Things to Check When Your TV Remote Buttons Are Not Working

Whenever you press a button on your remote control, it may not work. If the buttons do not work, you need to check several things before trying to fix the issue.

Check If the Remote Control Is Emitting the Signal

IR (infrared) remote controls work by transferring an infrared signal to the device. Infrared light is not visible to the naked eye, but it can be detected by cameras and other mobile devices.

Remote controls use a small plastic light-emitting diode to send an IR signal to the device. This signal is then picked up by the TV sensor. It will react to the IR signal in an appropriate manner.

The remote control’s best feature is probably its ability to send a signal when a button is pressed. However, if the remote is not sending a signal, it may need to be replaced.

If the remote control is sending the IR signal, but not the signal of your choosing, there are some things you can do. For instance, you can replace the batteries. If that doesn’t fix your problem, you may need to check the transmitter.

Clean The Remote

Keeping your remote buttons clean will help you use it more effectively. It will also help prevent sickness. In order to clean the remote, first you need to remove all batteries.

Next you will need to clean the area around the buttons. To do this, you will need to use a lint-free cloth and dampen it. You will also need to tap it to remove any excess moisture.

Once you have finished cleaning, you will need to let the remote air dry. Once it is dry, you will be ready to put the batteries back in. Then, you will need to reassemble the remote.

Before you reassemble the remote, you should place it in a box. You can keep it in a box to keep it from being exposed to germs.

Update the TV System Software

Depending on the brand and model of the TV, you may need to update the TV system software to get your remote buttons to work. A firmware update will fix bugs and add new features.

If you have a Samsung Smart TV, you should be able to find an option to download firmware updates. You should be able to do this by going to the Settings menu. If you have a LG TV, you may need to manually update the firmware.

Several devices may interfere with the signal from your remote. Some external devices include LED bulbs and fluorescent lights. If you’re experiencing a glitch, you can power cycle the TV to clear out the interference.

To see if your remote-control works, try turning on the TV using the power button on your remote. If it works, you should see a steady power button light up. If it doesn’t, you may need to re-insert the batteries into your remote.

Re-pair the Remote

Often the remote buttons on your TV will stop working after a while. You may be able to re-pair the remote buttons by following some easy steps.

The first step in repairing the remote buttons is to remove the batteries from the remote. You may need to use a small brush to remove any dust and debris that may have accumulated. Before removing the batteries, be sure to unplug the TV from the wall outlet.

After the batteries are removed, you may need to re-pair the remote buttons. You can do this by using the setup button. Hold the setup button for five to ten seconds. This should cause the status light to start flashing rapidly. When the light turns green, you can enter 9-8-1.

If the lights are flashing quickly, but the buttons are still not functioning, you may have a defective remote. To test if this is the case, check to see if the remote has a movable pointer. Some models have a trackball in the center.

Test To See If the Remote Is Sending an Infrared Signal

IR remote controls use infrared light to send and receive messages. However, the signal can be affected by obstructions, batteries, and connections.

If you have a digital camera, you can test to see if the remote is sending an infrared signal. Hold the remote near the camera and then press the button. The camera should “see” the signal and display a light on its screen. This will confirm that the remote is sending the signal.

If you do not have a digital camera, you can use your phone to test. Hold the remote near your phone’s camera and press the button. The IR light should illuminate the screen.

If you do not see the light, you will need to replace the batteries. Try placing the batteries in the correct terminals.