---
title: "Put your iPhone and TV on the same Wi-Fi network"
description: "Simple TV Remote talks to your TV over your home network. Here is how to make sure both are on the same one, including mesh, guest and dual-band networks."
canonical: "https://simpletvremote.com/help/same-wi-fi-network/"
language: "en"
---

Help

# Put your iPhone and TV on the same Wi-Fi network

Your iPhone and TV must be on the same home network, and not a guest network, so they can see each other.

## Check both devices

1.  On your iPhone, open Settings › Wi-Fi and note the network name.
2.  On your TV, open its network settings and check that it is connected to the same network, by Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable.
3.  If your router has separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz names, either is usually fine as long as both are part of the same home network. If the TV still isn’t found, put both devices on the same name.

## Networks that block devices from seeing each other

-   Guest networks almost always isolate devices. Use your main network.
-   Some routers have “AP isolation”, “client isolation” or “device isolation”. Turn it off for your home network.
-   Mesh systems normally work. If one node puts devices on a separate subnet, ask your router’s app to use bridge mode or a single network.
-   Hotel, dorm, office and public Wi-Fi usually block it, so the app won’t work on them.

## VPNs and Private Relay

A VPN on your iPhone can send local traffic away from your home network. Pause the VPN or allow local network access in its settings. iCloud Private Relay does not affect local devices.

## Questions

Why do my iPhone and TV need to be on the same Wi-Fi?

Because the app talks to your TV directly over your home network. iPhones have no IR blaster, so there’s no other way for an app to reach the TV.

Can I use a TV remote app without Wi-Fi?

Not on an iPhone. The TV and iPhone must share a network. If your router is down, use the buttons on the TV until it’s back.

My router has a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network. Does that matter?

Usually not, as long as both are part of the same home network. If the app can’t find your TV, put both on the same network name.

Does it work on guest Wi-Fi?

No. Guest networks keep devices apart on purpose. Put your iPhone and TV on your main network.

Does it work with a mesh system?

Yes, normally. If one node puts devices on a separate network, switch it to bridge mode in your mesh system’s app.

Does a VPN on my iPhone stop it working?

It can. Pause the VPN, or allow local network access in its settings, then try again.

## More help

[Troubleshooting →](https://simpletvremote.com/help/troubleshooting/)[Turn on from standby →](https://simpletvremote.com/help/turn-on-tv-from-iphone/)[Find your model number →](https://simpletvremote.com/help/find-your-model-number/)[Allow Local Network access on iPhone →](https://simpletvremote.com/help/local-network-permission/)[What the free compatibility check tests →](https://simpletvremote.com/help/free-compatibility-check/)[Restore your purchase →](https://simpletvremote.com/help/restore-purchases/)[Why Simple TV Remote can’t control infrared-only TVs →](https://simpletvremote.com/help/why-no-infrared/)[TV remote not working →](https://simpletvremote.com/tv-remote-not-working/)[Lost TV remote →](https://simpletvremote.com/lost-tv-remote/)

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