Utilizing handy tools, you can effortlessly manage your Android TV from a Windows PC. Alternatively, if you’re an iOS user, casting your iPhone to Android TV via an AirPlay-compatible app is feasible. However, for comprehensive control over YouTube on Android TV, encompassing features like commenting, video liking, streamlined search, and navigation, conventional casting falls short. Enter Google’s innovative “Connect” feature, eliminating the need for local casting. This functionality empowers you to oversee YouTube on Android TV using your iPhone or Android device, regardless of Wi-Fi network alignment. In this article, we present a tutorial on leveraging the “Connect” feature on YouTube.
Controlling YouTube on Android TV via iPhone or Android Phone (2022)
Below are the requirements for controlling YouTube on Android TV from your iPhone or Android phone. Additionally, we’ve included steps for using the Connect feature in the YouTube mobile app to control the app on your Android TV. Feel free to navigate to any section you’re interested in.
Requirements to Control YouTube on Android TV Using iPhone or Android
1. Ensure the Google account is the same on YouTube for both your Android TV and smartphone, whether it’s running Android, iOS, or iPadOS.
2. YouTube must be on the latest version on both your smartphone and Android TV. Google hasn’t specified a particular version for the ‘Connect’ feature to function, but to avoid any issues, ensure your YouTube app is up to date.
3. The ‘Connect’ feature isn’t the typical casting function found on other apps. It’s YouTube account synchronization operating seamlessly in the background. Therefore, none of your devices need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to utilize the ‘Connect’ feature. You can be using mobile data while your TV is connected to Wi-Fi, and still have control over YouTube on Android TV from your smartphone.
Using the “Connect” Feature to Control YouTube on Android TV
1. Ensure that both the YouTube TV app on your Android TV and smartphone (Android or iOS) are updated to the latest version. Open the Play Store and update all applications, including YouTube.
2. Then, launch the YouTube app on your Android TV and leave it running.
3. Open the YouTube app on your Android phone or iPhone. A small pop-up will appear at the bottom saying “Watching YouTube on TV?”. Below that, a “Connect” button will appear. Tap it.
4. Instantly, your Android phone or iPhone will be connected to the Android TV. If something is playing on YouTube, it will show the progress. You are not casting but connecting to YouTube on Android TV via your YouTube account. So you don’t have to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
5. You can now search for YouTube videos from your smartphone, fast forward the clip, leave a comment, add more videos to the queue, read comments, and more. You can control all aspects of YouTube on Android TV from your Android phone or iPhone.
6. Use voice search and your iPhone or Android phone as a remote for YouTube on your Android TV. To disconnect YouTube from your smartphone, tap the “Cast” button and choose “Disconnect”.
Control YouTube on Android TV From Your Smartphone with TV Code
If the “Connect” pop-up doesn’t appear on your smartphone, use a TV Code to link your Android TV and iPhone/Android phone. You don’t need the same Google account on both devices. You can control YouTube on Android TV from a smartphone with a different Google account. Here’s how:
1. Open the YouTube app on both devices: your Android TV and smartphone. If a pop-up doesn’t appear on your Android phone or iPhone, tap the “Cast” icon at the top right and select “Link with TV code“.
2. On your Android TV, navigate to the “Settings” page in YouTube, located in the bottom-left corner. Here, access the “Link with TV code” menu and note the 12-digit code.
3. Return to your smartphone and enter the code from the YouTube app. Then, tap “Link”.
4. That’s it! Your smartphone is now connected to YouTube on your Android TV. Enjoy controlling YouTube on your TV from your smartphone with no restrictions.
5. To disconnect, tap on the “Cast” icon in the YouTube app and choose “Disconnect”.
6. Open the YouTube app on Android TV and navigate to Settings -> Linked devices. Here, click on “Unlink all devices” to remove them instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to use the Connect feature on YouTube?
Open the YouTube app on your Android TV and smartphone, whether Android or iOS. You’ll receive a pop-up on your smartphone asking, “Watching YouTube on TV?”. Tap “Connect” to enable the Connect feature on YouTube. Ensure you’re signed in with the same Google account on both devices.
How to Control YouTube on Android TV Without Using Cast?
Utilize the “Connect” feature Google recently launched. No need to be on the local Wi-Fi network to control YouTube on a larger screen. For further details, refer to our guide.
How to Control YouTube on TV via iPhone?
Ensure the same Google account is signed in to YouTube on both your Android TV and iPhone. Open the YouTube app on the TV, then on your iPhone. A “Connect” prompt will appear at the bottom. Tap it, and now you can control YouTube on TV from your iPhone or iPad.
Does my smartphone have to be on the same Wi-Fi network for the Connect feature to work on my Android TV with YouTube?
The “Connect” feature sets apart from regular casting by syncing your YouTube account instead of local devices. You can control YouTube on Android TV from mobile devices.
Control YouTube on Android TV From Your iPhone or Android Phone Remotely
Here’s how to use the “Connect” feature to control YouTube on Android TV from your Android or iOS smartphone. While I appreciate the feature, the frequent pop-up when opening YouTube could become annoying. It would be beneficial if Google included an option to disable the pop-up in YouTube’s settings. That’s all for now. For transferring files from Android TV to a PC or smartphone, refer to our linked guide. To discover the best Android TV apps, check out our curated list. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
