A phone remote types by sending letters to whichever text box is active on the TV. On some TVs, YouTube's search box doesn't accept that text, so you end up back on the on-screen letter grid. Check the TV's keyboard setting first. Or use The Remote, a free Android app with its own YouTube search: you type on your phone, and the results open on the TV.
Phone keyboards type into the box the TV has selected
Google's Google TV app can type on Android TV and Google TV with your phone's keyboard. It only works once a text box on the TV is selected and ready for text. Google's remote features
That works well in the TV's own search, Wi-Fi passwords and many apps. It depends on each app's search box accepting the text.
YouTube's TV search doesn't always take that text
Reviewers and users have reported for years that YouTube on Android TV handles its search differently from a standard text box, so phone typing may not reach it. Android Police on the Android TV remote
If typing works in the TV's main search but not in YouTube, your phone and TV are fine. The difference is in the YouTube box.
Check the TV's keyboard is Gboard first
On many Google TV models, phone typing relies on Gboard being the TV's keyboard. Open Settings → System → Keyboard → Current keyboard and pick Gboard. Menu names vary by TV. Google TV community answer
Then:
- Select YouTube's search box on the TV, not just the search icon
- Type a short word like "jazz" on your phone
- Watch the TV. If no letters arrive, try the TV's main search to compare
If you plugged in a USB keyboard or its receiver, unplug it. Some TVs hide the on-screen keyboard while one is connected. Sony's keyboard note
The Remote has its own YouTube search, and the results open on the TV
In The Remote, tap Search YouTube, type on your phone keyboard and send it to the TV you picked. The results open in YouTube on that TV.
Search support depends on your TV and its YouTube app version. If a search doesn't open, update YouTube on the TV and try again.
Typing in other TV apps still needs another remote
The Remote's phone typing is for YouTube search only. For passwords, Wi-Fi or other apps' search boxes, use Google's Google TV app or the TV's own keyboard. The typing guide walks through it.
Where The Remote fits
The Remote is a free phone remote for Android TV and Google TV. No ads, no account. You need an Android phone (Android 8.0 or later; there's no iPhone version) and a TV with Android TV Remote Service v2, on the same home Wi-Fi. Download the app