7 tips if the TV remote isn't working
Summary of tips for when your TV remote doesn't work
You can quickly and easily perform these actions.
- Tip 1: connect the remote
- Tip 2: try different buttons
- Tip 3: check if the TV is turned on
- Tip 4: check the batteries
- Tip 5: perform a soft reset with your TV
- Tip 6: disconnect the connected devices
- Tip 7: check the infrared signal
Tip 1: connect the remote
If you have a Bluetooth remote, you might have to connect it to the TV. Remotes that work via Bluetooth are the Samsung One Remote and the LG Magic Remote, for example.
You can see examples below of how to connect your remote to your TV. Isn't your remote mentioned? Check the manual of your television for instructions.
Connect the Samsung One Remote
Press the 'Back' and 'Play/Pause' button on your Samsung remote at the same time. Hold these for a few seconds, until you see a notification on the screen. Your One Remote is now connected to your Samsung television.
Connect the LG Magic Remote
Press the 'Back' and 'Home' button on your Magic Remote at the same time. Hold these buttons for 5 seconds. Afterwards, press the 'OK' button. That's the middle button on your remote. You'll now see a notification on your LG television saying that your Magic Remote is connected.
Connect the Sony premium remote
Press the 'Volume down' and the 'Google Assistant' button on your Sony remote at the same time. Hold these buttons for a few seconds. Your remote is now connected to your Sony TV.
Tip 2: try different buttons
Don't just try the on/off button, but also the volume buttons for example. Sometimes the remote does react to those. Is the TV on, but is the screen completely black? You might have selected the wrong source. In that case, you press the Source button on your remote. That's the button on your remote that looks like a square with an arrow in it. The problem is solved when you see a list of available ports come up, such as HDMI 1 and 2. Go on by selecting the TV source or the HDMI port that you've connected your digital decoder, gaming console, or Blu-ray player to.
Tip 3: check if the TV is turned on
The remote usually only works when the TV is in standby mode, so when it's not completely off. Check to see if the small LED light underneath the TV is glowing first. If it's not, look for the TV switch that lets you turn on the TV. This switch is usually on the bottom of the screen.
Tip 4: check the batteries
Take the batteries from the remote and put them back in. Make sure that the + and - icons on the batteries and on the remote fit together. If this doesn't work, take the batteries back out. Then press the on-button on you remote for one minute. This way, you use up all of the power that might be left in the remote. Put the batteries back in. Does it still not work? Change the batteries.
Tip 5: switch TV off and on
Take the connector of the TV out of the socket and wait for one minute. Then connect the TV again and press a button on your remote.
Tip 6: disconnect connected devices
Sometimes connected devices can disrupt the signal of the remote. In that case, it helps if you switch off the TV and disconnect all devices. Think of your digital decoder, gaming console, USB flash drive, or Chromecast. Turn the TV back on and press the on-button on your remote.
Tip 7: check the infrared signal
To make sure that the infrared signal isn't blocked, you can clean the transmitter at the top of the remote. Also make sure that there aren't any obstacles between the remote and the TV. Think of a soundbar or other accessories that could possibly block the infrared receiver on the TV.
Does the remote still not work?
If these tips haven't helped, your remote is probably broken. Most TVs can be operated via an app for your smarphone or tablet as an alternative. You can also buy a universal remote. In addition to your TV, this also lets you control other devices such as your Blu-ray player and soundbar.
