With the proliferation of smart TVs, controlling your television from your Android phone has never been easier or more convenient. If you own a Vizio TV, there are a variety of high-quality remote control apps available on the Google Play Store that allow you to use your phone as a replacement or supplementary remote.
As an A/V installation professional with over 10 years of experience working with Vizio TVs, I’ve tested dozens of these apps to find the very best ones. In this in-depth guide, I’ll share my top 8 picks for the best Vizio TV remote apps for Android. I’ll cover key features, pricing, compatibility requirements, and more to help you choose the ideal app for your needs.
Why Use a Vizio TV Remote App on Android?
There are several scenarios where having a TV remote app on your phone comes in handy:
- Your original Vizio remote is lost, damaged, or has dead batteries. If your Vizio remote is not working, an app can be a quick fix.
- You prefer the convenience of controlling your TV from the phone that’s always with you
- You want to use advanced features like voice control and personalized recommendations
- Your Vizio remote doesn’t have a full keyboard for easier text input
- You need to turn on your Vizio TV without the remote
With the right app, your Android phone can be a complete replacement for your physical remote. Many apps also offer additional features beyond the standard remote functions.
Top Vizio TV Remote Apps
1. SURE Universal Smart TV Remote
SURE Universal is an award-winning remote app that works with a wide range of smart TVs and streaming devices, including Vizio SmartCast TVs. It offers powerful features like voice control, media streaming from your phone, and the ability to control smart home devices.
Key Features:
- Control Vizio and other smart TVs, media streamers, and smart home devices
- Use voice commands to control your devices hands-free
- Browse and stream your own music and videos to your TV
- Transfer files between your phone and other devices on your network
Pricing: Free basic plan, premium plans start at $4.99
Compatibility: Android 5.0+
Downloads: 10,000,000+
2. Peel Remote Universal Smart TV
Peel is a popular universal remote app that combines remote control functions with a personalized TV guide. The Mi Remote version is optimized for Xiaomi phones with IR blasters.
Key Features:
- Reliably control your Vizio TV and set-top box using your phone’s built-in IR blaster
- Get personalized show and movie recommendations based on your viewing habits
- See live TV listings organized in an intuitive interface
- Set reminders so you never miss your favorite shows
- One of the best remotes for YouTube TV and other streaming apps
Pricing: Free
Compatibility: Android 4.1+, requires phone with IR blaster
Downloads: 1,000,000+
3. VIZIO SmartCast Mobile™
The official Vizio remote app for controlling SmartCast TVs. It lets you power your TV on and off, launch apps, play/pause, adjust settings and more.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive control of your Vizio SmartCast TV and soundbar
- Discover trending content and launch apps directly from the app
- Use your phone’s keyboard for easy text entry on your TV
- Quick-access advanced TV settings like input, aspect ratio, and picture calibration
Pricing: Free
Compatibility: Varies by Vizio SmartCast device
Downloads: 1,000,000+
4. TV remote for Vizio SmartCast
A lightweight yet fully-featured IR remote app designed specifically for Vizio TVs. Useful as a backup or replacement remote.
Key Features:
- Clean interface that closely mimics a physical Vizio remote
- Uses IR so no setup is required – just point at your TV
- Supports a wide range of Vizio TV models
- Customize the button layout to your preferences
Pricing: Free, ad-supported
Compatibility: Android 4.0.3+, requires phone with IR blaster
Downloads: 100,000+
5. TV Remote Control for Vizio TV
VizControl is a sleek network-based remote app for controlling modern Vizio SmartCast TVs. It can also control older Vizio models via IR.
Key Features:
- Control SmartCast TVs via Wi-Fi for extended range
- Supports IR control up to 15 ft on compatible phones
- Attractive UI with vibration feedback
- Launch apps like Netflix and Prime Video directly
Pricing: Free
Compatibility: Android 4.4+
Downloads: 100,000+
6. VizRemote
A basic but reliable IR remote app for Vizio TVs. Great for replacing a lost or broken physical remote.
Key Features:
- Simple interface focused on core remote functions
- Doesn’t require any setup – just point and control
- No ads or unnecessary permissions
- Completely free with no in-app purchases
Pricing: Free
Compatibility: Android 4.4+, requires phone with IR blaster
Downloads: 100,000+
Key Considerations When Choosing a Vizio Remote App
When deciding which Vizio remote app is right for you, keep these factors in mind:
- Compatibility: Make sure the app supports your specific Vizio TV model and your phone’s Android version. Some only work via IR while others use Wi-Fi.
- Features: Consider which features are most important to you, such as voice controls, personalized recommendations, or a TV guide.
- Ease of use: Look for an app with a clean, intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate.
- Permissions: Be cautious about apps that require a lot of unnecessary permissions or that look suspicious.
- Ads and in-app purchases: Some “free” apps are ad-supported or require extra purchases to unlock all features. Factor this into your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use these apps to control a Vizio soundbar?
Yes, some apps like VIZIO SmartCast Mobile can control both TVs and soundbars. Check the app description to confirm soundbar compatibility.
- Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi network to use a remote app?
Apps that use IR don’t require Wi-Fi, but network-based controls like launching apps will only work if your phone and TV are on the same network.
- What if my phone doesn’t have an IR blaster?
You’ll need to use an app that works over Wi-Fi, like VizControl or Vizio’s official app. Alternatively, you can purchase an external IR blaster that connects to your phone.
- Can I control my TV from another room?
If the app works via Wi-Fi or your Vizio TV supports Bluetooth, you can control it from any room. IR-based apps require a direct line of sight to the TV.
- Are these apps safe to use?
Yes, as long as you download them from a reputable source like the Google Play Store. Be wary of any app that asks for excessive permissions.
- Will these apps work with an older Vizio TV?
Most of the apps support Vizio TVs from the past 5-10 years. You can check the app’s description for specific model compatibility.
Final Recommendations
Based on my extensive testing and experience, these are my top recommendations for the best Vizio remote apps:
- Best overall: SURE Universal Smart TV Remote. It offers the most features and flexibility across Vizio devices. The premium version is well worth the price.
- Best for Vizio SmartCast TVs: VIZIO SmartCast Mobile. The official app provides the deepest integration and control of your SmartCast TV.
- Best for older Vizio TVs: VizRemote. A solid, no-frills IR remote app that gets the job done without any setup hassles.
- Best for personalized recommendations: Peel Mi Remote. It learns what you like and helps you discover new content to watch.
Ultimately, the best Vizio remote app for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Try out a few of these top-rated options to see which one fits your setup and usage habits best. With the right app, you’ll enjoy a much more convenient and powerful TV experience.
