Finding a Polaroid TV remote control app is basically the tech equivalent of a scavenger hunt. Honestly, it shouldn't be this hard. You lost the plastic clicker between the couch cushions, or maybe the batteries leaked and ruined the internals. Now you’re standing in your living room, staring at a blank screen, wondering why there isn't one obvious, official app in the store labeled "Polaroid Remote."
Here is the truth: Polaroid doesn't actually make most of the TVs with their name on them anymore. They license the brand. Because of that, there isn't one "official" app that works for every single model. It depends entirely on whether you have an older "dumb" TV or a modern Smart TV running Android TV or Roku.
The IR Blaster vs. Wi-Fi Confusion
Most people download a random app and get frustrated when it doesn't work. Usually, it’s because of the hardware.
If your Polaroid is an older model (not a Smart TV), your phone must have an infrared (IR) blaster. Most modern iPhones and Galaxies don't have these anymore. If your phone doesn't have that tiny little glass bulb on the top edge, those "Universal IR Remote" apps are useless to you. You're better off buying a physical universal remote at a big-box store.
But, if you have a Polaroid Smart TV, life gets a lot easier. Since these TVs are on your home network, you can use your phone over Wi-Fi. It's faster, you don't have to "point" the phone at the TV, and it works from the kitchen when you need to mute a loud commercial.
Using the Google TV App for Polaroid Android TVs
If your Polaroid TV has the "Android TV" or "Google TV" logo when it boots up, stop looking for third-party apps. You already have the best tool.
👉 See also: 1 Million Times 1 Billion: Why Our Brains Can’t Handle the Answer
The Google TV app (formerly Play Movies & TV) has a built-in virtual remote. It is stable, free, and doesn't have those annoying full-screen ads that third-party "free" remotes shove in your face.
- Make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Google TV app on your Android or iPhone.
- Tap the "Remote" or "Connect TV" button usually found in the bottom right corner.
- Select your Polaroid TV from the list.
- A code will pop up on your TV screen; type that into your phone.
That's it. You now have a touchpad, a keyboard for typing in Netflix passwords (which is a godsend), and Google Assistant control.
When to Use Third-Party Apps
Sometimes the official route doesn't work. Maybe your Polaroid is one of those older smart models that uses a proprietary Linux-based system. In those cases, you might actually need a third-party Polaroid TV remote control app.
Apps like SURE Universal Remote or AnyMote have been around forever. They are reliable because they maintain huge databases of signal codes. If you are using an older Android phone with an IR blaster (like a Galaxy S6 or an old Xiaomi), these apps can mimic the exact frequency of the original Polaroid remote.
A word of caution: many apps on the Play Store with "Polaroid" in the name are just wrappers for ads. They might work, but they’ll make you watch a 30-second clip of a mobile game before letting you change the volume. Stick to the well-known universal ones if you can.
The Roku Variation
Believe it or not, some Polaroid models are actually Roku TVs. If yours is, download the official Roku App. It’s arguably the best remote experience out there. It includes "Private Listening," which lets you plug headphones into your phone and listen to the TV audio wirelessly. It’s perfect for late-night binge-watching when you don't want to wake up the house.
Troubleshooting the "App Won't Connect" Issue
It happens to everyone. You’ve got the app, the TV is on, but they won't talk to each other.
Check the 2.4GHz vs. 5GHz band. Some older Polaroid TVs only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. If your phone is on the 5GHz band of the same router, they might act like they are on different networks. Try switching your phone to the 2.4GHz signal and see if the TV magically appears.
Also, check your TV settings. Look for a menu called "Remote & Accessories" or "Network." There is often a toggle for "Remote Storage" or "IP Control" that needs to be turned on. If the TV's security settings are too high, it will reject any connection attempt from your phone.
Actionable Steps for Regaining Control
Don't spend hours downloading twenty different apps. Follow this logic instead:
- Step 1: Look at your TV's home screen. If it says Roku, download the Roku App. If it says Android or Google, download the Google TV App.
- Step 2: If it’s a "dumb" TV and your phone has an IR blaster, download SURE Universal Remote.
- Step 3: If you have an iPhone or a modern Android (no IR blaster) and a non-smart TV, an app cannot help you. You need to buy a physical universal remote or a streaming stick like a Chromecast or Fire Stick, which comes with its own remote that can be programmed to control your TV's power and volume.
- Step 4: For Smart TVs, always verify the Wi-Fi. Restarting both the router and the TV fixes about 90% of pairing failures.
Using a Polaroid TV remote control app is a great temporary fix, but for long-term use, the official Google or Roku apps are the only ones that won't drive you crazy with connectivity drops. If those don't fit your specific model, a cheap $10 universal hardware remote is a much better investment than a phone app full of malware.