How To Control My Sony Tv With My Phone

Okay, let's be honest. Remotes are overrated. Don’t @ me. I said what I said.

They're always disappearing. They hide under cushions, get eaten by the dog, or just...vanish into thin air. It’s a conspiracy, I tell you.

My solution? My phone. It's always with me anyway. So, let's turn that trusty device into a Sony TV controlling powerhouse!

Option 1: The Official Route (and it’s Pretty Good!)

First, download the Sony “Video & TV SideView” app. Or maybe it’s called “TV SideView.” Or…something like that. Honestly, Sony changes the name every Tuesday, I swear.

Find it on the App Store or Google Play. Just search "Sony TV remote app." You'll recognize the icon eventually.

Make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. This is crucial. They need to “talk” to each other, like gossiping neighbors.

Open the app. It will probably ask you to find your TV. Let it do its thing. It's usually pretty good at spotting your Sony friend.

Select your TV from the list. The app might ask for a code. This will pop up on your TV screen. Enter it into the app.

Boom! You're connected! Now you can control your TV. With your phone! Victory is yours! Use your phone to adjust the volume and browse channels.

Bonus Tip: Keyboard Time!

The app often has a keyboard function. This is a lifesaver. Especially when searching for shows on Netflix or YouTube. No more tedious clicking through the on-screen keyboard!

Option 2: Third-Party Apps (The Wild West!)

If the official app doesn't tickle your fancy, venture into the wild west of third-party apps. But be warned, it's a jungle out there.

Many universal remote apps claim to work with Sony TVs. Some even do! Others…well, let’s just say proceed with caution. Read the reviews!.

Apps like "Universal Remote" or "AnyMote" are worth checking out. But always, always be mindful of the permissions you grant. Privacy, people!

Test them out. See if they work. If they don't, uninstall them. There are plenty of fish in the app store sea.

Option 3: Google Assistant/Alexa (The Voice of Command!)

If you're feeling fancy, you can control your Sony TV with your voice. Using Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. It’s very Star Trek.

First, make sure your Sony TV is compatible. Most newer models are. Check your TV's specs online. Or just shout at it and see if it responds!

Link your Sony account to your Google or Amazon account. The setup process varies. Follow the instructions in the Google Home or Alexa app.

Now you can say things like, "Hey Google, turn on the TV." Or, "Alexa, volume up on the TV." Feel the power!

Just remember to use the correct TV name. I renamed mine "The Boob Tube" to avoid confusion. My spouse was thrilled.

Unpopular Opinion Time!

Here's my unpopular opinion. Controlling your TV with your phone is actually better than using a remote. There, I said it!

Why? Because my phone is always charged. The batteries in remotes always die at the worst possible moment. Like during the season finale of my favorite show.

Also, the keyboard! The keyboard is a game changer. Searching for things is so much faster. I can find cat videos in record time.

So ditch the remote. Embrace the future. Control your Sony TV with your phone. You'll thank me later. Or not. But I still think I'm right.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go watch some cat videos on my Sony TV. Using my phone, of course. Happy viewing!