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How to Use Bravia Controller

Your Ultimate Guide to Seamless Sony BRAVIA TV Control via iPhone

Introduction

Bravia Controller is an iOS app that turns your iPhone into a virtual remote control for Sony BRAVIA TVs. It supports power control, volume adjustment, channel navigation, app launching, and text input, offering a complete alternative to the physical remote.

Getting Started

Requirements:

  • iPhone with iOS 12.0 or later.
  • Sony BRAVIA TV connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.

Connecting to Your BRAVIA TV

Before You Start:

  • Ensure your iPhone and BRAVIA TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Turn on your BRAVIA TV.

WARNING

This app supports most Sony BRAVIA TVs. However, compatibility with all models is not guaranteed.

Connection Methods

There are three ways to connect:

  1. Automatic Connection
  2. Manual Connection
  3. Connection with Pre-Shared Key

For most models, automatic connection works. If it fails, use manual connection or a Pre-Shared Key.

1. Automatic Connection

  • On first launch, the app requests permission to scan your local network. Tap OK to allow access.

This permission is used only to scan for your BRAVIA TV’s IP address. No network data is collected.

Screenshot showing local network scanning permission dialog in Bravia Controller App

WARNING

If you tap Don't Allow, you can enable this permission later in your device’s Settings.

  • The app scans your Wi-Fi network for compatible TVs. When a TV is found, its model name and IP address appear.
  • Tap the TV to connect and enter the 4-digit PIN shown on your TV.
  • Once connected, the home screen appears. Enjoy using the app!

Diagram showing auto connection flow of Bravia Controller app


2. Manual Connection

  • Enter the TV's IP address on the connection screen.

Navigate to [HOME] Settings → Connection, then tap "Not Connected" or the Wi-Fi icon.

INFO

Use [space] as a placeholder for IP address segments with fewer than 3 digits.
Example: 192.168.0.10[1, 9, 2, 1, 6, 8, space, space, 0, space, 1, 0]

Screenshot showing manual connection process in Bravia Controller app


3. Connection with Pre-Shared Key

A Pre-Shared Key is a numeric password (up to 8 digits) configured on both your TV and the app.

On Your TV

  • Navigate to [HOME] Settings → Network & Internet → Home Network Setup → IP Control → Pre-Shared Key.

Screenshot showing Pre-Shared Key setting flow on Bravia TV

In the App

  • Go to [HOME] Settings → Connection → Pre-Shared Key.

(Note: Disconnect first if already connected.)

Screenshot showing Pre-Shared Key setup in Bravia Controller app

Then perform 1. Automatic Connection or 2. Manual Connection again.


Screenshot showing remote interface overview of Bravia Controller

No.NameDescription
1PowerTurn the TV on or off.
2ConnectionSwitch TVs quickly.
3ShortcutsLaunch apps on the TV.
4Function KeysPlay, Pause, HDMI, etc.
5Input/Option & Keyboard & NumberPadInput: Change TV input.
Option: Display options.
Keyboard: Input text.
NumberPad: Enter channel numbers.
6Control AreaNavigate using TouchPad or Arrow Keys. Confirm with OK.
7SettingsOpen the Settings screen.
8Home, Mute & Go BackHome: Return to the TV's home screen.
Mute: Mute the TV.
Go Back: Return to the previous screen.
9Volume ControlAdjust volume.
10Channel ControlChange channels.

Utilizing the Keyboard

You can use the keyboard feature only when the system keyboard is visible on your BRAVIA TV — for example, in the home screen search input box.

Please note that the keyboard may not work with some custom input fields, such as the YouTube search box.
In such cases, try using the search function on the TV's home screen instead.

Disconnection

You can disconnect from the TV at any time via the settings screen.

[App] Go to Settings → Connection, then tap the disconnect icon in the top-right corner.

Customizing Your Experience

1. Theme Options

You can configure the Colorful Theme on the settings screen.

Go to [HOME] Settings → Colorful Theme

Screenshot showing color theme options in Bravia Controller App


2. Layout Settings

You can customize various layout areas, including:

  • Shortcuts Area
  • Function Keys Area
  • Touchpad or Arrow Keys
  • ...and more to discover

Screenshot showing layout customization options in Bravia Controller App


3. Siri

You can set up Siri in the settings screen.
(You can set up the voice phrase by tapping "Change voice phrase.")

Go to [HOME] Settings → Siri

Screenshot showing Siri setup flow in Bravia Controller

Troubleshooting Common Issues

App fails to detect TV
  1. Ensure both your iPhone and BRAVIA TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Restart the app and try connecting manually using the TV’s IP address.
  3. Enable remote device control on the TV:

[TV] Settings → Network & Internet → Remote Device Settings → IP Control / Remote Device Control → Enable

(Note: The exact path may vary slightly depending on your TV model and firmware version.)

Screenshot of BRAVIA TV settings showing IP Control / Remote Device Control option

Connection lost

In most cases, the app will automatically reconnect to your BRAVIA TV after a restart.
If it doesn't, you can manually reconnect by tapping the TV icon in the top-left corner of the home screen,
or by going to the Connection screen in the app.

Screenshot of Bravia Controller app settings screen for manual IP connection

Some keys are not working

Try enabling Force Mode in the app settings:

[App] Settings → Settings → Force Mode → Enable

Power On not working (but Power Off works)

Enable Remote Start on your TV:

[TV] Settings → Network & Internet → Remote Start → Enable

(Note: The exact path may vary slightly depending on your TV model and firmware version.)

Additional Resources

INFO

Disclaimer: Bravia Controller is not an official Sony product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sony Corporation.

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