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Insignia TV Remote App: Control Your TV Using a Phone as a Remote

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Updated on: April 14, 2026
Time to read: 7 minutes
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Stop tearing cushions off the couch looking for your remote or running to the store for replacement batteries. Instead of a traditional remote, consider a mobile remote control app for Insignia TV. Here are the top apps for iPhone and Android that let you connect and control your Insignia TV in no time.

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Is There an App for Insignia TV Remote?

While there is no official app for controlling an Insignia TV from your mobile device, there are several third-party options available.

Insignia TVs primarily use the Amazon Fire TV OS, with some models using the Roku TV OS. To ensure compatibility, be sure to check the operating system for your TV before selecting a remote app.

If you’re unsure which system your TV uses by its appearance, you can go to Settings > Device & Software > About to see the current version.

Once you determine the system, you’re on your way to picking out a remote app.

Insignia TV Remote Apps for iPhone

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

For complete control along with convenience, look at these excellent choices for controlling an Insignia TV from your iPhone.

1. TVRem Universal TV Remote App

For a completely free Insignia TV remote app that doesn’t bombard you with ads or require in-app purchases, check out the TVRem Universal TV Remote App for iPhone. Along with Insignia, you can control most popular TV brands as well as streaming players. The app offers a responsive feature set you’ll appreciate.

TVRem is the best remote app for Insignia TV

✔️ Key features:

  • Choose from button, touchpad, and keyboard controls
  • Adjust the volume, change channels, and control playback
  • Search with your voice using Google Assistant or Alexa (supported devices)
  • Take advantage of quick launch buttons for Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video

Pros

  • Free without any ads, in-app purchases, or subscriptions
  • Item 2Intuitive and responsive interface
  • Quick and simple setup
  • iPad support
  • Works with popular TVs including Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung, TCL, LG, and more

Cons

  • Limited customization options

💵 Price: Free

2. Universal TV Remote Control

Another free remote app for Insignia TV is the Universal TV Remote Control. This iPhone app provides all the controls you need on one screen for navigation and playback. It works with multiple TV brands, provides responsive device detection, and lets you switch TVs easily.

Interface screenshots of the Universal TV Remote Control app

✔️ Key features:

  • Choose from button, touchpad, and keyboard controls
  • Power the TV on and off, control the volume, switch channels, and manage playback
  • All controls for volume, channels, and playback are on a single screen

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Quick device connection
  • iPad support
  • Works with popular TVs including Samsung, Sony, Roku, Fire TV, LG, and more

Cons

  • Contains many ads
  • Some basic features, like the app list and keyboard, require a purchase

💵 Price: Free with subscriptions starting at $4.99

Insignia TV Remote Apps for Android

If Android is your device of choice, you can easily navigate and control playback with these terrific remote control apps for Insignia TV.

1. Insignia Fire TV Remote

For convenient control on Android, consider the Insignia Fire TV Remote app. This tool gives you just what you need to navigate channels, control media, and turn your TV on and off. You’ll also find extras like an Info option, Guide, and Tools menu.

Interface screenshots of the Insignia Fire TV Remote app

✔️ Key features:

  • Choose from remote control, number pad, and voice control options
  • Easily access profiles, apps, mirroring, sleep, and settings
  • Adjust the volume, change channels, and control playback

Pros

  • Free without purchase requirements
  • Clean interface design
  • Works with Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and traditional IR devices

Cons

  • Contains ads
  • Navigation feels unresponsive at times

💵 Price: Free

2. Universal TV Remote for All TV

If you want to control other devices in your home along with the Insignia TV, check out the Universal TV Remote for All TV option for Android. With this app, you can search for channels and shows, return to the previous channel, and control your TV with ease.

Interface screenshots of the Universal TV Remote for All TV app

✔️ Key features:

  • Choose from button, touchpad, and keyboard controls
  • Use screen mirroring and cast photos and videos
  • Control the volume, switch channels, and manage playback

Pros

  • Responsive interface
  • Supports multiple languages
  • Works with popular TVs, including Roku, Fire TV, Samsung, Vizio, and IR mode

Cons

  • Contains many ads
  • Some basic features, like the touchpad and keyboard, require a purchase

💵 Price: Free with subscriptions starting at $4.99

Why You Should Switch to a Digital Remote for Your Insignia TV (Remote Apps vs Remote Device)

If you’re still using a traditional remote, it might be time to consider a digital alternative. Mobile TV remote apps offer convenience, advanced features, and a more practical way to control your Insignia TV. 

Here’s what to keep in mind when deciding on a remote app for your smartphone:

✏️ Key selection criteria. Look for apps that are easy to connect via Wi-Fi and have a simple, user-friendly interface.

✏️ Convenience. Your phone is always within reach, unlike a physical remote that can easily get lost in the couch cushions.

✏️ Advanced features. Digital remotes can offer capabilities that traditional remotes can’t, including:

  • A built-in keyboard to quickly type movie titles, search queries, or passwords — much faster than navigating letter by letter on your TV screen.
  • Touchpad navigation for smoothly scrolling through menus and apps for a seamless experience.
  • Voice search for hands-free commands and even faster control.
  • Being eco-friendly and practical — no more buying or replacing batteries. Many apps are free or low-cost, making them smarter alternatives to purchasing a replacement Insignia remote.

Conclusion

Rather than relying on a traditional remote control for your TV, you can control Insignia using a phone and a remote app. This is ideal if you’ve misplaced your remote control or don’t have replacement batteries on hand.

For iPhone, TVRem is a solid and reliable choice. It’s completely free without ads or purchases, supports major TV brands and streaming players, and gives you advanced features like multiple input methods and voice control.

For Android, the Universal TV Remote for All TV is a decent choice. Although it’s a bit ad-heavy, its controls are more responsive than most. Plus, you can check out the affordable in-app purchases to unlock additional features like touchpad and keyboard support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the TVRem Universal TV Remote App for iPhone is totally free without in-app purchases or subscriptions. As the best ad-free solution, you can control all major TV brands, including Insignia, Samsung, TCL, LG, and more, as well as streaming players.

You can control your TV a few different ways without a remote control or Wi-Fi connection. You can use the physical buttons on the unit, connect a USB mouse or keyboard, use a smartphone with an IR blaster, try a connected game console, or consider your smartphone’s mobile hotspot.

If your Insignia TV remote control is not working, this could be due to dead batteries, a disconnection from the TV, or obstructions blocking the IR sensor.