Discover the LG TV Remote App, now part of the LG ThinQ platform. Turn your smartphone into a powerful remote control with features like a touchpad, keyboard, and app access. Simplify your smart TV experience today.
Tired of losing your TV remote? With the LG TV remote app, you can use your smartphone as a convenient hub for controlling your LG Smart TV. This guide covers everything you need to know about the LG ThinQ app, including its top features, easy setup, and why it’s a must have for LG TV owners. Simplify your entertainment and unlock the full potential of your smart TV.
What is the LG TV Remote App?
The official LG app for controlling smart devices, such as TVs, is called ThinQ. It provides a free, feature rich remote control for iOS and Android smartphones, replacing the previous LG TV Plus app. Connected via Wi-Fi, it lets you change channels, adjust volume, and access apps, along with advanced capabilities like a touchpad, keyboard, and more, serving as a central hub for your LG devices.
Key Features of the LG TV Remote App
The LG ThinQ app is packed with features that enhance your smart TV experience. It moves beyond the limitations of a physical remote, offering more intuitive and powerful ways to interact with your television.
Key functionalities include:
- Full Remote Control: The app replicates all the standard buttons you would find on a physical LG remote. This includes power, volume, channel controls, and a number pad.
- Touchpad (Magic Remote): One of the best features is the touchpad. It allows you to move a cursor on the TV screen just by swiping your finger on your phone’s screen, similar to LG’s Magic Remote. This makes navigating menus and web browsers incredibly smooth.
- Keyboard for Easy Text Input: Typing on a TV with a standard remote is slow and frustrating. The ThinQ app solves this with a built in keyboard. When you need to search for a movie on Netflix or enter a password, you can type it out on your phone’s keyboard.
- App Launcher: You can view all the apps installed on your LG TV directly within the ThinQ app. You can then launch any app, like YouTube, Hulu, or Prime Video, with a single tap on your phone.
- Screen Mirroring and Content Sharing: The app allows you to share content from your phone to the TV. You can cast photos, videos, and even music from your device to the big screen. This is perfect for sharing vacation pictures with family or watching a video you recorded. Many third party apps lack this level of seamless integration.
- Universal Control: Beyond just the TV, the LG ThinQ app is designed to control a whole suite of LG smart home appliances. If you own LG refrigerators, washing machines, or air conditioners, you can manage them all from this single application.
Compared to third party competitors like “Smart Remote for LG Smart TVs,” LG’s official ThinQ app generally offers a more stable connection and better integration. While some third party apps provide basic remote functions, they often suffer from connection drops, intrusive ads, or have premium features locked behind a paywall. For example, some users of the “Smart Remote” app report that basic directional buttons require a paid upgrade. With LG ThinQ, you get all the core features for free, directly from the manufacturer.
How to Set Up the LG TV Remote App
Getting started with the LG ThinQ app is a straightforward process. You just need your smartphone, your LG Smart TV, and a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide:
- Ensure Wi-Fi Connection: The most important step is to make sure both your LG Smart TV and your smartphone are connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network. The app will not be able to find your TV otherwise.
- Download the LG ThinQ App:
- For Android: Go to the Google Play Store, search for “LG ThinQ,” and download the app. It supports Android 7.0 and higher.
- For iOS: Go to the Apple App Store, search for “LG ThinQ,” and download the app. It supports iOS 11.0 and higher.
- Create or Sign In to an LG Account: Open the app and you will be prompted to sign in or create a new LG account. This account helps sync your devices and settings.
- Add Your TV: Once logged in, tap the “+” (Add a Device) button on the app’s home screen. The app will automatically scan your Wi-Fi network for compatible LG devices.
- Select Your TV: Your LG Smart TV should appear in the list of available devices. Tap on it to begin the pairing process.
- Enter the PIN: A PIN will appear on your television screen. Enter this PIN into the LG ThinQ app on your phone to confirm the connection.
- Start Controlling: That’s it! Your phone is now paired with your TV. You can navigate to the remote control section of the app and start using all its features.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
- The app can’t find the TV: This is almost always a Wi-Fi issue. Double check that both devices are on the same network. Sometimes, restarting your router, TV, and phone can resolve the issue.
- Frequent disconnections: If the app keeps disconnecting, it might be due to a weak Wi-Fi signal. Try moving your router closer to the TV or using a Wi-Fi extender. Also, make sure your TV’s firmware and the ThinQ app are both updated to the latest version.
- PIN not appearing: If the PIN does not show up on your TV, navigate to your TV’s network settings. Look for an option related to LG Connect Apps or Mobile TV On and ensure it is enabled.
Alternatives to the LG TV Remote App
While the official LG ThinQ app is the recommended choice, several third party apps also offer remote control functionality for LG TVs. Let’s compare some of the popular alternatives.
LG ThinQ (Official App)
Pros:
- Free with no feature paywalls.
- Developed by LG, ensuring perfect compatibility and stability.
- Integrates with other LG smart appliances.
- Includes advanced features like touchpad control and screen sharing.
- Regularly updated with new features and security patches.
Cons:
- Requires an LG account to use.
- The interface can feel a bit complex since it manages more than just TVs.
Smart Remote for LG Smart TVs (by TINAC Inc.)
Pros:
- Simple, focused interface for TV control.
- Offers basic remote functions in the free version.
Cons:
- Core features like directional buttons and keyboard are often locked behind a paid “Pro” version.
- Users report frequent connection issues and bugs.
- Does not support content casting for some media types like YouTube.
- The developer has not provided detailed privacy information to Apple, which can be a concern.
LG TV Remote (by New World Apps)
Pros:
- Good for basic remote functions.
- Supports casting of local photos and videos.
Cons:
- Heavily ad supported in the free version.
- Many user reviews complain about constant disconnection issues and the need to pay for an ad free experience.
- It’s not an official LG application, so long term support is not guaranteed.
Ultimately, third party apps can work as a temporary solution, but they often come with compromises. For a reliable, secure, and feature rich experience, the official LG ThinQ app is the clear winner.
Benefits of Using the LG TV Remote App
Switching from a physical remote to a smartphone app offers several compelling advantages that can significantly improve your daily viewing routine.
- Convenience: Your smartphone is almost always with you. Using it as a remote means you never have to search for the physical remote again. Whether it’s lost in the couch or the batteries are dead, your phone is a reliable backup.
- Enhanced Functionality: An app can do things a physical remote cannot. The keyboard for text entry is a game changer, saving you time and frustration when searching for content. The touchpad provides a more fluid and intuitive way to navigate menus and browse the web.
- Cost Saving: Physical remotes can get lost or broken, and replacements can be expensive. The LG ThinQ app is free. You also save money on batteries over the long term.
- A Unified Smart Home Hub: With LG ThinQ, your TV remote is just one part of a larger smart home ecosystem. You can check the status of your laundry, adjust your air conditioner, and control your TV, all from one central app.
- Accessibility: For some users, interacting with a touchscreen may be easier than handling a physical remote with small buttons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LG TV Remote app free?
Yes, the official LG ThinQ app is completely free to download and use for both Android and iOS. There are no hidden fees or subscriptions for its remote control features.
What LG TVs are compatible with the LG ThinQ app?
The app is compatible with most LG Smart TVs manufactured from 2012 onwards, especially those running on the WebOS platform. If your TV can connect to Wi-Fi and has an app store, it will almost certainly work with the ThinQ app.
Can I turn my LG TV on with the app?
This depends on your TV’s settings. To turn the TV on from your phone, you need to enable a feature in your TV’s settings, often called “Mobile TV On,” “LG Connect Apps,” or something similar that allows the TV to be powered on via Wi-Fi.
Why does my remote app keep disconnecting?
Disconnections are typically caused by an unstable Wi-Fi network. Ensure both your phone and TV have a strong connection to the same network. If the problem persists, try rebooting your TV, phone, and router.
Can I control my TV when I’m not at home?
The basic remote control functions of the LG ThinQ app require your phone and TV to be on the same local Wi-Fi network. However, if your TV and other LG appliances are registered to your LG account, you may be able to perform some limited actions remotely via the internet, such as checking the device’s status.
Conclusion
The LG ThinQ app is a must have for LG Smart TV users, turning your smartphone into a versatile remote control. With features like a touchpad, keyboard, and easy content sharing, it offers more convenience and functionality than a standard remote.
By combining control of your TV and other smart devices into one user friendly platform, LG delivers a seamless and efficient experience. Setup is straightforward, and you’ll never have to worry about misplacing your remote again. Download the LG ThinQ app now to enhance your smart TV experience!
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Sid is a skilled content writer with over 9 years of experience, creating clear and helpful articles on a wide range of topics. Sid is also well-known for her knowledge of remote controls, codes, and setup guides, helping thousands of people with simple and reliable solutions. Her goal is to combine expert content writing with practical knowledge, making information easy to understand and useful for everyone. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new technology and sharing helpful tips with the community.
