How to play games on smart TV without gamepad?

You can play games on your smart TV without a gamepad in several ways, using the TV’s built-in features or alternative devices. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use Your Smartphone as a Controller

Many smart TVs support apps that allow you to use your smartphone as a controller. You can download specific apps like the Samsung SmartThings app, Android TV Remote, or Apple TV Remote (if using Apple TV) to control your TV and play games.

Steps:

1. Download the appropriate app: Install the remote control app for your TV brand (e.g., Samsung SmartThings, Google TV Remote, etc.).
2. Connect your phone and TV: Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and connect the app to your TV.
3. Navigate to the game: Open the gaming app on your TV or use a streaming service like Google Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce Now, or Xbox Cloud Gaming.
4. Use your phone as a controller: Use your phone’s touchscreen to navigate, select, and control in-game actions.

2. Use the TV’s Remote Control

Some smart TVs have a built-in feature that allows you to use the TV remote to play certain games, especially casual games or apps designed for non-gaming controllers. This method won’t work for more complex games, but it’s great for simple ones like puzzles, trivia, or party games.

Steps:

1. Launch a compatible game: Open a game that supports remote control use.
2. Use the TV remote: Navigate and select using the remote's buttons. You may need to use directional buttons, the OK/Select button, and sometimes the volume or channel buttons for in-game control.

3. Stream Games from Your Phone, PC, or Console

If you want to play more advanced games without a gamepad, you can stream games from your phone, PC, or console to your TV using apps like Steam Link, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, or gaming platforms like GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Steps:

1. Install the streaming app: Depending on your source device (phone, PC, console), install the appropriate app (e.g., Steam Link for PC, Google Cast for Android, AirPlay for iOS).
2. Connect your device to the TV: Ensure your phone, PC, or console is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.
3. Start streaming: Launch the game on your source device, and stream it to the TV screen.
4. Control from your phone or PC: Use your phone’s touchscreen or the PC’s keyboard and mouse to play the game.

4. Use a Mouse and Keyboard

Some smart TVs, especially those running on Android TV or Google TV, support mouse and keyboard inputs, which you can use for gaming or navigating the TV interface.

Steps:

1. Connect the mouse and keyboard: Plug in a USB mouse and keyboard into your TV’s USB ports, or use a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard.
2. Navigate and play: Use the mouse and keyboard to navigate the TV interface or control games that support these input methods. Some TV-based games and game streaming services work well with keyboard and mouse.

5. Use a Game Streaming Service

You can access gaming platforms like Google Stadia, Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now, or PlayStation Now via your smart TV’s browser or an app. Many of these platforms allow you to play games directly on your TV without needing a gamepad, as long as you have the app or browser support.

Steps:

1. Install the streaming app: Download the app for your preferred game streaming service (like Xbox Game Pass, Stadia, or GeForce Now).
2. Start a game: Open the app and select a game to play.
3. Use the on-screen controls: Some games provide on-screen touch controls for mobile devices or TV interfaces, so you can use your remote or smartphone instead of a gamepad.

6. Play Browser-Based Games

You can also access and play browser-based games on your smart TV without a gamepad. These games are simple to play with the TV remote or by using your smartphone as a controller.

Steps:

1. Open the browser on your TV: Launch the web browser on your smart TV.
2. Navigate to a game site: Go to a site like Miniclip, Kongregate, or Armor Games to play a wide variety of online games.
3. Control with the TV remote or smartphone: Play the games with the remote or use a smartphone app to control your TV.

Conclusion:

You don’t necessarily need a gamepad to play games on your smart TV. Whether it’s using your phone as a controller, streaming games from other devices, playing with the TV remote, or using a mouse and keyboard, there are plenty of ways to enjoy gaming on a smart TV without a traditional gamepad. Explore these options and find what works best for your gaming needs!