Univerzální ovladač: How to Control Any Hisense TV From Your Phone

The 30-second test

Before you buy or download anything, run this quick check. Grab your phone and answer two questions. First: is your Hisense TV already on your home Wi-Fi? Second: do you know which system it runs — VIDAA, Roku, Google TV, or Fire TV?

If yes to both, a phone app will control it right now, for free (Method 1). If the TV isn't on Wi-Fi yet, start with the physical buttons or a USB keyboard (Method 5). Not sure which system you have? The Which Hisense TV do you have? tool sorts it in two taps.

Method 1: Turn your iPhone into the universal ovladač

This is the fastest free route, and it works across every Hisense platform from one app. The HiRemote app talks to the TV over your local Wi-Fi, the same way the original remote does — no account, no cables.

• On the TV, press Home → Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Connect. Put the TV on the same network as your phone (guest Wi-Fi won't see it).
• Still on the TV: Home → Settings → Network → Mobile Phone Remote Control → toggle ON. On most VIDAA builds it's on already.
• Download HiRemote on your iPhone or iPad and open it.
• Pick your Hisense model from the list, then follow the pairing prompt.

You get the full D-pad, Home, Back, volume, a number pad, and a real keyboard for typing streaming passwords. When it won't work: the TV and phone must share the same LAN — VIDAA's control protocol is local-only by design. Very old sets (VIDAA 3.0 or earlier) never exposed the network API, so you'll still need the original remote there. For a platform-specific walkthrough, see the Hisense VIDAA remote guide.

Method 2: Control a Hisense Roku TV from your browser

If your Hisense runs Roku (the R-series), you don't even need an app. Roku publishes a control API — the External Control Protocol — that runs over plain HTTP, so any browser on your Wi-Fi can drive the TV.

• On the TV, go to Settings → Network → About and note the IP address.
• Open the free browser remote on your phone or laptop.
• Type the IP into the widget. The buttons start working in about 30 seconds.

Nothing installs and the commands never leave your local network. When it won't work: this route is Roku-only — VIDAA, Google TV, and Fire TV can't be controlled from a browser the same way. You also need the TV and browser on the same Wi-Fi. Roku's own support site covers finding the IP if the About screen looks different on your model.

Method 3: Program a physical universal ovladač with Hisense codes

Prefer a real remote in your hand? A store-bought universal remote (the $10–$20 IR kind) can be taught Hisense's codes. This is the classic univerzální ovladač, and it works even on a TV that's offline.

• Turn the TV on with its power button.
• On the universal remote, press and hold the Setup button until the light stays on.
• Press the TV button, then enter the Hisense code from the remote's code sheet.
• Point at the TV and test power and volume. No luck? Use the remote's auto-search (code-scan) mode and let it cycle codes until the TV responds.

When it won't work: IR needs line-of-sight, so the remote has to point at the TV. Basic keys (power, volume, channel) are reliable, but many universal remotes can't reach the smart-TV menus, app launches, or the VIDAA voice button. Code lists differ by remote brand — grab the current Hisense codes from Hisense support if the printed sheet is outdated.

Skip the hardware and the code-hunting: the free HiRemote app already covers every Hisense system in one place, and Roku TV owners can use the no-install browser remote right now.

Method 4: Use HDMI-CEC through a device you already own

If you've got an Apple TV, a Roku stick, a game console, or a soundbar plugged into the TV, its remote can double as a basic universal ovladač through HDMI-CEC. CEC lets connected gear power the TV on and off and change the volume over the HDMI cable.

• In the TV's Settings, find the HDMI-CEC option and turn it on (Hisense sometimes labels it "CEC Control" — the exact name varies by model and year).
• Enable CEC on the connected device too (Apple TV: Settings → Remotes and Devices; Roku: Settings → System → Control other devices).
• Use the device's remote to power the TV and adjust volume.

When it won't work: CEC handles power, volume, and input switching, but not the TV's own menu or tuner. Both devices have to support CEC, and cheap HDMI cables occasionally drop the signal. It's a backup, not a full replacement.

Method 5: Fall back to the TV's buttons or a USB keyboard

No phone and no spare remote? The TV itself can get you moving, which matters most when the set isn't on Wi-Fi yet.

• Find the physical button on the TV — usually a single click-button under the front-center of the panel, or on the back-right. It powers on and, held down, opens a basic menu on many models.
• For real navigation, plug a wired USB keyboard into the TV's rear USB port. Arrow keys move the cursor and Enter selects — enough to reach Settings and join Wi-Fi.

When it won't work: the onboard button is minimal and won't launch apps. Treat this as the "get online, then switch to Method 1" step. Wireless keyboards usually won't pair without a working remote, so use a wired one.

Which universal ovladač should you use?

Method	Cost	Setup time	Controls	Best when
iPhone app (HiRemote)	Free	~30 sec	Full remote + keyboard, all 4 Hisense systems	You have your phone and the TV is on Wi-Fi
Browser remote	Free	~30 sec	Full remote, Roku models only	Hisense Roku TV, no app wanted
Physical universal remote	$10–$20	5–10 min	Power, volume, channel; limited menu	TV is offline or you want a hardware remote
HDMI-CEC device remote	Free (gear you own)	2–5 min	Power, volume, input only	You already use Apple TV, Roku, or a soundbar
TV buttons / USB keyboard	Free	1–2 min	Basic navigation, setup only	Getting a fresh TV onto Wi-Fi

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a universal remote that works with any Hisense TV?

Yes. A phone app is the closest to a true universal ovladač because one app covers every Hisense system — VIDAA, Roku, Google TV, and Fire TV. HiRemote does this for free over Wi-Fi. Physical universal remotes also work, but they control power, volume, and channels only, and they can't reach the smart-TV menus on most models.

Can I use my phone as a universal remote for Hisense?

Yes, if the TV is on the same Wi-Fi as your phone. Download the free HiRemote app, enable Mobile Phone Remote Control on the TV (Home → Settings → Network), pick your model, and pair. You get the full D-pad, volume, number pad, and a keyboard for typing passwords. It won't work over guest Wi-Fi or on pre-VIDAA U sets.

What is the universal remote code for a Hisense TV?

Hisense codes depend on the remote brand, so there isn't one universal number. Enter the Hisense code printed in your remote's manual, or run the remote's auto-search mode to cycle through codes until the TV responds. If the printed list is outdated, pull the current codes from Hisense support. Most Hisense sets accept several codes, so try a few.

Does Hisense have its own remote app?

Yes — Hisense's official app is RemoteNOW, and it's free on the App Store. Many users dislike it because it asks you to create a Hisense account and shows ads, which is why third-party apps like HiRemote stay popular. RemoteNOW works over Wi-Fi like other app remotes, so the TV still needs to be on your network.

How do I control a Hisense TV without any remote?

Use a free phone app if the TV is on Wi-Fi, or the browser remote for Roku models. Offline, press the physical button on the TV to power it on, then plug a wired USB keyboard into the rear USB port to navigate the setup screen and join Wi-Fi. After that, switch to a phone app for full control.

Will a universal ovladač control smart TV apps like Netflix?

A phone app or the browser remote will — both give you the full D-pad, app-launch shortcuts, and a keyboard for logins. A physical universal remote usually won't; it handles power, volume, and channels but rarely the smart menu or app buttons. If launching Netflix and typing passwords matters, choose the app route over hardware.

Related guides

• Which Hisense TV do you have? — identify your system in two taps.
• Hisense VIDAA remote guide — full pairing steps for VIDAA U sets.
• Roku TV browser remote — control a Hisense Roku TV with no app.
• Hisense Fire TV remote guide — for Fire TV Edition models.
• Hisense TV quick answers — short answers to the 15 most-asked questions.