Philips TV Remote Controls

The Ultimate Guide to Philips TV Remote Controls: Android TV, Saphi, and Compatibility

Finding the right remote for your Philips TV is unique due to the brand's use of different smart platforms over the years, most notably Android TV/Google TV and their lighter system, Saphi. This guide breaks down the types of Philips remotes, their key features, and how to find the perfect replacement based on your TV's model.

Philips TV Remote Types: What’s the Difference?

Philips remotes are designed to work with the specific smart platform on your TV.

1. Standard Infrared (IR) Remote
The basic remote for essential control, often bundled with entry-level or older models.

  • Connection: Infrared (IR). Requires a direct line of sight to the TV.

  • Key Features: Power, volume, channel controls, input selection, navigation buttons, and a number pad. May include a dedicated Ambilight button.

  • Compatibility: Works with a very wide range of Philips TVs for basic functions.

  • Best For: Simple, low-cost replacement for core functions on older or non-smart Philips TVs.

2. Android TV Voice Remote (Bluetooth & IR)
The advanced remote for Philips TVs running the Android TV or Google TV platform.

  • Connection: Bluetooth for voice search and navigation, and IR for power and volume control.

  • Key Features: Built-in microphone for Google Assistant voice search, dedicated buttons for Netflix, YouTube, and sometimes Amazon Prime Video. Always includes a dedicated Ambilight button to control Philips's signature feature.

  • Compatibility: Specific to Philips TVs running Android TV (approx. 2016+) or Google TV.

  • Best For: Unlocking the full smart experience on modern Philips TVs.

3. Saphi Smart Remote
The remote for Philips's lightweight Saphi smart OS.

  • Connection: Primarily Infrared (IR).

  • Key Features: Offers streamlined smart TV access with shortcut keys for popular apps like Netflix and YouTube. Simpler than the Android remote and lacks a microphone for voice control. Includes an Ambilight button.

  • Compatibility: Designed for Philips TVs running the Saphi operating system.

  • Best For: TVs with the Saphi OS, providing a balance between smart features and simplicity.

Philips Remote Compatibility & Model Guide

Philips uses specific model numbers (typically starting with SRP, RC, or RCU) for its remotes. Compatibility is often grouped by the TV's series and year.

Current Android TV/Google TV Voice Remote (Model: e.g., SRP9208/xx)

  • Features: The modern standard voice remote. Includes Google Assistant, a customizable “Favorite” button, and essential app shortcuts. The design is sleek and minimalist.

  • Compatible TVs: Recent Philips OLED and MiniLED TVs running Android/Google TV (2020-Present). For example:

    • 2023 Series: OLED+908, OLED808, PML9508

    • 2022 Series: OLED+937, OLED807, PML9507

    • 2021 Series: OLED+936, OLED806, PUS9006

Legacy Android TV Voice Remote (Model: e.g., SRP9018/xx)

  • Features: An earlier version of the voice remote, often with a slightly different button layout (e.g., a Google Play button).

  • Compatible TVs: Earlier Philips Android TV models (approx. 2018-2020). For example:

    • 2019 Series: OLED+934, OLED804, PUS7304

    • 2018 Series: OLED+903, OLED803, PUS7303

Saphi OS Remote (Model: e.g., SRC8018/xx)

  • Features: An IR-based smart remote without a microphone. Has buttons for Saphi's home menu, Netflix, YouTube, and other apps.

  • Compatible TVs: Philips TVs running the Saphi operating system, typically entry-level and mid-range models (e.g., PUS6504, PUS6704, PUS6804, PUS7304* some variants).

Universal & Standard IR Remote (Model: e.g., RCU505/xx, RCU507/xx)

  • Features: A basic remote with a number pad and essential controls. The most common universal replacement for older Philips TVs.

  • Compatible TVs: A vast range of older Philips HD and Full HD TVs, including many non-smart models and early smart TVs.

The Ambilight Button: A Key Feature

A signature feature on almost all original Philips remotes is the Ambilight button, which lets you control the mood lighting on the back of the TV. If this feature is important to you, ensure any replacement remote you buy includes this specific button.

Universal Remote Compatibility

Universal remotes from brands like Logitech Harmony, One For All, or GE can be programmed to work with Philips TVs. They are an excellent option if you want to control multiple devices (AV receiver, game console) with one remote. They can usually be programmed with a Philips code to access basic functions and, on advanced models, even control Ambilight.

4 Essential Tips Before Buying a Replacement Philips Remote

  1. Identify Your TV's Operating System: This is the most important step. Is it Android TV/Google TV, Saphi, or an older proprietary system? The home screen will look very different. A voice remote will only work on an Android TV.

  2. Find Your TV's Full Model Number: Locate the white sticker on the back of the TV. The full model number (e.g., 65OLED806/12) is absolutely crucial for finding a compatible remote.

  3. Note Your Original Remote Model: If possible, find the model number printed on the back of your original remote or in the battery compartment (e.g., SRP9208/78). Searching for this is the best way to get an exact match.

  4. Pairing a New Voice Remote: If you buy a new Bluetooth voice remote for an Android TV, you will need to pair it. Go to Settings > Remotes & Accessories > Pair remote and follow the on-screen instructions.

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