how to pair your phone app with your TV. 

If you are using an iPhone, there are a few ways you can control your Insignia TV with it.

Non-Samsung users should skip ahead past the next part (unless you want to learn about IR Blasters and what they do)!

Samsung Compatibility

Usually, having a newer model or the latest model phone, is a blessing because all the new features come preset. Samsung, however, made some changes, and IR (Infrared) Blasters are not being installed on new devices. This makes it impossible to communicate with infrared-controlled devices, or namely, create a phone remote.

An IR Blaster works by transmitting infrared signals instead of remote-controlled punches. With this software being MIA in new Samsung devices, it handicaps users who wish to indulge in the phone remote feature.     

Samsung encourages users to invest in an IR Blaster device to combat this disadvantage. The device serves as an externally functioning software that enables users to deploy their phones as TV remotes. 

From there, you’ll be able to control your Insignia Fire TV from your phone once setup is established.

Insignia Roku TV

If you’ve purchased an Insignia TV with a Roku operating system, you’ll want to download the Roku Remote App. Search for Roku Remote App in the GooglePlay store or App Store. Download the app and follow the on-screen prompts to establish a connection between your phone and Insignia TV. 

What are the Reviews? 

Is having the phone app worth it? Reviews from both Google Playstore and Apple AppStore customers have been mixed. Most users find the apps to be useful but do admit to occasional glitches. These include having to press the “remote” multiple times for a single command, having to be extremely accurate with the button you’re selecting or having IR blaster issues. 

Some things you can do to troubleshoot these issues are to:

  • Make sure nothing is blocking the TV, especially if you’re using an IR blaster.Check if the app, your TV, and phone need updates.Uninstall and reinstall the app. Confirm the WiFi your phone and TV are connected to are the same. Sometimes the WiFi may switch if you have the same device connected to different WiFi points in your home.

Other users, however, disagree and stated that their app download worked well for them and they enjoy utilizing the stress-free option.

Final Thoughts

Insignia’s Remote App for phone use can be extremely convenient and a wonderful alternative to a traditional remote. There are also additional options available if your Insignia TV has a Roku or Fire operating system. 

Downloading the phone app from either Google’s PlayStore or Apple’s App Store will allow you to safeguard your remote or have a backup plan when it’s missing. It’s a win-win situation!