What should I check if my TV no longer responds to the remote control?
The TV remote control is a bit like the indispensable co-pilot for your evenings on the sofa… until the day it decides to stop working. Repeated drops, dust or temperamental buttons can eventually cause it to malfunction. If your TV no longer responds to your LG, Samsung or other brand of remote control, there’s no need to give up in front of the telly! A few simple checks may be all it takes to get it working again in a matter of minutes.
THE POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR THIS ISSUE:
WARNING
Before carrying out any work on your appliance, make sure you properly disconnect it from the mains electricity supply.
There is a risk of an electric shock.
Check the condition of the batteries in the TV remote control
The first thing to do if your television stops responding to the remote control is to check whether the batteries are working. To do this, open the battery compartment on your remote control and insert new batteries. If the television starts responding again, you’ve already solved the mystery! If not, carry on with the next step.
Try resetting the TV
It’s not always the remote control’s fault! If it seems to have stopped working altogether, the problem may actually lie with the TV itself: a minor software glitch, a frozen system, or a processor that simply needs restart/strong>:
- Unplug the television completely from the mains socket,
- Please wait for about a minute to allow the components to reset,
- Next, plug the television back in, then test the remote control again using the On/Off button..
If that doesn’t help, check that the remote control is compatible and in good working order. Bear in mind that a universal remote control can be a real lifesaver. Depending on your TV, a mobile app can also turn your smartphone into a remote control… which comes in handy when the original decides to call it a day a bit too soon!
find a remote control for my television
Problem with the infrared signal
For an infrared remote control to transmit its commands correctly, nothing must obstruct the signal’s path to the television. An object placed in front of the sensor may be enough to prevent a Samsung or LG TV from responding, whilst certain electronic devices located nearby may also cause interference.
You can easily check whether the remote control is still transmitting a signal using your smartphone. Open the camera app, point the end of the remote control towards the lens, then press a button. If you see a small light flashing on the screen, the infrared signal is being transmitted correctly. A simple trick to quickly find out whether the remote control is really to blame… or whether it’s being wrongly accused!
Need to reset or pair the remote control
If your Samsung or LG remote control still isn’t responding, a quick reset can sometimes be enough to get it working properly again. Remove the batteries and wait for about a minute. Whilst you’re waiting, hold down the On/Off button for about 20 seconds to discharge any residual electrical charge. Then reinsert the batteries the right way round and test the remote control again. With some models, particularly radio-frequency remotes or those supplied with a Smart TV, the problem may simply be that the pairing has been lost. In this case, you’ll need to reconnect the remote control to the TV, often using a specific combination of buttons.
The procedure varies depending on the make and model: it’s therefore best to consult your TV’s user manual before resorting to ‘pressing all the buttons at once’. Once the pairing has been re-established, your remote control should normally start working again.
The remote control is covered in dirt
A remote control is a real breeding ground for bacteria! Over time, dust, crumbs and small splashes can interfere with the buttons on this device. Remove the batteries, carefully open the casing, then clean the contacts with a cotton bud lightly soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Leave it to dry thoroughly before putting everything back together. Warning! Never pour any liquid directly onto the remote control!
If you notice any corrosion or damaged components, it’s best to replace the remote control. And in future, keep it well away from glasses and drinks, if possible!