How to Access a TiVo Remotely

With a smartphone, you can access your TiVo programming remotely.

You no longer need to be parked in front of your television in your living room to catch up on your TiVo viewing. With the TiVo apps for iOS and Android devices, you can stream content from your TiVo DVR directly to your phone or tablet. For iOS devices, you need to be running iOS 5.1 or later versions. For Android, you need to be running OS 2.1 or later versions.

Download and install the TiVo app for iOS.

Tap the app to start it. If you have multiple TiVo units on your home network, you will be asked which one you want to use.

Type your username and password for your TiVo.com account, mark the "I agree" option and tap "Sign in." For TiVo Stream and TiVo Roamio Plus or Pro users, the app automatically starts to set up streaming.

Follow the on-screen instructions to set up in-home and out-of-home streaming. Select "In-home Streaming" if you plan to stream your TiVo only in your home network. Select "Out-of-home Streaming" if you plan to stream your TiVo content outside your home network. You will be able to watch your TiVo content on your iOS device.

Download the TiVo app and install it on your Android device.

Verify that your TiVo is connected to your home network, turn on the Wi-Fi on your Android and connect it to your network.

Turn on your TiVo, and from TiVo Central, go to "Messages & Settings" | "Settings" | "Remote, CableCARD & Devices" | "Network Remote Control" to give your Android access to your DVR.

Tap the app on your phone to start it. If you want to log in using your TiVo's Media Access Key, go to your TiVo and select "Messages & Settings," then "Account & System Information," and then "Media Access Key." Note the number and tap "Media Service Key" on the sign in window. Type the number. Otherwise, tap "Sign in to tivo.com," tap the "Email" option, enter your tivo.com username and password and then tap "Sign in." You will be able to watch your TiVo content on your Android device.

  • If you recently upgraded the app and you need to set up streaming again on your iOS device, tap "Settings," then "Setup."

Andrew McClain has been writing since 1994. He has written several articles for various websites and writes user guides and software manuals for several freelance clients. He has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Missouri.

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