An update to the Google Home app on iOS has added remote control capabilities to let you control Android TV and Google TV screens and devices including the latest Chromecast and Nvidia Shield.

Google Home gains a remote
After abandoning the 'Android TV' app for both Android and iOS mobile device, Google added remote control features to the 'Google Home' app on Android in September 2021.

The same remote control features are now available from within the Google Home app on iOS; both iPhone and iPad. It lets you navigate the TV user interface and search for content by using the iPhone or iPad's on-screen keyboard. Google Assistant is also supported.

- "Control Chromecast with Google TV using a remote built into the Home app. Navigate through apps and content, and type in what you’re looking for," said Google.

From the Google Home app you must click on the device that you want control, then click 'Remote' at the bottom and proceed pair the devices. What controls you see on the screen will depend on what device you are controlling.

The remote function works with both Android TV devices like Nvidia Shield and Google TV devices like the latest Chromecast. On Chromecast, you can also control the Ambient mode as seen in the screenshot below.

You can, of course, continue to use a physical remote control alongside app control.

You can download the Google Home app for iOS here. If you already have the app, make sure that you are running the latest version (2.48.106).


 Google Home on iOS, controlling Chromecast with Google TV. Screenshot: FlatpanelsHD

 Google Home on iOS, controlling Nvidia Shield. Screenshot: FlatpanelsHD