Join the same network
Connect your iPhone or iPad and TV to the same home network. Keep the TV on and allow Local Network access when SofaPilot asks.
SofaPilot support
Setup instructions, TV compatibility, and troubleshooting.
Email SofaPilot supportConnect your TV
Find your TV
Open Devices → Scan for TVs. If needed, enter the TV’s local IPv4 address manually. Enable the TV’s network remote service in its settings.
Approve pairing
Approve SofaPilot on the TV or enter its displayed code. Pair in the app before setting up widgets or the Lock Screen remote.
TV compatibility
SofaPilot needs a compatible local-network remote service. These connection paths are implemented; physical-TV testing is still in progress. They do not certify every model or firmware.
| TV or device | What you need | First connection |
|---|---|---|
| Sony | Compatible BRAVIA IP control | Enable network/IP control. Use TV-code pairing or your configured pre-shared key. |
| LG | LG webOS | Enable LG Connect Apps if offered. Approve on the TV or enter its PIN. |
| Samsung | Tizen-era network remote service | Keep Connection set to Automatic and choose Allow on the TV. |
| Vizio | SmartCast | Enter the four-digit code displayed on the TV. |
| TCL & Hisense | Google TV / Android TV | Enable Android TV Remote Service and enter the six-character code. |
| NVIDIA Shield & other Google / Android TV | Android TV Remote Service | Enter the six-character code. Shield TV volume and connected-TV power depend on HDMI-CEC. |
Not supported: Roku TV, Fire TV, Hisense VIDAA, LG NetCast, older Vizio Internet Apps TVs, and older unsupported Samsung remote protocols. Cast or AirPlay support alone does not establish compatibility. No infrared control, voice search, screen mirroring, or media casting.
Common questions
My TV doesn’t appear in the scan.
Turn the TV on and confirm your devices are on the same network. Guest Wi-Fi, VPNs, and network isolation may prevent communication. Check Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network on your iPhone or iPad and enable SofaPilot. Enable the TV’s network remote service and try its current local IPv4 address manually.
The TV appears, but won’t connect.
A scan result does not guarantee that the remote service is reachable. Keep the TV on, check its current address, and retry. Approve any request on the TV using its physical remote. If you previously blocked SofaPilot, review the TV’s allowed-device settings. For persistent errors, send the exact message and your TV model to support.
Can SofaPilot turn my TV on?
Network wake depends on your TV and standby settings. Enable mobile power-on, network standby, or Quick Start where available. Sony, LG, and Samsung may report a MAC address automatically after connection; other setups can need a manual MAC address. Deep standby may disable networking. A wake request is best effort and does not confirm that the screen turned on.
Why are some apps, inputs, or buttons unavailable?
TVs expose different controls. Google / Android TV and Vizio do not provide an installed-app inventory through these protocols; use Home to select an app. Some platforms open the TV’s source chooser for input selection. Buttons depend on the TV’s current app and firmware. The touchpad sends directional steps, not an LG Magic Remote pointer.
Can I type on my phone instead of the TV?
Yes, where your TV and its active text field support it. Select a field on the TV, tap SofaPilot’s keyboard icon, enter one line, and choose Send. Check the TV before sending again; some fields may not accept text. Vizio supports printable ASCII text only. Text drafts are not saved and are cleared when the keyboard closes, the connection changes, or the app leaves the foreground.
How do widgets and the Lock Screen remote work?
Pair a real TV first. In Devices, open Add widgets for instructions. Start the Lock Screen remote from the Remote tab. iOS controls Live Activity duration, and controls can require device authentication. Your TV must stay reachable. Samsung Standard-mode connections require foreground control in the app.
Pairing stopped working after a TV or network change.
Compare the saved TV address with the current address in its network settings. An IP or certificate change may require pairing again. Verify the TV’s address before resetting pairing after a certificate warning. A router DHCP reservation can keep its address stable. Do not reset pairing solely because the TV is temporarily unreachable.
Can I explore without connecting a TV?
Choose Explore demo mode in Devices. Demo mode is clearly labeled and sends no TV commands. It previews the interface; it does not test compatibility with a physical TV.
How do I remove my saved TV information?
Remove the saved TV in SofaPilot to delete its saved pairing secrets. Do this before uninstalling if you want Keychain credentials deleted. You can also revoke Local Network permission in Settings. Read the privacy policy for more information.
Contact support
Include your TV model and software version, iPhone or iPad model, iOS version, SofaPilot version, and the steps that failed. Connection diagnostic reports can be shared from the app when you choose.
Do not send pairing codes, credentials, or payment details.