# Beam Smart Remote — user reviews > 85 indexed App Store user reviews of Beam Smart Remote by Southern Telecom Inc., rated 1.54/5 from 233 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beam-smart-remote/id1463215859/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beam-smart-remote/id1463215859.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 21 · 4★ 6 · 3★ 7 · 2★ 9 · 1★ 190 ## What do users think of Beam Smart Remote? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 💡 Remote finder feature - 👍 Simple setup **Cons** - 🐛 App crashes frequently - 🐛 Server errors when trying to program - 🐛 App not compatible with many devices - 🐛 Remote programming not working as advertised **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes on launch - Server connectivity issues - Remote programming not functioning **Most requested features** - Improve app stability and reliability - Expand device compatibility - Provide more comprehensive programming options ## Newest reviews (17 of 85) ### 1/5 — App doesn’t work *2023-12-06, version 1.2.2* This app for the universal remote control apparently does not work and from what I’ve found online it’s the same for everyone. I bought this remote because it had an app that could program the remote, if I wanted to search through device codes to not get all the buttons I’d have picked a different one. All get is “server error please try again later.” ### 1/5 — It won’t work *2023-08-20, version 1.2.2* App server error and forget the codes! It is impossible to make this thing work. ### 1/5 — Can I get a REFUND? *2023-04-28, version 1.2.2* I Own an android phone glad my wife has a iPhone. Didn’t help thought I was doing something wrong? Then stated reading the reviews. WOW! Seems the App is constantly just not working and the developers reading the reviews and well “Dah” here we go agai another customer going through time wondering what I am doing wrong wrong? Hope you guy’s enjoy reading these reviews. Coaching the sound of another sale! Guess I’ll wait on that refund. I won’t donate this don’t want to cause someone undo mental hardship. ### 1/5 — App does not even work *2023-03-17, version 1.2.2* The app does not even work, and can not program the remote thru the app due to a server error… ### 1/5 — Code wouldn’t work, app doesn’t connect *2022-11-16, version 1.2.2* The code provided didn’t work, the app didn’t pass from the “connect” screen just a “couldn’t connect to server” ### 1/5 — Worthless app I’ve tried multiple times to program my remote using it. *2022-11-07, version 1.2.2* Beam you need to fix your app. Your still selling remotes that day on the box that it can be programmed through use of the app. This is a horrible business practice as well as lying to your customers just to sell your remote. ### 1/5 — Server Error, I think the app is now abandoneware *2022-11-05* It used to work. I’m pretty sure that the app and the remote have now been abandoned by the company that made them. It’s very disappointing. After connecting to the remote via Bluetooth when you try to switch to the programming screen it always says that there is a server error. That means that the expensive remote is little more than a typical universal remote with a learning feature. It also makes it so that the remote has a lot of extra buttons that will never be usable. The app shouldn’t need to contact a server in the first place. The app is only good for making the remote beep when it is lost. Since it seems to be abandonware, I would guess that in the future the app will also stop being able to do that. ### 1/5 — Server Error *2022-09-01, version 1.2.2* Been getting that message some days in a row and can’t connect the remote to anything, please help! ### 1/5 — Does. Not. Work. *2022-08-09* I bought this remote control because of its supposed Bluetooth connectivity. Unfortunately, while it readily connects to this app, the app cannot connect to the server to program the remote. So the bluetooth capability is utterly pointless. I am now in the process of programming this remote manually. So the app, the bluetooth, these are clearly gimmicks designed simply to get you to purchase and possibly pay more for a remote that is little better than something you could get at Dollar Tree. Personally if you are still shopping for a remote, I’d keep looking. I will most likely return this waste of plastic and solder. ### 1/5 — Seriously folks *2022-04-05, version 1.2.2* This app is junk will not sync with remote on IOS or Android ### 2/5 — App Needs Updating *2022-01-14, version 1.2.2* App was working great and now it won’t connect to the server to program my remote! ### 1/5 — Basically useless *2022-01-04, version 1.2.2* Connects to the remote only half the time. Once connected you’ll be lucky if you can do anything before it freezes up. This app is trash ### 1/5 — Worthless… *2021-09-01, version 1.2.2* …pile of steaming hot garbage. Avoid the Beam app and any product associated with it. ### 1/5 — App does not work. *2021-01-16, version 1.2.2* Remote won’t connect to app at all. Luckily the remote was on clearance so no wasting money. But if you bought it to be able to use with the app don’t buy it. ### 1/5 — Terrible app, with a flawed remote programming technique *2020-12-08* This app is flawed to the point where it is basically useless. Rather than utilizing a database where you can search for your specific device by model number like most smart remote makers, it instead just enters the manufacturer codes one after the other for you via Bluetooth. Not at all a smart remote... just a regular remote with a Bluetooth function. Also, if you have a Roku TV, don’t even bother. The codes don’t exist for these devices. You will have to manually program via button cloning... which is stupid. ### 1/5 — App doesn’t work *2020-09-24, version 1.2.2* The app is what sold me on the remote but doesn’t work. There were cheaper universal remotes and I should’ve bought one of those because you’ll have to program manually anyway. Save money but something else. ### 1/5 — The App is NOT working *2020-09-11, version 1.2* After downloading the app all you get is the first screen, and even that is not complete. In other words the app is NOT working. When you try to contact the Support, their website is not operational and the excuse for that is - they blame it on the COVID-19 ! Unbelievable! ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — App doesn’t work *2025-05-07, version 1.2.2* Remote works good using the codes but the app only works to find your remote ### 1/5 — Seriously folks *2025-03-08, version 1.2.2* Kick off google play store works it you grab the APK doesn’t work at all on IOS on Android you can program the feature buttons and use find remote but that’s it If you go to the website the remote is trying to connect to you get Chinese gibberish. Walmart must have a warehouse full of these 6 year old devices they are still selling ### 1/5 — Nope! *2025-02-11, version 1.2.2* App works to find your remote. But for programming or anything else it’s useless. So, you can find you lost remote that you can’t program to be useful for anything. Super handy. ### 1/5 — Not working *2025-01-11, version 1.2.2* Tried to use this to program the Beam I580 and all the app did when it was trying to program it was show the spinning circle of death. Totally useless. ### 1/5 — SCAM- Useless for years *2024-11-09, version 1.2.2* They are still selling these remotes at Walmart and places but the app isn’t supported anymore so you can only do 1/4 of the functions ### 1/5 — App doesn’t connect for programming. It will always say failed. *2024-09-05, version 1.2.2* App only connects the phone to the remote and then no functions work. Don’t bother with the app needs help. IOS here but to be fair I tried with an android as well and ran into the same issue. ### 1/5 — Don’t waste your money *2024-04-06, version 1.2.2* The app don’t even work so the remote is basically pointless. You are better off using the universal remote app. If you’re smart you won’t even purchase the remote. ### 1/5 — Sadly disappointed *2024-01-29, version 1.2.2* App doesn’t work… not compatible with my Android device neither. Server error message pops up. Used all three codes for Roku TV, still doesn’t work. Very disappointed, even if it was $5. ### 1/5 — App is down *2023-12-23, version 1.2.2* Returning the remote to the store ASAP. Doesn’t work at all ### 1/5 — Worthless App *2023-12-09* I’ve had this remote for 2 months. Every time I try to use it, it says it’s connected then when I press the arrow to go to the next screen it ALWAYS SAYS: Server Error. Please Try Again Later.. Then Just A Black Screen and at the very top, it says programming to the right of the home button and to the left of the arrow and I get nowhere.. Oh Did I mention that I threw the paper instructions away because the “app is more convenient” ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Super simple setup *2020-10-21* It was as easy as adding any other Bluetooth device! Simply turn on follow the pairing instructions and you're all set!! Kept losing the tint remote that came with my tv thanks beam for the awesome Bluetooth remote I can't lose!!! ### 5/5 — Improving *2019-09-29* So they really only should have three stars but I think they got a bad rep for releasing an app that wasn’t functional yet. It’s come a LONG way from when I purchased the remote. Originally programming through the app was impossible. They have since fixed this. It took me a while to get my tv programmed but I blame Emerson for that because they have like a paragraph’s worth of codes which is ridiculous. Couldn’t find my Roku with the smart search function which is kind of irritating seeing as roku is one of the most popular smart devices. It did work by searching for manufacturer. The reason I gave it five stars is simple. They’ve obviously been reading these reviews and really trying to improve. I love the concept and hope they continue improving. They really redeemed themselves by fixing their app. I almost returned it but decided to give it one last time since I was technically out of the return period and missing the receipt. I’m glad I did because I really needed a remote. It’s hard to watch tv before bed when you can’t turn it off when you’re ready to sleep. ### 5/5 — Great *2019-09-21* So, are some of you soft in the head? You get a universal remote and whine about having to manually program it? The remote is easy, and this app makes it easier. I get some of you might have issues for one reason or another. This app works really well, and if you’re not satisfied with its functionality or performance, you won’t be happy with anything else. ### 5/5 — Worked like it should *2019-09-08, version 1.0* The app helped me find all the codes for my devices without having to manually enter any of them. ### 5/5 — Works fine *2019-09-06* I just brought the remote home 2 minutes ago and, using this app, I was able to program it to work with my Emerson tv and Roku. It was easy. I’m only leaving feedback because I noticed it had terrible reviews and I was really worried. The app does work though, so thank you ### 5/5 — SIMPLE FOR SENIOR MOMENTS *2019-09-05, version 1.0* This remote has been a lifesaver for me and my grandmother! It’s so easy for her to use and never needs my help using it! The app is also amazing and easy to use! Would definitely recommend to everyone! ### 5/5 — Amazing *2019-09-03, version 1.0* Super easy for me to connect. Works perfectly Thank you BEAM! ### 3/5 — Sad *2024-04-21, version 1.2.2* I figured these reviews are 4yr old they had to fix by now nope can’t even use the app at all was able to program manually with codes but even the learn function isn’t that good ### 3/5 — Shameful purchase *2020-08-18* The app is sadly a disappointment. The remote is cool and would have been a great asset if the application and the remote could connect and do what is advertised. I bought it, so I hope it works by itself, at least. But as a business owner whoever put this out should be ashamed to put out products that aren't perfect as it shows who they are as a person and a brand. ### 2/5 — App bugs *2023-03-11, version 1.2.2* The app will only connect but never load data to be able to use the app for your devices.. it is showing server error.. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-28.*