> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/yuliskov/SmartTube/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Remote Control & Casting

> Set up remote control pairing, TV code linking for casting from mobile devices, and customize remote control buttons in SmartTube

SmartTube supports casting from mobile devices and offers remote control customization. This guide covers device pairing and remote control configuration.

## Casting from Mobile Devices

Unlike the official YouTube app, SmartTube does not automatically appear on your casting list. You must manually link your mobile device to your TV using a TV code.

<Warning>
  SmartTube does not automatically show up when you are in the same WiFi network. Manual pairing is required.
</Warning>

### TV Code Linking Process

Link your smartphone, tablet, or computer to cast videos to SmartTube on your TV.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open SmartTube Settings">
    On your Android TV:

    1. Launch SmartTube
    2. Navigate to **Settings** from the main menu
    3. Select **Remote control** (2nd option in settings)
    4. A TV code will be displayed on the screen

    <Info>
      Keep this screen open while you complete the linking process on your mobile device.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open YouTube on Mobile Device">
    On your smartphone or tablet:

    1. Open the official **YouTube app**
    2. Tap your profile icon (top-right corner)
    3. Go to **Settings**
    4. Select **General** or **Watch on TV**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter TV Code">
    In the YouTube mobile app:

    1. Tap **Link with TV code**
    2. Enter the code displayed on your TV screen
    3. Tap **Link** or **Connect**
    4. Wait for confirmation

    <Tip>
      The TV code is usually 12 digits. Enter it carefully - it's case-sensitive.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm Connection">
    Your devices are now linked!

    * The TV should show a confirmation message
    * Your mobile device is now connected
    * You can now cast videos from your phone to SmartTube
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Card title="Screenshot Guide" icon="image">
  For a visual guide with screenshots, see the [Telegram screenshot guide](https://t.me/SmartTubeEN/8514)
</Card>

### How to Cast Videos

Once devices are linked, casting is straightforward:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open SmartTube on TV">
    **Important:** SmartTube must be open on your TV before casting.

    <Warning>
      Due to technical limitations, SmartTube cannot automatically wake up the TV. You must open the app first.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Video on Mobile">
    On your mobile device:

    1. Open the YouTube app
    2. Browse or search for a video
    3. Start playing the video (optional)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Cast to TV">
    1. Tap the **Cast** icon (screen with WiFi waves) in the YouTube app
    2. Select your SmartTube device from the list
    3. Video will start playing on your TV
    4. Use your phone as a remote control
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Casting Features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Phone as Remote" icon="mobile">
    Once casting, use your phone to control playback, volume, quality, and browse for next videos.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Queue Management" icon="list">
    Add videos to the queue from your phone while others are playing on TV.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multiple Devices" icon="users">
    Multiple phones can be linked to the same TV - anyone can add videos to the queue.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Casting Limitations" icon="triangle-exclamation">
    SmartTube must be open before casting - it cannot auto-launch or wake the TV.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Remote Control Pairing

SmartTube works with standard Android TV remote controls and supports various input devices.

### Supported Remote Types

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="IR Remote">
    **Infrared Remote Controls:**

    * Standard TV remote that came with your Android TV
    * Must point at TV to work (line of sight required)
    * Universal remotes programmed for Android TV
    * No special pairing required - works automatically

    <Info>
      Most Android TVs come with an IR remote by default. These work with SmartTube out of the box.
    </Info>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Bluetooth Remote">
    **Bluetooth Remote Controls:**

    * Wireless remotes that don't require line of sight
    * Need to be paired with your Android TV
    * Usually pair through Android TV settings, not SmartTube
    * Include game controllers and wireless keyboards

    **How to pair:**

    1. Go to Android TV **Settings** (not SmartTube settings)
    2. Navigate to **Remotes & Accessories**
    3. Select **Add accessory**
    4. Put your remote in pairing mode
    5. Select it when it appears
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Mobile App Remote">
    **Smartphone as Remote:**

    * Use your phone as a remote control
    * Download Android TV Remote app
    * Available for Android and iOS
    * Connect via WiFi (same network as TV)

    **Setup:**

    1. Install **Android TV Remote Control** app
    2. Open app and select your TV
    3. Enter pairing code shown on TV
    4. Use phone's touchpad to navigate
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Customizable Remote Buttons

SmartTube allows customization of certain remote control buttons for quick access to features.

<Accordion title="Button Customization Options">
  You can customize various button behaviors within SmartTube:

  **Customizable actions:**

  * Long-press actions on remote buttons
  * Quick access to playback speed
  * Quality selection shortcuts
  * SponsorBlock toggle
  * Subtitle controls

  **How to customize:**

  1. Go to **Settings** → **Interface** or **Controls**
  2. Look for **Button customization** options
  3. Assign actions to available buttons
  4. Test your configuration

  <Info>
    Available customization options depend on your remote control model and Android TV version.
  </Info>
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Player Control Buttons">
  In-player buttons that can be customized:

  | Button | Default Action | Customizable |
  | :- | :- | :- |
  | **HQ** | Quality selection | Position only |
  | **Speed** | Playback speed | Position only |
  | **Loop** | Autoplay mode | Position only |
  | **Chat** | Live chat | Enable/disable |
  | **Subtitles** | CC controls | Position only |

  You can typically hide, show, or reorder these buttons in the settings.
</Accordion>

## Remote Control Tips

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Battery Life" icon="battery-full">
    Bluetooth remotes consume battery. Use IR remotes for better battery life, or keep spare batteries handy.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Response Speed" icon="bolt">
    If your remote feels sluggish, try replacing batteries or re-pairing Bluetooth remotes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Voice Search" icon="microphone">
    Enable voice search with a bridge app for hands-free control. See Voice Search guide.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multiple Remotes" icon="remote">
    You can pair multiple remotes to one TV - useful for households with multiple users.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Troubleshooting Remote Issues

<Accordion title="Remote not responding">
  **Solutions:**

  1. **Replace batteries**: Most common issue with IR remotes
  2. **Check line of sight**: IR remotes need clear path to TV
  3. **Re-pair Bluetooth**: Unpair and pair again in Android TV settings
  4. **Restart TV**: Power cycle your Android TV device
  5. **Check compatibility**: Verify remote is compatible with Android TV
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Casting doesn't show SmartTube">
  **This is expected behavior!**

  SmartTube does not automatically appear on your casting list. You must:

  1. **Link devices manually** using the TV code method (see above)
  2. **Open SmartTube first** on your TV before casting
  3. **Keep SmartTube open** - it cannot auto-launch from casting

  <Info>
    This is a technical limitation, not a bug. SmartTube cannot automatically wake up or launch like the official YouTube app.
  </Info>
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="TV code not working">
  **Troubleshooting steps:**

  1. **Verify code accuracy**: TV codes are case-sensitive, enter carefully
  2. **Check code expiration**: Request a new code if the current one doesn't work
  3. **Update YouTube app**: Make sure your mobile YouTube app is current
  4. **Check WiFi**: Both devices should be on the same network (not required, but helps)
  5. **Restart SmartTube**: Close and reopen SmartTube to generate a new code
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Phone not controlling TV">
  **After linking, if control doesn't work:**

  1. **Verify link**: Check if device is still listed as connected
  2. **Re-link**: Remove the connection and link again with a new TV code
  3. **SmartTube must be open**: Casting only works when SmartTube is running
  4. **Update YouTube**: Update the YouTube app on your mobile device
  5. **Check network**: Ensure both devices have stable internet connections
</Accordion>

## Security and Privacy

<Accordion title="TV Code Security">
  SmartTube uses **one-time connection codes** with limited permissions:

  ✅ **Safe features:**

  * Codes have very limited permissions
  * Cannot change your Google account password
  * Only allow video playback control
  * Can be revoked at any time

  🔒 **How to revoke access:**

  1. Open [myaccount.google.com/security](https://myaccount.google.com/security)
  2. Find **"Your connections to third-party apps & services"**
  3. Tap **"See all connections"**
  4. Locate **YouTube TV** or **Google Drive**
  5. Select the app → **"Remove access"**

  <Info>
    Even though the codes are safe, you can revoke them anytime for full peace of mind.
  </Info>
</Accordion>

## Related Configuration

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Voice Search" icon="microphone" href="/configuration/voice-search">
    Enable global voice search with bridge app installation
  </Card>

  <Card title="Settings Overview" icon="gear" href="/configuration/settings">
    Explore all SmartTube settings and customization options
  </Card>
</CardGroup>