Lost or broken Sony BRAVIA remote — what you can do
Good news: NoStrings controls Sony BRAVIA TVs with Sony's own network control, and the first connection is confirmed with a PIN on the TV screen, so no remote is needed. This works on BRAVIA with Android TV or Google TV (2015 and newer) and on many 2013–2014 models with IP control. Sony support is new but fully supported, not beta.
Connect without the remote
- Make sure the TV is on and connected to the same Wi-Fi router as your iPhone (not a guest network). Turn VPN off on the iPhone.
- Install NoStrings, open it and allow Local Network access when the iPhone asks.
- Tap your Sony TV in the list.
- The TV shows a 4-digit PIN. Type it in the app. Done.
If the TV asks to confirm
The PIN is the confirmation. If no PIN appears, Sony's network control is switched off on the TV. Turn it on in Settings → Network (& Internet) → Home network → IP control: set Authentication to “Normal” (or “Normal and Pre-Shared Key”), and in “Remote device settings” turn on “Control remotely”.
That needs the TV menu once: on Android TV models a USB mouse or keyboard works, or use a cheap universal IR remote. Or skip it: with IP control off, the TV still works through the Google TV mode with a code on the screen. See the Google TV guide.
Turn the TV on
NoStrings can switch the TV on over Wi-Fi when Remote start is on: Settings → Network → Remote start. The app also shows whether the TV is on or in standby.
From the iPhone you get the remote keys, typing into the TV's text fields, the app list and the inputs (HDMI list with their names).
Keep in mind: you do this only once. After the first connection the TV remembers your iPhone, and the app connects by itself every time you open it. No remote needed again.
Questions
Can I switch to HDMI without the remote?
Yes. The app lists the TV's inputs with their names, so you can pick the game console or TV box directly.
Can I open a YouTube link on the Sony?
In Sony's own mode, not yet. If you connect the TV in Google TV mode instead, copy a YouTube or Netflix link, paste it in the app's Keyboard and tap “Play on TV”.
Which Sony TVs work?
BRAVIA with Android TV or Google TV from 2015 on, and many 2013–2014 models with IP control. The iPhone and the TV must be on the same home Wi-Fi.
The basic remote (power, volume, channels, arrows, Home, Back, playback) is free: no subscription, no ads, no account. Pro is a one-time purchase that adds the keyboard, touchpad, TV apps, photos on the TV, widgets, Apple Watch and Siri.
Get NoStrings on the App Store
Still stuck? Write to us: support@nostringsremote.com