Best Vizio TV Remote Apps for Android: Top 5 Picks

Your Android phone can replace a lost Vizio remote right now, no hardware required. I’ve tested these apps on a Vizio V-Series 2023 running VIZIO OS (the platform Walmart adopted after acquiring Vizio in December 2024) and on a 2019 SmartCast model to check backward compatibility. Here are my top 5 picks with honest notes on what each one actually does well.

#Why Use a Vizio TV Remote App on Android?

A remote app is worth having for a few specific situations:

• Your original Vizio remote is lost, damaged, or has dead batteries. If your Vizio remote is not working, an app is a faster fix than ordering a replacement.

• You need to type a search query and your physical remote lacks a keyboard

• You want voice control without buying a separate accessory

• You need to turn on your Vizio TV without the remote while you wait for a replacement

With the right app, your phone covers every button on the physical remote. Several also add features the original remote doesn’t have at all.

#Top 5 Vizio TV Remote Apps

#1. SURE Universal Smart TV Remote

SURE Universal works with a wide range of smart TVs and streaming devices, including VIZIO OS TVs. It’s the most capable app on this list if you own more than one brand of smart device.

Key Features:

• Control Vizio and other smart TVs, media streamers, and smart home devices

• Use voice commands to change channels, adjust volume, or launch apps hands-free

• Stream music and videos from your phone directly to your TV

• Transfer files between devices on your local network

Pricing: Free basic plan, premium plans start at $4.99/month

Compatibility: Android 5.0+

Downloads: 10,000,000+

Get it: SURE Universal on Google Play

#2. VIZIO Mobile

The official Vizio remote app for controlling VIZIO OS and older SmartCast TVs. It’s the only app that gives you full access to Vizio-specific picture calibration settings and input management.

Key Features:

• Full control of your Vizio TV and compatible soundbar from one interface

• Discover trending content and launch apps directly from the app

• Use your phone’s keyboard for fast text entry on your TV

• Access advanced settings like input, aspect ratio, and picture calibration

Pricing: Free

Compatibility: Varies by Vizio device (requires VIZIO OS or SmartCast TV from 2016 or later)

Downloads: 1,000,000+

Get it: VIZIO Mobile on Google Play

#3. TV Remote for Vizio SmartCast

A lightweight IR remote app designed specifically for Vizio TVs. It’s a solid backup option if your phone has an IR blaster and you want something focused on core remote functions.

Key Features:

• Clean interface that closely mimics a physical Vizio remote

• Uses IR, so no Wi-Fi setup is required

• Supports a wide range of Vizio TV models going back 10+ years

• Customize the button layout to your preferences

Pricing: Free, ad-supported

Compatibility: Android 4.0.3+, requires phone with IR blaster

Downloads: 100,000+

#4. TV Remote Control for Vizio TV

A network-based remote app for controlling modern Vizio TVs. It also supports IR on compatible phones, which makes it useful as a bridge if you’re upgrading from an older Vizio model.

Key Features:

• Control VIZIO OS and SmartCast TVs via Wi-Fi with no line-of-sight requirement

• Supports IR control up to 15 feet on compatible phones

• Launch apps like Netflix and Prime Video directly from the app

• Vibration feedback confirms button presses

Pricing: Free

Compatibility: Android 4.4+

Downloads: 100,000+

#5. VizRemote

A basic IR remote for Vizio TVs. It does one thing well: replace a lost physical remote on any phone that still has an IR blaster. No accounts, no ads, no in-app purchases.

Key Features:

• Simple interface focused on core remote functions

• No setup required — just point your phone at the TV sensor

• No ads or unnecessary permissions

• Completely free

Pricing: Free

Compatibility: Android 4.4+, requires phone with IR blaster

Downloads: 100,000+

#What Should You Look for in a Vizio Remote App?

Not every app works the same way. Keep these four factors in mind before downloading:

• Connection type: IR apps need your phone to have an IR blaster (a feature most phones dropped after 2020). Wi-Fi apps like VIZIO Mobile work on any modern Android phone and connect from any room in your home.

• TV model age: VIZIO OS and SmartCast TVs from 2016 or later work with Wi-Fi apps. Older models typically only respond to IR. If you’re unsure which you have, check vizio.com{rel=“noopener” target=“_blank”} for your model’s spec sheet.

• Features beyond the remote: SURE Universal adds voice control and multi-device support. VIZIO Mobile adds deep settings access. The others just replicate button presses.

• Permissions: Avoid any app that requests access to your contacts, call history, or SMS. A remote app only needs local network access or camera permission for IR. If you’re also troubleshooting your VIZIO OS setup, see my guide on VIZIO SmartCast not working for common connectivity fixes.

For older Vizio models or if you need universal remote codes, my Vizio TV universal remote codes guide covers the full code list for programming physical remotes as well.

#Frequently Asked Questions

#Can I use these apps to control a Vizio soundbar?

Yes. VIZIO Mobile controls both VIZIO OS TVs and compatible Vizio soundbars from a single interface. Check the app’s compatibility list for your specific soundbar model before downloading.

#Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi network?

Wi-Fi apps like VIZIO Mobile and TV Remote Control for Vizio TV require your phone and TV to share the same network. IR-based apps like VizRemote don’t use Wi-Fi at all since they communicate through your phone’s infrared blaster.

#What if my phone doesn’t have an IR blaster?

Use a Wi-Fi app. VIZIO Mobile is the best choice for VIZIO OS TVs, and SURE Universal works across multiple brands. Most Android phones made after 2020 no longer include an IR blaster, so Wi-Fi is the practical default.

#Can I control my TV from another room?

Wi-Fi apps work from anywhere in your home as long as your phone and TV are on the same network. IR apps require direct line of sight to the TV’s sensor, so same-room only.

#Are these apps safe to use?

All five apps listed here are on the Google Play Store and have been downloaded by at least 100,000 users each. Stick to well-known apps and skip any that request permissions unrelated to remote control, like access to your contacts or call history.

#Will these apps work with an older Vizio TV?

IR-based apps support the widest range of older models. Wi-Fi apps generally require a SmartCast or VIZIO OS TV from 2016 or later. Check the app listing for your specific model number if you’re unsure.

#Do any of these apps support voice control?

SURE Universal is the only app here with built-in voice commands. It lets you change channels, adjust volume, and launch apps by speaking into your phone’s microphone. The feature works on both the free and paid plans.

#Can I install multiple remote apps at the same time?

Yes, but only use one at a time. Running two IR apps simultaneously can cause conflicting signals. For Wi-Fi apps, your TV accepts commands from whichever app sends them first.

#Bottom Line

SURE Universal is my top pick for most people. Voice control, multi-device support, and 10 million downloads tell you it handles real-world use reliably. The $4.99/month premium tier is worth it if you control multiple smart devices from one phone.

If you own a VIZIO OS or SmartCast TV, download VIZIO Mobile first. It’s free and gives you settings access no third-party app can match. For older Vizio TVs paired with an IR-blaster phone, VizRemote gets the job done with zero friction.

Try one Wi-Fi app and one IR app if your phone supports both. They’re all free, so there’s no cost to finding out which one your specific TV responds to best.