Tools, Gear and Equipment

How to Fix TV Remote Buttons Not Working

Getting your tv remote buttons not working is not a good thing. But there are a few things that you can do to fix it. If you have a remote that uses an infrared signal, you should check to see if the button on the remote is sending a signal. Then, you need to clear any obstructions in the signal. Also, try resetting your tv and remote.

Clear Obstructions to The Signal

Often, remote control problems are caused by obstructions between the remote and the television. This means that if your remote is not working correctly, you will need to clear the obstructions to get the best results. It’s a good idea to try to identify what the obstructions are before you remove them.

If you’re having trouble getting your TV to turn on or change channels, it may be an IR signal problem. In this case, you need to get your hands on a new remote.

The first thing you should do is to test your remote for IR signal reception. If the IR signal is working properly, the power button should light up. This indicates that the remote is generating an IR signal.

Check If the Remote Is Sending an Infrared Signal

Using a smartphone camera to check if the remote is sending an infrared signal is a great trick to check if your remote is working. Most smartphones will pick up the invisible infrared light emitted by the IR remote. You can also check this by using a digital still camera mode.

Some of the newer Bluetooth remotes only work with a smartphone camera. If you can see the light on the smartphone camera, but the remote does not send the signal, then it may be a problem with the batteries.

Other devices can also detect the infrared light emitted by an IR remote. Using a camera to check if the remote is sending the signal is the best way to do it.

Clean The Buttons on The Remote

Whether you have lost your remote control or have an old model that isn’t working, cleaning the buttons can help get your remote back to working condition. But before you start, make sure you write down the locations of all buttons. That way, you can fix them all at once.

Generally, power buttons and volume buttons are the first to wear out. You can clean these buttons with a mixture of dish soap and water. Then, you can use a cotton swab to wipe down the insides of the buttons.

The next step is to clean the contacts on the circuit board. You can use a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol to do this. It’s important not to rub too hard or you’ll wear off the carbon contact.

Reset the TV and Remote

Performing a factory reset on your TV may help resolve your remote problems. Performing a factory reset unpairs your remote from your TV box and erases all the settings. This will allow you to restore your TV to the original settings that you purchased it with.

Factory resets are typically performed by pressing and holding several buttons on the remote. You may need to follow specific instructions to complete the reset process. These instructions will vary depending on your model of TV. If you are having trouble completing a factory reset, contact the manufacturer for assistance.

Resetting your TV isn’t hard. Most remotes have a reset function. Follow the instructions on the remote itself, your user manual, or the manufacturer’s website. The factory reset process will remove all of your personal settings, video calibration settings, and apps from your TV.

Troubleshoot Your Remote

Several reasons can contribute to your remote buttons not working. If they are stuck or jammed, or you can’t see a light, it may be time to take them apart and check the components.

A TV remote control is made up of a circuit board, plastic shell, and a series of buttons. If you can’t see a light, the first step is to check the battery. Several types of batteries are available. Those with a status light on the outside are probably working batteries. If the top of the remote doesn’t flash, you need new batteries.

Most remote controls are infrared. Some models are designed to only light up when the remote buttons are pressed. A few models allow you to select light settings in the Device Preferences menu. If you are unsure about how to do this, consult the user manual.