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SmartTube supports casting from mobile devices and offers remote control customization. This guide covers device pairing and remote control configuration.

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Casting from Mobile Devices

Unlike the official YouTube app, SmartTube does not automatically appear on your casting list. You must manually link your mobile device to your TV using a TV code.
SmartTube does not automatically show up when you are in the same WiFi network. Manual pairing is required.

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TV Code Linking Process

Link your smartphone, tablet, or computer to cast videos to SmartTube on your TV.
1

Open SmartTube Settings

On your Android TV:
  1. Launch SmartTube
  2. Navigate to Settings from the main menu
  3. Select Remote control (2nd option in settings)
  4. A TV code will be displayed on the screen
Keep this screen open while you complete the linking process on your mobile device.
2

Open YouTube on Mobile Device

On your smartphone or tablet:
  1. Open the official YouTube app
  2. Tap your profile icon (top-right corner)
  3. Go to Settings
  4. Select General or Watch on TV
3

Enter TV Code

In the YouTube mobile app:
  1. Tap Link with TV code
  2. Enter the code displayed on your TV screen
  3. Tap Link or Connect
  4. Wait for confirmation
The TV code is usually 12 digits. Enter it carefully - it’s case-sensitive.
4

Confirm Connection

Your devices are now linked!
  • The TV should show a confirmation message
  • Your mobile device is now connected
  • You can now cast videos from your phone to SmartTube

Screenshot Guide

For a visual guide with screenshots, see the Telegram screenshot guide

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How to Cast Videos

Once devices are linked, casting is straightforward:
1

Open SmartTube on TV

Important: SmartTube must be open on your TV before casting.
Due to technical limitations, SmartTube cannot automatically wake up the TV. You must open the app first.
2

Select Video on Mobile

On your mobile device:
  1. Open the YouTube app
  2. Browse or search for a video
  3. Start playing the video (optional)
3

Cast to TV

  1. Tap the Cast icon (screen with WiFi waves) in the YouTube app
  2. Select your SmartTube device from the list
  3. Video will start playing on your TV
  4. Use your phone as a remote control

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Casting Features

Phone as Remote

Once casting, use your phone to control playback, volume, quality, and browse for next videos.

Queue Management

Add videos to the queue from your phone while others are playing on TV.

Multiple Devices

Multiple phones can be linked to the same TV - anyone can add videos to the queue.

Casting Limitations

SmartTube must be open before casting - it cannot auto-launch or wake the TV.

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Remote Control Pairing

SmartTube works with standard Android TV remote controls and supports various input devices.

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Supported Remote Types

Infrared Remote Controls:
  • Standard TV remote that came with your Android TV
  • Must point at TV to work (line of sight required)
  • Universal remotes programmed for Android TV
  • No special pairing required - works automatically
Most Android TVs come with an IR remote by default. These work with SmartTube out of the box.

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Customizable Remote Buttons

SmartTube allows customization of certain remote control buttons for quick access to features.
You can customize various button behaviors within SmartTube:Customizable actions:
  • Long-press actions on remote buttons
  • Quick access to playback speed
  • Quality selection shortcuts
  • SponsorBlock toggle
  • Subtitle controls
How to customize:
  1. Go to Settings → Interface or Controls
  2. Look for Button customization options
  3. Assign actions to available buttons
  4. Test your configuration
Available customization options depend on your remote control model and Android TV version.
In-player buttons that can be customized:
ButtonDefault ActionCustomizable
HQQuality selectionPosition only
SpeedPlayback speedPosition only
LoopAutoplay modePosition only
ChatLive chatEnable/disable
SubtitlesCC controlsPosition only
You can typically hide, show, or reorder these buttons in the settings.

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Remote Control Tips

Battery Life

Bluetooth remotes consume battery. Use IR remotes for better battery life, or keep spare batteries handy.

Response Speed

If your remote feels sluggish, try replacing batteries or re-pairing Bluetooth remotes.

Voice Search

Enable voice search with a bridge app for hands-free control. See Voice Search guide.

Multiple Remotes

You can pair multiple remotes to one TV - useful for households with multiple users.

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Troubleshooting Remote Issues

Solutions:
  1. Replace batteries: Most common issue with IR remotes
  2. Check line of sight: IR remotes need clear path to TV
  3. Re-pair Bluetooth: Unpair and pair again in Android TV settings
  4. Restart TV: Power cycle your Android TV device
  5. Check compatibility: Verify remote is compatible with Android TV
This is expected behavior!SmartTube does not automatically appear on your casting list. You must:
  1. Link devices manually using the TV code method (see above)
  2. Open SmartTube first on your TV before casting
  3. Keep SmartTube open - it cannot auto-launch from casting
This is a technical limitation, not a bug. SmartTube cannot automatically wake up or launch like the official YouTube app.
Troubleshooting steps:
  1. Verify code accuracy: TV codes are case-sensitive, enter carefully
  2. Check code expiration: Request a new code if the current one doesn’t work
  3. Update YouTube app: Make sure your mobile YouTube app is current
  4. Check WiFi: Both devices should be on the same network (not required, but helps)
  5. Restart SmartTube: Close and reopen SmartTube to generate a new code
After linking, if control doesn’t work:
  1. Verify link: Check if device is still listed as connected
  2. Re-link: Remove the connection and link again with a new TV code
  3. SmartTube must be open: Casting only works when SmartTube is running
  4. Update YouTube: Update the YouTube app on your mobile device
  5. Check network: Ensure both devices have stable internet connections

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Security and Privacy

SmartTube uses one-time connection codes with limited permissions:✅ Safe features:
  • Codes have very limited permissions
  • Cannot change your Google account password
  • Only allow video playback control
  • Can be revoked at any time
🔒 How to revoke access:
  1. Open myaccount.google.com/security
  2. Find “Your connections to third-party apps & services”
  3. Tap “See all connections”
  4. Locate YouTube TV or Google Drive
  5. Select the app → “Remove access”
Even though the codes are safe, you can revoke them anytime for full peace of mind.

Voice Search

Enable global voice search with bridge app installation

Settings Overview

Explore all SmartTube settings and customization options

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