LG · Remote not working
LG TV remote not working? How to fix it
If your LG Magic Remote stops working, put in two new batteries, then hold Home and Back together for 5 seconds and press the wheel (OK) while pointing at the TV to register it again. A standard LG remote doesn't pair, so check the batteries, test it with a phone camera, and clear the path to the TV's sensor.
Fix your LG remote
Which TV do you have?
LG remote stopped working? For a Magic Remote, put in new batteries, hold Home and Back for 5 seconds, then press the wheel while pointing at the TV to register it again. A standard LG remote doesn't pair, so check the batteries and clear the path to the TV. While you sort it out, your iPhone can be the remote over your home Wi-Fi.
Every fix, step by step
From LG’s own support pages. Work down the list.
Magic Remote or standard remote?
The Magic Remote has a scroll wheel in the middle and moves an on-screen pointer. It connects to the TV by Bluetooth and must be registered (paired). A standard LG remote uses infrared only and never pairs. LG gives separate fixes for each.
Magic Remote: check the batteries
- Press any button. The POWER button on the remote should light up.
- If it doesn't light up, replace the batteries and try again.
Magic Remote: reset and register it again
If the pointer doesn't appear or the remote has lost its connection, clear the old pairing and register it again.
- Turn on the TV.
- Press and hold Home and Back together for 5 seconds. The POWER button on the remote flashes when the old pairing is cleared.
- Point the remote at the TV and press the wheel (OK).
- A message on the TV confirms that the Magic Remote is registered.
- If it doesn't register, turn the TV off and on and repeat the steps.
Magic Remote: another way to re-register
LG's webOS user guide also lists this shortcut: point the Magic Remote at the TV and hold Back for 5 seconds.
Magic Remote: check that it sends Bluetooth
If it still won't pair, LG suggests checking the remote with a phone.
- Turn on the TV and hold Home and Back for 5 seconds to clear the pairing.
- Turn off the TV.
- On your phone, turn on Bluetooth and search for new devices.
- Press OK on the Magic Remote while you watch the phone's Bluetooth list.
- If a device named LGE MRXX appears, the remote is sending a Bluetooth signal. If nothing appears, the remote may be faulty.
Standard remote: batteries and camera test
- Press any button and check whether the LED on the front of the remote lights, if your model has one.
- Replace both batteries with new ones. Don't mix old and new.
- Open the camera app on an Android phone and point the front of the remote at the lens.
- Press the buttons that don't work while you watch the phone screen. A flashing light means that button sends a signal.
- If some buttons flash and others don't, those buttons may have failed. If none flash with new batteries, the remote may be faulty.
Standard remote: clear the path to the TV
- Turn off nearby fluorescent lamps (including CFLs) and lights with electronic ballasts. They can interfere with infrared.
- Move closer and aim the remote straight at the TV's sensor.
- Move anything in the way, such as the edge of a soundbar, decorations or a cabinet door.
- If you have another LG standard remote, try it. LG standard remotes often work across models. Magic Remotes may not.
Check the TV with its own power button
- Check that the standby light on the lower edge of the TV is on.
- Unplug the power cord and plug it back in firmly.
- Press the power button on the TV. LG says it is usually under the logo on the front or on the back, depending on the model.
- If the TV turns on with its own button, the problem is the remote. If it doesn't, check the outlet and the circuit breaker.
Use your iPhone while you fix it
Your phone can stand in for the remote. LG's own LG ThinQ app has remote controls similar to the Magic Remote. Your phone and TV must be on the same network, and you sign in with an LG account the first time.
- In LG ThinQ: tap Add a Device, choose TV, then pick your TV from the list. Select the TV to see the controls.
- Simple TV Remote is an iPhone remote that works over your home Wi-Fi. It works only if your TV runs a platform it supports. Check your model at /compatibility/.
- A phone remote can't help with a TV that has never been connected to Wi-Fi.
Use your iPhone instead
Simple TV Remote works with LG TVs that run LG webOS, over your home Wi-Fi. Check your model, then try it free in the app.
Sources
Every compatibility fact on this page comes from these sources. Dates show when we last checked each one. How we build the TV list.
- LG UK: LG TV Magic Remote user guide
- LG webOS TV user guide (UK): Magic Remote Control
- LG India: LG TV Magic Remote not working? Troubleshooting guide
- LG UK: How to troubleshoot an LG TV standard remote control that is not working
- LG US: If your LG TV won't turn on
- LG US: How to set up the LG ThinQ app on your LG Smart TV
Questions
Why is my LG remote not working?
Most often the batteries are flat, or a Magic Remote has lost its registration with the TV. Press any button: if the remote's power button doesn't light up, replace the batteries. If it lights up but nothing happens, register the remote again with Home and Back.
How do I reset an LG Magic Remote?
Turn on the TV and hold Home and Back together for 5 seconds. The remote's power button flashes when the old pairing is cleared. Then point it at the TV and press the wheel (OK) to register it again.
How do I pair an LG Magic Remote with my TV?
Turn on the TV, point the Magic Remote at it and press the wheel (OK). A message on the TV confirms it's registered. If it doesn't register, clear the old pairing with Home and Back for 5 seconds, turn the TV off and on, and try again.
Why is my LG Magic Remote pointer not working?
If the pointer doesn't appear, the remote has probably lost its connection. Clear it with Home and Back for 5 seconds, then point at the TV and press the wheel to register it again. LG's webOS guide also lists holding Back for 5 seconds while pointing at the TV.
Does a standard LG remote need pairing?
No. A standard LG remote, without the scroll wheel, uses infrared only and never pairs. If it stops working, replace both batteries, aim straight at the TV, and move anything blocking the sensor, like a soundbar edge.
Why do some buttons on my LG remote work and others don't?
Some buttons may have failed. Point the remote at an Android phone camera and press each button: a flashing light means that button sends a signal. LG says the test may not work on iPhones.
Will another LG remote work with my TV?
Often, for standard remotes. LG standard remotes usually work across LG TVs, but Magic Remotes may not work across models, so check the model before you buy a replacement.
How do I turn on my LG TV if the remote isn't working?
Press the power button on the TV. LG says it's usually under the logo on the front or on the back. If the TV turns on with its own button, the remote is the problem.
Can I use my iPhone as an LG remote while I fix it?
Yes, if the TV is already on your Wi-Fi. LG's own LG ThinQ app has remote controls. Simple TV Remote works on LG webOS TVs from 2014 on, with no account, and you can check your TV free first.
Why does my Magic Remote light up but nothing happens on the TV?
The batteries are working, so the remote has probably lost its registration. Clear it with Home and Back for 5 seconds, then press the wheel while pointing at the TV.
Does the camera test work on an iPhone?
LG's own guides tell you to use an Android phone camera. LG says the test may not work on iPhones.
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.