You can control a TCL TV without the remote using the TV’s button, phone apps (Roku or Google TV), HDMI-CEC, or a USB keyboard.
Lose the clicker? You still have reliable ways to run a TCL screen. Many models ship with Roku TV or Google TV software, and both offer phone remotes, wired workarounds, and helpful panel controls. Below you’ll find fast steps that work today, plus a clear plan for first-time setup when Wi-Fi isn’t ready.
Using A TCL TV Without The Remote: Fast Setup Paths
Before diving into apps, learn the built-in controls. Most sets include a small multi-function key under the bezel or around the back. It can power on, open the input list, and navigate basic menus. Pair that with a phone app or an HDMI device and you’ll get smooth control.
Quick Methods At A Glance
| Method | What You Need | When It Works Best |
|---|---|---|
| TV Panel Button | Single key or mini-joystick on the set | Power, input changes, basic navigation |
| Roku Mobile App | TCL Roku TV on same network | Full remote, voice search, private listening |
| Google TV App Remote | TCL Google/Android TV on same network | Full remote, keyboard entry, quick settings |
| USB Keyboard/Mouse | Free USB port | Initial Wi-Fi login and menu control |
| Ethernet Cable | Router nearby + TV Ethernet or adapter (model-dependent) | When Wi-Fi isn’t set yet |
| HDMI-CEC | Console or streamer with CEC | Control TV power and input with another device |
| Universal IR Remote | IR codes for TCL/Roku/Google TV | Quick stand-in while you find the original |
Find And Use The Physical Controls
Most models hide a small control key beneath the logo, along the bottom edge, or on the rear right side. Short presses cycle through menu items; a long press confirms. With that you can power on, choose an HDMI port, or reach network settings. If your set runs Android/Google TV, the single key often opens a compact menu with power, channel, volume, and input options. Press the key to move and press-and-hold to select.
Control A TCL Roku TV With A Phone
The free Roku app for iOS and Android turns your phone into a full remote once the TV and phone share the same Wi-Fi. You get D-pad or swipe navigation, text entry from the phone keyboard, voice search, and private listening through headphones. If the TV doesn’t appear, connect the set to your router first using Ethernet or the panel key to reach Wi-Fi. You can also add the TV by IP address inside the app’s Devices menu.
Steps For The Roku App
- Install the Roku app on your phone.
- Connect the phone and TV to the same router.
- Open the app, tap Devices, choose the TV, then Remote.
- Use the app’s D-pad, Home, and Back to navigate.
Need the feature set and requirements in one place? Roku mobile app setup covers setup, network access, and app controls.
Control A TCL Google TV Or Android TV With A Phone
Google’s free app includes a virtual remote for TVs running Google TV or Android TV. Pair your phone to the TV over the same network, enter the on-screen code, and you’re ready. You can also add the quick remote tile to Android’s Quick Settings for one-tap access. Full details: Google TV phone remote.
Steps For The Google TV App Remote
- Install the Google TV app on your phone.
- Ensure the TV and phone share the same network.
- Open the app, choose Connect TV, pick the device, and enter the code.
- Use the directional pad or swipe remote; type with your phone keyboard when a field appears.
Get Online Without The Original Clicker
Phone remotes need the TV on your network. If Wi-Fi isn’t set yet, you still have paths that don’t involve the original handset.
Option 1: Plug In Ethernet
If your model has an Ethernet port, run a cable to your router. Many sets will come online instantly. From there the phone app should discover the TV so you can finish setup and switch back to Wi-Fi later.
Option 2: Use A USB Keyboard Or Mouse
Most TCL sets with Google/Android TV accept USB HID input. Plug in a basic keyboard, wait a few seconds, and try arrow keys, Enter, and Esc to move through menus and enter your Wi-Fi password. Some Roku models accept limited keyboard input for text fields while core navigation still relies on arrows and Enter; results vary by model.
Option 3: Temporary Hotspot Trick
If the TV was previously connected to a home network and you know that old SSID and password, create a phone hotspot that matches those exact credentials. Power the TV and it may auto-join. Then open the phone remote to regain control and update the network details inside settings.
Turn On, Change Inputs, And Adjust Volume
Here’s how to handle day-to-day actions without the missing handset.
Power
- Use the panel key: long press for power.
- With HDMI-CEC, turning on a PlayStation, Xbox, or streamer can wake the TV and switch inputs.
- Some phones can send power commands once a network remote is paired and the set supports network wake.
Inputs
- Panel key: short press to cycle, long press to select.
- Roku app: open Remote, tap the input icon or hit Home and choose the tile.
- Google TV app: open Remote, press Input on the virtual pad or reach the quick menu.
Volume
- Many sets include volume in the panel menu.
- Roku and Google TV apps offer soft keys for volume where supported, plus a mute switch.
- CEC lets a console controller or streamer remote change TV volume when ARC or eARC is active.
Enable HDMI-CEC For Single-Remote Control
CEC lets HDMI devices share basic commands so one controller can handle power and volume. Open the TV settings and enable CEC and ARC/eARC. Then power on the console or streamer to wake the screen, or adjust volume through that device’s remote. Brand names vary, but the feature is the same idea. Check cables are seated firmly. Try another.
Troubleshooting When The Phone Remote Won’t Connect
If the phone app can’t find the screen, check these quick fixes. They solve most connection problems.
Fast Fixes
- Put the phone and TV on the same band. If your router has 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, keep both devices on one band.
- Reboot the router and the TV. Power cycling clears stale network sessions.
- Turn off VPNs on the phone. Many apps can’t see local devices through a VPN tunnel.
- For Roku sets, open Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Control by mobile apps and allow network access.
- If discovery fails, add the TV by IP address inside the app.
Roku TV And Google TV: Which Path Fits Your Model?
TCL ships different software families. Match your model to the right steps with this compact guide. If your home screen shows tiles labeled Live TV, Streaming Channels, and a purple theme, you’re on Roku. If it shows a Google profile icon and a content row layout, you’re on Google TV. Android TV looks similar and uses the same phone app remote.
| Platform | Best No-Remote Options | Extra Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Roku TV | Roku phone app, panel key, HDMI-CEC | Enable mobile app control in system settings |
| Google/Android TV | Google TV app remote, USB keyboard, HDMI-CEC | Add the quick remote tile on Android phones |
| Any Model | Ethernet for first join, universal IR remote | Later switch to Wi-Fi once the phone app works |
Step-By-Step: First-Time Network Setup Without The Original Handset
Here’s a proven way to get from “no network, no remote” to full phone control.
- Turn on the set with the panel key.
- If an Ethernet jack is present, plug into the router. Wait one minute.
- Open the correct phone app for your platform and pair to the TV.
- Use the app to finish Wi-Fi setup, then unplug Ethernet if you prefer wireless.
- No Ethernet? Plug in a USB keyboard. Use arrows and Enter to reach network settings and join Wi-Fi.
- If those options aren’t available, try the hotspot match trick to bring the TV online.
When A Replacement Remote Makes Sense
Phone apps are great for everyday use, yet a physical remote can be handy for guests or quick access to TV-only keys. Universal IR remotes labeled for Roku TV or Android TV pair in minutes. If your set supports Bluetooth remotes, check the model page for pairing steps.
Safety And Privacy Tips
Stick with official app stores when you install a phone remote. Avoid sideloaded tools that ask for odd permissions or payment. Never pay a third party to “activate” a Roku or a TV; activation is free. If a caller or site asks for card details to link a device, back out and use the brand’s help pages. Keep your Wi-Fi password strong, and disable guest networks you don’t use. After pairing, review what the phone app can access and turn off anything you don’t need.
Sources And Deeper Help
Roku’s official article covers phone remote setup, discovery, and private listening. Google’s help article explains the built-in phone remote for Google TV and Android TV. You’ll also find a TCL help page describing the single multi-function button found on many Android models and how short press vs long press works. These links are placed here for easy reference.