How to Control a TV from Anywhere in 2026

In today's interconnected world, controlling a TV from anywhere is a game-changer, especially for assisting seniors remotely. For many families, the real goal is figuring out how to help elderly parents with a TV remotely when something stops working or a confusing menu appears.

Imagine being able to control TV from anywhere using only the phone in your pocket. Imagine helping seniors with their TVs without even leaving your house. Imagine sharing precious photos and videos on their screens and having real face-to-face conversations.

Thanks to technological advances, this is now possible. Caregivers can help elderly parents with their TV remotely to solve problems without needing to visit in person.

This article explores various methods to control a TV from anywhere, including smart TVs and non-smart TVs, and highlights key features to look for in remote control solutions tailored for seniors.

If your senior struggles with technology, having the ability to control the TV from anywhere can be a real time saver!

Unfortunately there are very limited options when it comes to remotely controlling a TV over the internet. Many apps are available to turn your smartphone into a remote control, but these do not allow you to control the TV if you are not on the same network.

Using the JubileeTV App, you can manage the senior's TV from anywhere, control their viewing experience remotely, share information, and help your loved one troubleshoot TV issues from afar.

There are a few things that make Jubilee TV's remote TV control unique:

• You do not have to be on the same wi-fi network as your loved one to control their TV with the JubileeTV app - you can be down the block or across the globe!
• A key differentiator of JubileeTV is its ability to see exactly what's playing on your loved one's TV screen in real time. No more flying blind when you're trying to fix their TV or put on a show for them - you can see what's happening without them having to describe it. Priceless.
• The other unique feature is that you have full control of the TV and everything that's connected from the mobile App. You can power on and off, control volume, change channels, find a show, start a movie, switch from cable to the Roku or DVD player, and more from anywhere.

In addition to controlling their TV from the internet, JubileeTV can help you keep in contact with your elderly loved ones through their TV. This includes video calling to the TV, sending photos and videos, scheduling reminders, and more.

The JubileeTV App is available from Google Play and AppStore, as well as through a web-based version.

JubileeTV works with most televisions and common entertainment setups. The system can control TVs from major manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL, as well as connected devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, cable boxes, and DVD players. 

Several remote control apps are available online that turn your smartphone into a remote, however, these apps do not allow you to control a TV from anywhere. Your loved one's TV must be connected to the same WIFI network as your mobile device.

Most smart TV manufacturers also have their own remote control apps for their products. For example, Samsung, TCL, Sony, and LG TVs have remote TV apps. While these apps allow you to use a smartphone as a remote, again you'll need to be on the same wifi network.

With the Google Home App it is possible to control an Android TV from an Android phone remotely over the internet for anywhere. You can download these these apps on your phone or tablet, and use them as remote over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Other third-party remote control apps, such as All TV, AnyMote, Peel Smart Remote, and SURE Universal Remote, can also turn your smartphone into a universal remote. Again, these require being on the same network and many of these apps earn revenue through advertising so you may encounter a barrage of annoying ads as you try to use the remote control app.

Most remote control apps connect to the TV via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or infrared, enabling remote access and control. They also use the phone IR blaster as a remote control for anything with an IR receiver, including TVs.

Aside from needing to be on the same wifi network, another major drawback of Smart TV apps as well as other remote control apps compared to technology like JubileeTV, is that you won't be able to actually see what's happening on the television when you're using your smartphone as a remote.

However, these types of apps may be a good option if you're in the same location as your loved one and don't need visibility into what's happening on their screen.

Streaming services that use devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV come with smartphone apps that can be used to control the TV.

Downloading and installing these apps allows you to control the streaming device from your phone. However, similar to remote control apps these apps require that your phone and the streaming device to be connected to the same network, so you won't be able to use streaming device apps to control the TV if you are in your home on a different wi-fi network.

Also similar to Remote Control Apps, streaming device apps also won't show you haven't happening on the TV as you're using the app to control your loved one's TV. You'll need to rely on your loved one's feedback to know that everything is working as it should.

Home automation can make life more convenient for your loved one by automating certain tasks. A smart home integration system installed in your loved one's home can automate things like security, lighting, and air conditioning and act as an elderly monitoring system for peace of mind.

Home automation systems may allow you to access different home-related controls from a mobile app, and execute actions remotely.

Smart home automation devices like Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant, and Apple Home Kit function through an internet connection.

By integrating home automation systems with smart TVs or streaming devices, you may be able to use mobile apps and voice commands to control the TV. Similar to other apps, you'll generally need to be on the same wifi network.

For seniors, home automation allows their technology to be adapted to meet their needs. For example, you can switching the TV on or off with a voice command, or puting their lights on schedule so that they turn off when they go to sleep.

A universal TV remote, or smart remote, consolidates the functionalities of various remote-control devices into a single unit.

A senior-friendly universal remote like JubileeTV can simplify TV for seniors by controling different devices from different manufacturers/brands, all from the internet. It lets you control multiple devices, including TVs, cable set-top box, streaming playerrs, and DVD players through a single interface.

Universal remotes, including JubileeTV, often have companion apps that enable remote access, providing a comprehensive solution for managing TV settings and other connected devices.

Unfortunately it's not possible to remotely control a smart TV through the internet. You will need to be on the same wi-fi network, making it impractical to provide remote TV control this way.

If your parent wants to watch apps on their Smart TV but needs assistance controlling the TV remotely, you can try instead connecting a streaming device like a Roku and adding a TV-based technology like JubileeTV.

With this setup, your loved one will be able to enjoy streaming content from apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, and you'll be able to use the JubileeTV app to control their TV remotely from anywhere.

No, you cannot control the TV remotely without the internet.

It may be possible to use your smartphone as a remote control without the internet if you have the right devices, but you will not be able to control the TV remotely. You'll need:

• Infrared Blasters: Some smartphones have built-in IR blasters that can act as remote controls for TVs without internet access.
• RF Remote Controls: Radiofrequency (RF) remote controls can operate over longer distances and through walls.
• Third-Party Solution: Some devices can control TVs using IR signals and can be accessed remotely via an app, even without direct internet access.

When choosing a remote control solution, especially for assisting seniors, consider the following features:

Look for remote control solutions that offer simple, intuitive, easy-to-use interfaces. Large buttons, clear labels, an app, and straightforward navigation ensure seniors can use the remote control without confusion.

Customizable settings allow you to tailor the remote control experience to the senior's specific needs. This includes adjusting font sizes, setting favorite channels, and creating personalized shortcuts.

Choose solutions that allow you to troubleshoot common issues like captions, input changes, and channel changing from a distance. This ensures that you can provide assistance without needing to be physically present.

Reliable customer service and tech support are essential. Ensure that the solution you choose offers robust support options, including phone, chat, and email support, to assist with any technical issues.

If you're trying to control a TV remotely and something isn't working, a few common issues are usually responsible. Use the quick troubleshooting guide below.

Check the following:

• Confirm the TV and any connected streaming devices are powered on.

• Make sure the remote-control device or hub is plugged in and connected properly.

• Verify the TV is set to the correct input.

This is usually a network issue, as many remote control apps only work when both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

• Confirm the TV or connected device is connected to the internet.

• Check that your phone or computer has an active internet connection.

• Restart the remote-control app and reconnect.

Most smartphone remote apps do not show the television screen. This means you must rely on the senior to describe what they see.

Multiple remotes or devices connected to the TV can sometimes conflict with each other. Try:

• Simplifying the setup so fewer remotes control the TV

• Ensuring only one device is sending commands

• Checking that voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home are not triggering commands unintentionally

Controlling a TV from anywhere is valuable, particularly for families trying to manage entertainment systems and help elderly parents with the TV remotely.

When selecting a solution, prioritize ease of use, customizable settings, troubleshooting capabilities, and strong customer support to ensure a smooth experience for you and the seniors you assist. JubileeTV offers you the best solution to control TV from anywhere and give your senior loved one comfort.