CouchiusQuick answer: Your iPhone and the Sony TV must be on the same Wi‑Fi. Sony points to two free apps: the Google TV app (pick the TV, type the code it shows, tap the remote icon) and BRAVIA Connect for 2024 and newer BRAVIA models. Couchius is the premium option: type the TV’s 4‑digit code once, then use a clicking volume dial and haptic keys. To turn the TV on from your phone, enable Remote Start.
How a phone controls a Sony TV
Recent Sony BRAVIA TVs run Google TV or Android TV, and they accept remote commands over your home network. An iPhone has no infrared, so every iPhone remote for Sony works over Wi‑Fi:
- The phone and TV must be on the same network.
- The TV shows a code the first time, so only phones in the room can pair.
- To turn the TV on remotely, Remote Start has to be on.
Method 1: Sony’s free options
Sony’s support pages list two apps:
| App | Works with | You’ll need |
|---|---|---|
| Google TV app | Sony TVs with Google TV | A Google Account on the TV, same Wi‑Fi, the code on screen |
| BRAVIA Connect | 2024 and newer BRAVIA models (and A95L with current software) | A Sony account, a Google Account on the TV, same Wi‑Fi |
In the Google TV app, connect to the same Wi‑Fi, choose your TV from the list, enter the code shown on the TV, then tap the remote icon. Both apps give you power, volume and a swipe pad for navigation.
Method 2: Couchius (premium remote)
Couchius talks to the BRAVIA directly, without a Google or Sony account. It’s built to feel like a piece of hardware: a turned volume dial that clicks with each step, keys that vibrate, a keyboard for search, an apps list, and eight looks.
- Install Couchius and start the free week.
- Couchius finds your BRAVIA on the Wi‑Fi. Tap it.
- The TV shows a 4‑digit code. Type it into Couchius. That’s the only time.
- The remote opens. Couchius keeps the pairing fresh on its own.
If no code appears, look in the TV’s Settings under Network & Internet for Remote device settings and make sure Control remotely is on.
Turn the TV on from your phone
Turning the TV off always works. To turn it on, the TV needs to stay reachable in standby:
- On Google TV models, open Settings › Network & Internet › Remote Start.
- Turn it On. Some 2021–2022 models offer On (Networked Standby) or On (Powered by apps).
Sony notes the TV uses more power in standby with this on.
Which should you use?
| You want | Best choice |
|---|---|
| A free remote and you use Google’s apps | Google TV app |
| A 2024+ BRAVIA with Sony’s own app | BRAVIA Connect |
| No accounts, just a remote | Couchius |
| A real volume dial, haptics and Kid Mode | Couchius |
Not sure which system your TV runs? Try the free TV compatibility checker.