TCL · Android TV · 2020–2024

TCL Android TV remote app for iPhone

Yes. Simple TV Remote controls TCL Android TV sets from your iPhone over Wi-Fi. Check yours free, then pay $5.99 once.

Coming soon to iPhoneCheck your TVFree check · $5.99 once · No subscription

Check your TCL model

Try , ,

Model years
2020–2024
Model codes
24
Markets
United Kingdom, United States, Canada
Platform
Android TV

TCL Android TV remote lost, or only half working? Your iPhone can control the TV over your home Wi-Fi: menus, volume, apps and typing. Try it free on your own TV, then it's $5.99 once.

What works

TCL's 2020–2021 UK C-Series and P-Series, some later UK P-Series and C6 models, and the US 3- and 4-Series Android TV run Android TV, the older Google platform Simple TV Remote is built for; they aren't tested yet.

  • Navigation and OK
  • Volume and mute
  • KeyboardSome apps, like YouTube, use their own keyboard and ignore typed text.
  • Open apps
  • Turn off

On your TV

Turn these on once with your TV remote. Menu names can differ slightly by year and region.

  1. Connect the TV to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone

    Settings › Network & Internet

  2. Install any pending system update

    For turn on from standby

    Updates can include a newer Android TV Remote Service, which makes pairing more likely to work.

In the app

Pairing takes about a minute, once per TV.

  1. Connect your iPhone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network

    Guest networks and Wi-Fi with device isolation block local control.

    Source

  2. Open Simple TV Remote and pick your TV

  3. Type the code shown on your TV

    The TV shows a short code the first time you connect. After that, the app reconnects without a code.

    Source

  4. Let the TV turn on from standby

    For turn on from standby

    Look for your TV maker's network standby setting (for example Sony "Remote start" or TCL "Screenless service"). Your TV's page lists the exact menu path.

Can’t find your TV? Add it by IP address

If your TV doesn’t show up in the app, tap “Can’t find it?” and type the TV’s IP address. Here’s where the TV shows it.

  1. Find the TV's IP address (older Android TV menus)

    Settings › Device › Network › WiFi › Your Wi-Fi network › Status Info

    Google documents this menu for Android TV; newer Google TV menus may differ.

    Source

Models

24 model codes from 2020–2024 for United Kingdom, United States, Canada. Codes are exact for their region. ·· stands for the screen size, so ··S434-CA covers 43S434-CA, 50S434-CA and so on.

United States: Most US TCL TVs from these years run Roku TV. The US Android TV models were the 3-Series (2020) and 4-Series S434.

Model codeSeriesYearMarketSizes (in)
55C655K
Model year inferred from the code's year digit.
C652024UK55
55P755K
Model year inferred from the code's year digit.
P752024UK55
43C645K50C645K55C645K65C645K75C645K85C645K
TCL UK lists it as Android TV while the C745K is Google TV. Model year inferred from the code's year digit.
C642023UK43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85
50P638K
Model year inferred from the code's year digit.
P632022UK50
43P735K50P735K55P735K65P735K
Model year inferred from the code's year digit.
P732022UK43, 50, 55, 65
43S434-CA50S434-CA55S434-CA65S434-CA75S434-CA
Code from TCL Canada's catalog (US code plus -CA); the US listing was not checked. Year inferred.
4-Series Android TV2021CA43, 50, 55, 65, 75
55C725K
Model year inferred from the code's year digit.
C722021UK55
55C728K
Model year inferred from the code's year digit.
C722021UK55
65C825K
Model year inferred from the code's year digit.
C82 Mini-LED2021UK65
55P725K
Model year inferred from the code's year digit.
P722021UK55
55C815K
Model year inferred from the code's year digit.
C812020UK55
50P615K
Model year inferred from the code's year digit.
P612020UK50

How to read a TCL model number

Hover over or tap each part of the code.

US 2023–2024

65Q650G
  • 65Screen size class in inches
  • Q6Class and tier (S3, S4, S5, Q5, Q6, Q7, QM7, QM8)
  • 50Generation: 50 = 2023, 51 = 2024
  • GPlatform: G Google TV, R Roku TV, F Fire TV

US 2025 onward

75QM8K
  • 75Screen size class in inches
  • QM8Series
  • KYear letter: K 2025, L 2026

US 2017–2022

55S535
  • 55Screen size class in inches
  • S5Series (S3/S4/S5, R6/R7, Q8)
  • 3Year digit: 1 2018 … 5 2022
  • 5Variant

No platform letter: most are Roku TV, but the S546 and R646 are Google TV and the S434 is Android TV.

UK 2020–2024

55C745K
  • 55Screen size class in inches
  • C7Range and tier (C premium, P mainstream; RP/RS/RC Roku TV; SF/PF Fire TV)
  • 4Year digit: 1 2020 … 5 2024
  • 5Variant
  • KUK/European suffix

Year digits are inferred from launch timing.

Troubleshooting

Most problems come from the network or one TV setting. Start at the top.

The TV doesn't appear in the app
  1. Make sure your iPhone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network, not a guest network.
  2. Allow Local Network access for Simple TV Remote in iPhone Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network.
  3. Restart the TV: unplug it, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in.
  4. Check that the TV is a Google TV or Android TV. TVs with only Chromecast built-in can't be controlled this way.
No pairing code shows on the TV
  1. Turn the TV on and leave it on the home screen; the code only shows while the screen is on.
  2. On the TV, update Android TV Remote Service: open Google Play on the TV, search for "Android TV Remote Service" and choose Update.
  3. If it still fails, go to Settings > Apps > Show system apps > Android TV Remote Service and choose Force stop, then Clear storage. Then pair again.
The app asks to pair again every time
  1. Clear the storage of Android TV Remote Service on the TV (Settings > Apps > Show system apps > Android TV Remote Service > Clear storage), restart the TV and pair once more.
  2. Give the TV a fixed address in your router so it doesn't change after a power cut.
The TV won't turn on from the app
  1. Wake works only from standby. A TV that was unplugged or switched off at the wall can't be woken over Wi-Fi.
  2. Turn on your TV maker's network standby setting. See your TV's page for the exact menu path.
  3. On Android TV 14 sets, a low-power energy mode may turn the network off in standby. Choose a mode that keeps the network on.
  4. If the TV uses Ethernet, try Wi-Fi, or the other way round. Some TVs only wake on one of them.
Volume doesn't change on a Chromecast, Google TV Streamer or SHIELD
  1. Turn on HDMI-CEC on your TV and on any soundbar or receiver in between.
  2. On the streamer, set Settings > Remotes & Accessories > Set up remote buttons > Volume control to "Auto (CEC)".

How to use your iPhone as a TCL Android TV remote

  1. Join the same Wi-FiConnect your iPhone and the TV to the same home Wi-Fi network. Guest networks often keep devices apart.
  2. Pick your TV in the appOpen Simple TV Remote and choose your TV. The free check runs on your own TV before you pay.
  3. Type the code from the TVThe TV shows a short code the first time. Type it on your iPhone once, and the app remembers the TV.
  4. Let your iPhone turn the TV onOptional: turn on Networked standby in Settings > Network & Internet. It works from standby only.

Questions

Is there a TCL Android TV remote app for iPhone?

Yes. Simple TV Remote is a TCL Android TV remote app for iPhone that works with TCL Android TV sets running Android TV. It pairs over your home Wi-Fi and sends real commands in a free check, so you know it works on your exact TV before you pay $5.99, once.

How do I turn on a TCL TV without the remote?

Press the button on the TV, which TCL says is usually under or behind the TCL logo. If the TV responds to that button but not the remote, the remote is the problem. Once the TV is on Wi-Fi, your iPhone can be the remote.

How do I pair a TCL Android TV remote?

Open Settings > Remotes & Accessories on the TV and pair the remote from there. If you have no working remote to reach that menu, use the TV's button, a USB keyboard, or your iPhone. Fresh batteries help.

Why does my TCL remote do power but not voice?

Power and basic buttons use infrared, which works without pairing, but voice needs a Bluetooth pairing. Pair the remote again. If it works only when pointed straight at the TV, the pairing is the problem.

What if my TCL remote still won't pair?

Take the batteries out for 10 seconds, ideally swap in fresh ones, and move Bluetooth headphones or speakers away. Then unplug the TV for 60 seconds and try again. You can also pair from Settings > Remotes & Accessories if you can reach the menus another way, such as with your iPhone.

How do I connect my TCL TV to Wi-Fi without the remote?

You need a remote or the TV's own buttons for that step. Phone apps, including Simple TV Remote and Google's, can only find a TV that's already on your Wi-Fi. TCL lists a USB keyboard and the TV's own button as ways to move around the menus. After that, your iPhone can take over.

Can my iPhone turn on a TCL Android TV?

Sometimes, from standby. TCL's 2020 manuals describe a Networked standby setting in Settings > Network & Internet, so turn that on. If it still won't wake, press the TV's button, and the app takes over once it's on.

Can I use the Google TV app as a TCL Android TV remote?

Yes. Google's free Google TV app works as a remote on iPhone: tap TVs nearby, pick your TV and type the code it shows. Simple TV Remote is a simpler, remote-first option with big buttons, a keyboard and no account, for $5.99 once after a free check.

Is the C645K Android TV or Google TV?

TCL UK's support page calls it Android TV, while its sister C745K is Google TV. Our app pairs with either.

Where do I find the model number?

Settings > System > About > Product Information on the TV, or the label on the back.

Which TCL Android TV models work with Simple TV Remote?

TCL Android TV TVs from 2020–2024 work, including the 4-Series Android TV, P61, C81, C72, P72, C82 Mini-LED, P73, P63 series sold in United Kingdom and United States and Canada. Search for your exact model code in the table on this page.

How do I connect my iPhone to a TCL Android TV TV?

Put your iPhone and TV on the same Wi-Fi, open Simple TV Remote and pick your TV. Type the code the TV shows once, and the app remembers it.

About these TVs

TCL launched its first Android TV models in the US in June 2020 with the 3-Series, sold at Best Buy. In the UK, TCL's 2020 and 2021 C-Series and P-Series ran Android TV.

From 2022 TCL moved most UK C-Series models to Google TV, but TCL UK still lists some later models as Android TV, including the P735K, C645K, C655K and P755K. Both platforms include the remote service Simple TV Remote uses.

These models aren't hardware-tested, and Android TV menus vary by year, so the free compatibility check is the way to confirm.

Sources

Every compatibility fact on this page comes from these sources. Dates show when we last checked each one. How we build the TV list.

  1. TCL: First televisions with Android TV in the US (2020)
  2. TCL Canada product catalog
  3. TCL UK support: 50P615K
  4. TCL UK support: 65C825K
  5. TCL UK support: 55P735K
  6. TCL UK support: 55C645K
  7. TCL UK support: 55P755K
  8. TCL UK support: 55C655K
  9. TCL UK support: 50P638K
  10. TCL UK: find the model number
  11. Google TV
  12. Android TV Remote Service (Google Play listing: requires Android 7.0+, v7.00.956317615, updated Sep 6, 2026)
  13. Google TV Help: Cast, connect & control your TV with the Google TV app
  14. Google TV Help: Fix problems with the Google TV virtual remote
  15. Android TV Help: How Android TV services use your data
  16. Streaming Help: Use your phone as the remote for your Chromecast or Google TV Streamer
  17. Android 12 for TV release notes
  18. Android 13 for TV release notes (developer release only)
  19. Android 14 for TV release notes
  20. Android Developers Blog: Everything you need to know about Google TV and Android TV OS (May 2024)
  21. androidtvremote2 protocol reference (Apache-2.0)
  22. Home Assistant Android TV Remote integration docs (secondary: troubleshooting)
  23. Google Cast developer docs: Discovery Troubleshooting (Android TV IP address at Settings > Device > Network > WiFi > Network > Status Info)
  24. TCL USA
  25. TCL USA press releases
  26. TCL: 5-Series and 6-Series with Google TV
  27. TCL: 2023 TV models with Fire TV
  28. TCL: Find your model number
  29. TCL UK
  30. TCL UK support: 43RP620K Roku TV

Check your TV free. Pay once if it works.

Simple TV Remote pairs with your TV and sends real commands before you pay anything. If it works, unlock it for $5.99, once.

Coming soon to iPhoneCheck your TVFree check · $5.99 once · No subscription