Remote not working
TV remote not working? Fix it in a few steps
Most remotes work again after fresh batteries, a full TV restart or pairing again. Pick your TV and we’ll walk you through it.
The remote has stopped working and the TV just sits there. Most of the time fresh batteries, a quick restart of the TV, or pairing the remote again fixes it. While you sort it out, your iPhone can be the remote over your home Wi-Fi.
Quick checks for any remote
- Change the batteriesWeak batteries are the most common cause. Put in a fresh pair, matching + and −. If your remote charges by USB-C or has a solar panel, charge it for a while instead.
- Check the signal with your phone cameraPoint the remote at your phone’s camera and press a button. If you see a flashing light on the screen, the remote is sending a signal. Some newer remotes use Bluetooth, so you may see nothing even when they work.
- Remove anything in the wayStand in front of the TV with nothing between the remote and the bottom edge of the screen, where the sensor usually is. A soundbar in front of the sensor can block it.
- Restart the TV fullyUnplug the TV from the wall for 60 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears most glitches that stop a TV listening to its remote.
- Pair the remote againBluetooth and voice remotes have to be paired with the TV. Your TV maker’s guide lists the buttons to hold; pick your brand above for the exact steps.
Questions
Why is my TV remote not working?
Usually flat batteries, something blocking the TV's sensor, or a voice remote that has lost its pairing. Put in new batteries first, then restart the TV, then pair the remote again. If none of that helps, the remote may be faulty.
How do I check if my remote is sending a signal?
Point the remote at a phone camera and press a button while you watch the screen. A light on screen means the remote is sending. LG says the test may not work on iPhones, so use an Android phone if you have one.
How do I reset a TV remote?
Take the batteries out and hold the power button for a few seconds, then put fresh batteries back in. Samsung says 8 seconds for its battery remotes, and Sony says 3 seconds. Other brands have their own steps on our brand pages.
How do I pair my remote with the TV again?
Voice and Bluetooth remotes need pairing, and each brand does it differently. Samsung: hold Return and Play/Pause for 5 seconds near the TV. LG Magic Remote: hold Home and Back for 5 seconds, then press the wheel. Roku: hold the pairing button, or Back and Home, for 5 seconds.
Should I restart the TV?
Yes. Unplug the TV from the wall, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears many problems where the TV ignores every button.
Why does only the power button work?
Your remote has probably lost its pairing with the TV. Samsung says a Smart Remote that has lost its Bluetooth pairing can still send some commands. Pair it again with the steps for your brand.
What can block a TV remote?
Anything between the remote and the sensor on the front of the TV, such as a soundbar or cabinet door. Bright sunlight and some fluorescent lights can also interfere with infrared remotes. Move closer and point straight at the TV.
Can I use my iPhone while the remote is broken?
Yes, if your TV is a smart TV on your home Wi-Fi. The TV maker's app or Simple TV Remote works as a stand-in. Simple TV Remote works with TVs that run Google TV and Android TV, LG webOS, Samsung Tizen (2016 and later), Vizio SmartCast, Panasonic My Home Screen and Roku TV.
How do I know if the remote or the TV is the problem?
Press the power button on the TV itself. If the TV responds, the remote is the problem. If it doesn't, check the power cord, the outlet and the TV's standby light.
How do I control my TV while the remote is broken?
Use the buttons on the TV, or your phone. If your TV is on your Wi-Fi, an iPhone remote app like Simple TV Remote can control it. Check your model first.
Works with these TVs
If your TV runs one of these, your iPhone can be its remote. Check your model.
Check your TV free. Pay once if it works.
Simple TV Remote pairs with your TV and sends real commands before you pay anything. If it works, unlock it for $5.99, once.