# Smart TV Remote for Sony — user reviews > 50 indexed App Store user reviews of Smart TV Remote for Sony by Rifat Hasan, rated 4.15/5 from 1,007 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-tv-remote-for-sony/id1490813284/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-tv-remote-for-sony/id1490813284.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 718 · 4★ 71 · 3★ 30 · 2★ 23 · 1★ 165 ## What do users think of Smart TV Remote for Sony? Overall sentiment: neutral **Pros** - 👍 Convenient remote replacement - 🚀 Easy to connect and use - 💡 Customizable background colors - 🚀 Responsive and fast **Cons** - 🐛 Connectivity issues after TV reset - 🔒 Requires same WiFi network as TV - 💰 Subscription model after free trial - 📺 Cannot turn on TV from app **Commonly reported bugs** - App unable to find TV after reset - Frequent disconnections and need to restart - Inconsistent behavior with certain TV models **Most requested features** - Bluetooth connectivity option - Ability to turn on TV from app - Larger button sizes - In-app purchase option to remove ads ## Newest reviews (12 of 50) ### 3/5 — Functions *2022-07-20, version 1.3* Can only use some functions the app doesn’t show you how to use the rest of the functions other than that a good remote ### 2/5 — Sort of works *2022-06-10, version 1.3* It disconnects from my tv every other day. I have a toddler who hides the remote so unfortunately when it disconnects, I have to find the remote before I can use this remote app (the tv has to be on for 30 seconds or more to reconnect). It kind of defeats the purpose when the tv has to be on already in order to use it. Sad that I spent $10 on an app that only works for me sometimes. ### 2/5 — Works great… for a few days *2022-02-08, version 1.3* From the description, assumed this had pop up ads only. Ok, fine, I might work with that minor inconvenience. But after a couple of days, any buttons you tap bring up a full screen ad. And that’s it. Want the ad gone? Pay. So… big nope from me. ### 2/5 — Charged when 3 days was supposed to be free *2021-11-14, version 1.3* The starting page clearly said that 3 days are free, and then the subscription is $3 per week. The price was exorbitant, but I needed a remote urgently so I signed up for the free trial. My credit card was charged when I signed up for the free trial. $3 is not much but I didn’t like being cheated. I’m giving 2 starts because the app works well ### 2/5 — Too many advertisements & paid subscription is high price *2021-04-17, version 1.3* App is simple to use but to many advertisements. Even to click one time back button I have to watch 4 advertisements. ### 2/5 — Great Remote,but... *2021-01-23, version 1.3* The remote app works well connected to my tv right away. However 2.99 a week is an outrageous price for a dime-a-dozen product like a smart tv remote app. I suggest you all talk to your marketing and finance people and figure out a better way to make a profit without subscription fees. Maybe implement advertisements. ### 3/5 — Worked for some time now asks you to buy *2021-01-22, version 1.3* Beware, this app is incorrectly listed in the App Store as free and there is no mention of in app purchases. With that being said, this worked perfectly and fast for about a week. Now when I open the app I have a full screen ad (which the description explicitly states there are none) and asks you to buy it for $9.99 or rent it for $2.99 a week (who would do that???) So I wanted to write this so it’s publicly disclosed. It works great, but if you need it to work beyond a trial period, it will be $9.99 plus tax. This is not disclosed anywhere in the app description and although many app developers get around this by writing “in app purchases”, this is not written on here. ### 2/5 — New update *2021-01-20, version 1.3* I had rated this app in the past very high and enjoyed it very much because unlike other apps, it actually worked and was a smooth sail. But lately with a new update, it’s asking us to pay to use the service. I hope you guys know even though it’s not much, not a lot of users can afford that because we’re still jobless kids and teens who have no money. I looked (and would prefer) to still use this app for free with the inclusion of many ads and premium being without ads and whatever other cool features you guys want to add. Sad to have seen the update.. ### 3/5 — Great app but not happy after the update. *2021-01-20, version 1.3* it worked great until it updated and required me to pay for it which i don’t want to do. so it’s a great app until you update it and you have to pay. ### 4/5 — Can’t turn off tv *2020-11-25, version 1.2* this app is honestly great overall i just have a problem and basically the main reason i got this was to turn off the tv. but with this remote i am not able to. anyone know how to? ### 4/5 — Works great but... *2020-11-11, version 1.2* Sometimes I have to restart my phone or reinstall the app altogether because it can’t find my TV and there’s no way to ask the app to search for your TV after you download the app. You have to start all over again. ### 4/5 — Works! *2020-10-11, version 1.2* I have it 4 because it still struggles to connect sometimes. I’d say 98% dependable. There is another app that looks similar and is a joke so be careful and download this one. Much better than the original remote and Chinese copies out there. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Works fine then they want you to buy it *2021-05-31, version 1.3* Works well and then after three days you can buy it for 10 dollars for a lifetime or 2.99 a week? Makes no sense and it just seems disingenuous to portray it as free then you realize it isn’t. I don’t really trust it enough to believe you would only have to pay for it once ### 1/5 — Horrible update *2021-05-26, version 1.3* The old version worked great with partial screen ads, then the new update pulls up a full screen request to purchase. It’s actually labeled correctly now but was labeled free with no in app purchases when the update came out. I would be fine using it with partial screen ads, otherwise it’s getting deleted. ### 1/5 — Weekly WHAT?!? *2021-04-22, version 1.3* You want me to constantly pay you for an app that interfaces as a remote? What a joke!! It’s so easy to build, all the control interfaces are publicly available! You just match it up with your GUI. I doubt you feel inspired though, so I’ll do it myself then release it for free! ### 1/5 — Subscription only after 1 year of amazing *2021-03-02, version 1.3* What the heck? This was the best app out there but I pop it open to find it only works with an expensive subscription now. Not even a 1 time purchase, subscription. Incredibly scummy. ### 1/5 — Free to paid *2021-01-29, version 1.3* Used to love this app. It was free, worked most of the time, and was super convenient when my husband fell asleep with the remote stuck under him. Now they want $10 (not a bad price honestly) and if you try to do anything in the app you’re immediately served a full screen ad, once you close that they ask for money, then another full screen ad and so on. Deleted! ### 1/5 — Ruined — now garbage *2021-01-28, version 1.3* Used to be a great app. I have whiplash from how fast I went from liking this app to deleting it. Developer just ruined it with a billion ads and big price in latest patch. My TV never did turn on after 3 attempts, each time with an ad. Closed and moved on. This is now hot garbage. Sorry sir but you did this to yourself. I’ve no problem paying but now I don’t trust you. ### 1/5 — Okay, till recently *2021-01-22, version 1.3* This app was okay, have to look up and connect to the tv every single time the app is opened. It will not save the connection. This may be because of the tv, bot sure but it’s extremely annoying. The last release made the app a pay for service. I wouldn’t mind paying for something that just works! As this app has it’s issues, it just got deleted! Time for to look for an alternative. ### 1/5 — Well that deescalated quickly *2021-01-21, version 1.3* This app used to be great. My go-to. They had ads, but non-invasive ones that were never full page. So I could use the app whenever I wanted. But now, there’s a full page ad trying to force me to pay. Guess I’ll go back to the actual Sony app. Waiting 3 additional seconds to turn up/down the volume (literally all I use the remote for) is preferable to what this app has become. It’s a shame though because I loved this app. Recommended it to everyone. Not now. ### 1/5 — Was a Great free tv App *2021-01-20, version 1.3* This was my go to Sony tv app. Was a wonderful app until the latest update. Anytime I press anywhere on the app, it asks if I want to buy the $2.99 weekly subscription or the $10 lifetime. Then it plays a full screen ad. It was a solid app so I tried to buy the lifetime subscription for $10 but every time I click the lifetime subscription, it switches to the weekly subscription. ### 1/5 — Worst update ever, lost my interest! *2021-01-20, version 1.3* I was so excited about this app, I’ve used 2 different ones since my remote for my tv stopped working and all of them were so miserable with ads. This was my saving grace, it had ads but they were non Invasive AND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE APP LITERALLY SAYS “WE WILL NEVER SHOW ANY POP UP OR FULL PAGE ADS” so I could use the remote when I needed to. I told all my friends about how amazing it was... well that just changed. Newest update now brings up a full screen ad that won’t let me use the remote unless I pay for a monthly subscription or pay outright for the ad free version. Very disappointing, this app is unfortunately not worth it anymore ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Great except for one thing *2022-06-01, version 1.3* For $10 lifetime I should be able to turn my TV back on with this app. I can PowerOff, but can’t figure out how to turn tv on through the app. Maybe I’m missing something. Work around is to use Roku remote to power on tv and go from there. Or actually go to the tv and turn it on directly like people did in the olden days. I will say this app found my tv right away. The previous app I used stopped working properly recently, couldn’t find my tv anymore for anything even though it listed it under devices. I dunno… Volume and Channel controls work great, as does Imput, which is important. I watch over the air antenna channels (or stream via Roku), and the original tv remote went wonky ages ago. I was glad to find this app as a working replacement. I also admire the simplicity of the design. So even though there’s the one thing it doesn’t do (or that I’m not able to figure out), I’m still giving it 5 stars. ### 5/5 — Worked first try *2021-08-09, version 1.3* Tried 3 other apps that didn’t work on my TV but this worked first try. Only time will tell if it lasts! ### 5/5 — Awweeesome! *2021-01-11, version 1.2* There’s absolutely no full page ads! It’s so convenient! I’m actually debating on whether to even buy batteries for my remote! ### 5/5 — Works as expected *2021-01-01, version 1.2* My Sony Bravia 4K TV stopped working and it’ll take weeks to get a replacement. I can navigate all the essential stuff from this app perfectly (apps/channels/inputs , Rewind/FF/Play, basic navigation and searching). I thought my TV was going to be stuck in its current app for weeks. What a lifesaver! ### 5/5 — Remote is amazing *2020-12-14, version 1.2* Remote has the adds but it’s not in the way I downloaded 4 different some before this one all them were horrible but this one is good definitely recommend. ### 5/5 — Great *2020-12-02, version 1.2* I have for months now and so far still great, no problem at all. ### 5/5 — Excellent app *2020-11-13, version 1.2* Fed up with kids losing the remote, I searched the App Store for a universal remote. The first 3 (which shall remain nameless) were complicated and only furthered my frustrations. I’m glad I tried one more because that’s how I got this app. Super easy to use and zero problems. I was wondering how to load Netflix and took 3 seconds to find the menu ....which has every media account anyone could have. Don’t waste your time on others. THIS IS THE ONLY ONE YOU NEED! Thank you. ### 5/5 — Must Have App! *2020-07-28, version 1.2* This app is awesome. Works seamlessly on all my Sony devices and is so easy to learn and use. I even installed it on my parents phones and the factory remote that came with the TV has become obsolete haha. Thank you so much for this! I wish more devices and electronics came with this type of app support. ### 5/5 — App works well as a remote for my Sony tv *2020-07-18, version 1.2* This app works well would definitely recommend it ### 5/5 — Awesome Sony TV remote *2020-07-18, version 1.2* This Sony TV remote app has a super simple intuitive interface which makes it very easy to use. I don’t need to now use the remote that came with my Sony TV...love this app! --- *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 2026-06-10.*