The Best Remote Apps in 2026: Control Your Element TV From Your iPhone

avatar
Written by
Updated on: September 28, 2026
Time to read: 15 minutes
thumbnail

Can’t find your Element TV remote – or just want to control your TV from your phone? You’re covered. Whether your Element TV runs Roku, Fire TV, Xumo, or Android TV, there’s a remote app that works with it. This article breaks down the best Element TV Remote App options for iPhone users: what each one does, when to use it, and which is the most versatile pick.

Table of Contents

What Is Element TV? A Quick Brand Overview

Established in 2007 and based in Winnsboro, SC, Element Electronics is a USA-based company that produces consumer electronics. Element’s product line consists primarily of low-price Smart TVs, which are mostly sold via Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and other retail stores throughout the United States.

An Element TV on a neutral background

Due to the fact that Element TVs feature numerous operating systems depending on the model, they provide an interesting option for remote TV applications. Currently and recently, Element TVs run one of the following:

  • Xumo Operating System – In 2023, Element partnered with Xumo (Comcast/Charter JV) to create a new line of 4K smart televisions, utilizing Xumo’s streaming service. Each model is preloaded with more than 250 apps and AirPlay support. Element has 3 TV models that fit into this category: E550AE50C (50”), E550AE55C (55”), and E550AE65C (65”) – all of which are included in Element Xumo 4K UHD HDR series available at Best Buy and many other retailers.
  • Roku Operating System – Many of Element’s televisions use the Roku operating system. Several popular models of Element TVs are E1AA24R (24” 720p), E1AA32R (32” 720p), E4AA43R (43” 4K), E4AA55R (55” 4K UHD HDR10), and E4SW5017RKU (50” 4K) – all of which are available to purchase from both Amazon and Walmart.
  • Fire TV – Some Element TVs run Amazon’s Fire TV platform. The EL4KAMZ5017 (50″ 4K) is one known Fire TV model, giving users access to Alexa and the Amazon ecosystem.
  • Android TV / Google TV – Certain older and mid-range models run Android TV, including models from the E2SW and E4SW series.

 

Knowing which platform your Element TV runs is the first step to finding the right Element TV Remote Control App.

Best Remote Apps for Element TV

Try TVRem – The Free Universal Remote App for iPhone & iPad

1. TVRem – Universal TV Remote App (Recommended)

TVRem is the best free Element TV remote app for iPhone if you want something that works regardless of which platform your Element TV runs. It’s a true universal remote – supporting Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, Google TV, Samsung, LG, and more from a single app. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars with 640+ reviews, it’s one of the most reliable remote apps available.

The reason this is so important is that most Element models run on different platforms. For example, if you own a TV built on Roku, another running an older version of Android, and a third powered by Fire TV, you can control all three without needing to switch between remote apps.

TVRem is the best remote app for Element TV

✔️ TVRem has many features, including:

  • Full navigation (volume, channels, playback, and input switching)
  • Touchpad navigation (swipe and tap like a mouse)
  • Smart keyboard for fast text entry
  • Voice control with Google Assistant and Alexa (if your model supports it)
  • Quick launch buttons for Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and other apps
  • TV auto-detection – connects instantly

💵 Price: Completely free, no subscription required

Pros

  • Multi-OS Support: Works across Element Roku, Fire TV, and Android/Google TV models.
  • 100% Free Core Controls: D-pad, touchpad, volume, and smart keyboard require no subscription.
  • Fast Pairing: Quickly auto-detects devices on your local Wi-Fi.

Cons

  • No Xumo Support: Does not support Element Xumo TV models.
  • Wi-Fi Only: Cannot control legacy non-smart Element TVs (no IR mode).

How to Use TVRem with Your Element TV

1. Download TVRem from the App Store.

Download TVRem from the App Store on iPhone

2. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network – your iPhone and Element TV must be on the same network.

3. Open the app – TVRem automatically scans for devices on your network.

Open TVRem on your iPhone

4. Select your Element TV from the list of detected devices.

5. Start controlling – use the touchpad, keyboard, or quick-launch buttons right away.

TVRem is connected to an Element TV

No account needed. Setup takes under a minute.

2. Xumo TV App – For Element Xumo TVs

If your Element TV runs Xumo OS, the official Xumo TV app is the platform-specific option. Developed by Comcast, it lets you use your phone as a second remote for your Xumo-powered Element TV.

The official Xumo TV app is the platform-specific option

✔️ The 5 key features of this app include:

  • D-pad navigation and play/pause/fast forward controls
  • Volume control/mute button
  • Channel number pad (used to select TV channels when using antenna and/or cable service)
  • Launch apps and channels from within the app
  • Launch content from the launchpad
Worth noting: The Xumo TV app is currently rated 1.5 stars out of 5 on the App Store; users frequently have connection problems with the app and frequently have also reported that the major limitation of working on just one mobile device at one time means that if the mobile device connected to the TV is lost or deleted from the mobile device, the only way to reconnect it is to go into the settings menu of the TV itself, which can be impossible to do if you do not have a remote control for the TV. Therefore, this app cannot reliably replace your primary remote control in day-to-day use.

💵 Price: Free

Pros

  • Official App: Tailored specifically for Element Xumo 4K UHD TVs.
  • Numeric Keypad: Includes a direct channel pad for cable and antenna TV.

Cons

  • Unreliable: High rate of connection drops (1.5-star App Store rating).
  • Single Device Limit: Difficult to re-pair if original remote is lost.
  • Xumo Only: Incompatible with Roku, Fire TV, or Android Element models.

3. Other Platform-Specific Apps

If your Element TV runs a specific streaming platform, the official app for that platform is also an option:

  • The Roku App – works with Element Roku TVs. Offers remote control, private listening (audio through your headphones), keyboard search, and voice input. Free. Requires a Roku account. A solid choice if your Element TV is a Roku model and you’re already in the Roku ecosystem.
    The Official Roku App for Element TV

Pros

  • Private Listening: Streams TV audio directly to your phone's headphones.
  • High Stability: Extremely reliable connection and low latency for Roku models.

Cons

  • Account Required: Mandatory Roku account login to use.
  • Ecosystem Locked: Works only on Element Roku TVs.
  • Amazon Fire TV App – works with Element Fire TV models. Includes Alexa voice control, keyboard input, and full remote navigation. Free. Requires an Amazon account.
    The Amazon Fire TV App for Element TV

Pros

  • Built-in Alexa: Full voice search and smart home voice control.
  • Easy Text Input: Smooth phone-to-TV keyboard for typing passwords.

Cons

  • Amazon Login Required: Must sign into an active Amazon account.
  • Ecosystem Locked: Incompatible with Roku or Android Element TVs.

Both of these are platform-locked – they only work with their respective TV ecosystems. If you ever switch models or use a different brand, you’ll need a different app. That’s the main reason a Universal Remote App for Element TV, like TVRem, is more practical for most users.

How to Fix Element TV Remote App Connection Issues

If a remote app cannot detect your Element TV or you have trouble completing the pairing process, try these fixes:

  • 📌 Make sure both devices are on the same local network: Your phone and Element TV should be connected to the same home router or LAN.
  • 📌 Disable AP Isolation / Avoid Guest Networks: Connect both devices to your router’s main network if possible. Guest networks often isolate connected devices, which can prevent a remote app from detecting the TV. Also check your router settings for AP Isolation, Client Isolation, or similar options and disable them if necessary.
  • 📌 Check whether the TV is already connected to the network: A phone remote generally cannot discover a TV that has not yet joined your local network. If your Element TV has an Ethernet port, connecting it directly to your router may help get it online. Otherwise, use the TV’s physical controls or a compatible replacement remote to complete the initial network setup.
  • 📌 Complete any on-screen pairing step: Pairing varies by Element TV platform. Some systems, such as Google TV and Fire TV, display a code on the TV that you enter in the remote app on your phone. Follow the instructions shown by your specific TV and app.
  • 📌 Power cycle the TV: Turn off the TV, unplug it from the power outlet, wait about 30 seconds, and plug it back in. If the connection problem continues, restarting your router may also help.
  • 📌 Check iOS Local Network Permissions: On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network and make sure the remote app is allowed to access your local network. If the app is not listed, open it and attempt to connect to the TV so that iOS can display the permission request.

How to Choose the Right Remote App for Your Element TV

With several options available, here’s what to focus on:

📌 Identify your Element TV’s platform first. Check the TV’s settings or the model number on the back to find out if it runs Roku, Fire TV, Xumo, Android TV, or Google TV. This narrows your options significantly.

📌 Decide if you want one app or multiple. Platform-specific apps (Roku, Fire TV) work well within their ecosystem but become useless if you change TVs or add a second device. A free universal remote app for Element TV, such as TVRem, works across all platforms from day one.

📌 Check what the free version actually includes. Some apps are free to download but lock core navigation behind a subscription. TVRem gives full functionality – keyboard, touchpad, app launch, voice – at no cost.

📌 Check recent reviews, as TV firmware updates can sometimes break app compatibility. An app with active, recent reviews is more likely to be maintained and work correctly with the current TV software.

📌 Reliability matters more than features. An app that disconnects every few minutes or requires re-pairing constantly defeats the purpose. TVRem’s consistent 4.8-star rating across hundreds of reviews reflects stable, dependable daily use.

What About Older, Non-Smart Element TVs?

If your Element TV was manufactured without built-in Wi-Fi or network-based smart features, standard Wi-Fi remote apps cannot connect directly to the TV.

Your Options for Non-Smart Models:

  1. Use a Phone with an IR Blaster: Some Android phones have a built-in infrared transmitter and can work with universal IR remote apps. If your phone supports IR, look for an app with a compatible Element TV remote profile. iPhones do not have a built-in IR blaster, so this method requires additional hardware on iOS.
  2. Use a Smart IR Hub: An external Wi-Fi-to-IR hub, such as a BroadLink RM4 Mini or RM4 Pro, can add app-based control to an older Element TV. The hub receives commands from its mobile app over Wi-Fi and sends corresponding infrared signals to the TV.
  3. Use HDMI-CEC with a Streaming Device: If your Element TV supports HDMI-CEC, a compatible streaming device connected through HDMI may be able to control basic TV functions such as power or volume. Support varies by the TV, streaming device, and mobile app. Roku and Fire TV support some app-based TV controls through HDMI-CEC on compatible devices, while other platforms may require their physical remote for certain TV controls.

Physical Remote vs. Remote App: Which Wins?

Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for; however, a remote application has a clear advantage in almost all scenarios.

Reasons that remote applications are better than physical remotes:

  • ✅ You never leave the remote application somewhere else (you always have your phone with you)
  • ✅ You will type out something on a normal keyboard, probably 10x faster than trying to scroll through numbers/letters with an IR D-Pad
  • ✅ Your phone usually has a microphone built into it, and can perform voice searches for compatible TVs
  • ✅ No batteries to replace
  • ✅ One remote app can control many televisions and multimedia devices

 

Reasons that physical remotes still have an advantage over remote apps:

  • ✅ Physical remote can function without an Internet connection (in case of ISP malfunctions, etc.)
  • ✅ You don’t have to unlock your phone in order to change the volume level
  • ✅ Some functions, such as IR blasters for older televisions, will only function with the remote hardware
  • ✅ Physical buttons are easier to use in the dark without looking

 

For most people who have a reliable home Wi-Fi network, a TV remote app on iPhone replaces a physical remote almost entirely. The keyboard input alone makes searching for content so much faster that most users don’t want to go back. A physical remote remains a good backup – but for daily use, the app wins.

Conclusion

The right Element Smart TV remote app depends on which platform your TV runs – but if you want one app that handles everything without restrictions, TVRem is the clear choice. It’s free, universally compatible with Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, and other platforms found in Element TVs, and takes seconds to set up.

The Xumo app works for Xumo-based Element TVs but has reliability issues that make it hard to recommend as a primary remote.

Platform-specific apps like the Roku or Fire TV app are solid picks within their ecosystems, but fall short if your setup ever changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

You have a few options. First, most Element TVs have a physical power or menu button on the side or bottom of the unit – check along the bezel edges. Second, you can use a Remote App for Element TV on your iPhone: download TVRem, connect to the same Wi-Fi as your TV, and you’ll have full control within a minute. Third, if your Element TV runs Xumo OS, you can use the official Xumo TV App – though pairing it for the first time does require that the TV already be accessible.

Yes, TVRem is genuinely free. Unlike many remote apps that advertise a free download but restrict core features behind a subscription, TVRem gives you full remote functionality – navigation, touchpad, keyboard input, voice control, and quick-launch app buttons – at no cost. There’s no trial period, no paywalled features, and no account required to use it.

Yes, but only on specific models. Element TVs running Xumo OS – such as the E550AE50C, E550AE55C, and E550AE65C – support Apple AirPlay, which lets you stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to the TV. However, Element Roku TVs and older models do not support AirPlay natively. If AirPlay is important to you, look for an Element Xumo TV specifically, or check the product specs before purchasing.

The most common cause is a local network connection issue. Make sure your phone and Element TV are connected to the same home network and avoid isolated Guest Wi-Fi networks. If you use a VPN, temporarily disable it, as some VPN configurations can block local device discovery.

Sometimes. iPhones do not have a built-in infrared (IR) blaster, so they cannot directly control older non-smart Element TVs that rely on IR. However, some compatible smart TVs can be controlled using the built-in Apple TV Remote in iPhone Control Center without installing a separate remote app.

If your Element TV supports AirPlay and HomeKit, you may also be able to stream content, mirror your screen, and use supported TV controls directly from iOS. Available controls depend on the Element TV model and smart TV platform.

Popular Articles
Sony TV Remote Apps: The Best Solutions to Control Your TV in 2026
TV Remotes

Sony TV Remote Apps: The Best Solutions to Control Your TV in 2026

September 11, 2026
How to Control Samsung TV with iPhone Without a Remote
TV Remotes

Best Samsung TV Remote Apps for iPhone: Top 5 Recommendations

August 31, 2026
Hisense TV Remote App: The Best List for Your Needs
TV Remotes

Hisense TV Remote App: The Best List for Your Needs

September 11, 2026