The short version
Most IPTV apps can be driven with the remote that came with your box. TiviMate maps channel up and down to the arrows and opens the guide with the centre button; Formuler remotes have dedicated IPTV keys. If you miss number keys, a universal or Bluetooth remote with a number pad works on most Android TV boxes.
- TiviMate: arrows change channel, OK opens the guide
- Formuler remotes have IPTV keys
Which box has the best remote?
| Device | Remote |
|---|---|
| Formuler | Number pad and IPTV keys |
| Fire TV Stick | Simple; no numbers |
| Android TV boxes | Varies; Bluetooth remotes help |
| Smart TVs | TV remote; app support varies |
Remote tips that save time
Most player apps let you open the guide with a single button and jump between your two last channels with another, which is the fastest way to follow two games at once. Learn the long-press on the OK button: in many apps it adds the channel to favourites or opens extra options. If your box came with a basic remote, a cheap Bluetooth remote with a keyboard on the back makes searching the movie library much easier. On Fire TV and Google TV, the voice button can open apps but does not usually search inside IPTV players.
Questions people ask
Can I use my TV remote?
On smart TVs, yes; on boxes, HDMI-CEC may pass some buttons.
Is there an app remote?
Google TV and Fire TV have phone remote apps.
Can I type channel numbers?
With a number-pad remote, in most apps.