TV remote not working? Fix it by model

Samsung standard remote

Try these first

1. Reset the remote as above (batteries out, hold Power 8 seconds).
2. Check the IR signal with a digital camera or phone/tablet camera: point the remote at the camera, press and hold Power and watch the screen for a colored light.
3. No IR light: replace the batteries with fresh ones and retest; still no light means the remote should be replaced.
4. IR light visible on a non-Smart remote: turn the TV on with the TV's own controls, then point the remote directly at the Samsung logo; if it still fails, request service.
5. Check battery polarity (+/-) and replace batteries in pairs, not individually.
6. Remove obstructions between remote and TV; move lights, radios or mobile devices away from the TV as electronics can disrupt the signal.
7. If the TV changes source/volume by itself: check for stuck buttons, take the batteries out, unplug the TV (and One Connect Box), wipe the bezel touch controls with a microfiber cloth, plug back in.

Re-pair or reset

1. No pairing needed for a non-Smart Remote.
2. Reset: remove the batteries, hold the Power button for eight seconds, reinsert the batteries and try again.

Sources: samsung.com · samsung.com · samsung.com

Samsung Smart Remote (battery)

Try these first

1. No IR light: replace batteries; if still none, the remote may be defective.
2. Unplug the TV for 30 seconds before re-pairing.

Re-pair or reset

1. Reset: press and hold Return and the button diagonally up and to the right of Return (usually the button with 4 colored dots, varies by remote).
2. Pair: stand within 1 foot of the TV and press and hold Return and Play/Pause simultaneously for at least 5 seconds, or until the TV shows the remote is connected.
3. If it will not pair: unplug the TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and repeat Return + Play/Pause for at least 5 seconds within 1 foot; if it still fails, contact Samsung.

Sources: samsung.com · samsung.com · samsung.com · samsung.com · samsung.com · samsung.com

Samsung SolarCell remote

Try these first

1. LED blinks twice on a button press = Bluetooth connection lost (IR still works for channel/volume); re-pair.
2. LED stays on 5+ seconds after a button press = battery needs charging; TV shows a charging guide at 50% and again at 10% or less.
3. Check battery: Home > Settings > All Settings > Power and Energy Saving > Available Remote Battery.
4. If the remote is fully depleted, charge with a USB-C cable for immediate use.
5. IR camera test; no IR light = charge via USB-C or expose the solar cell to light.

Re-pair or reset

1. Reset (2021 or newer TV with solar remote): press and hold Return and Enter (center of the navigation pad) for 10 seconds, then re-pair.
2. Pair: stand within 1 foot of the TV, press and hold Return and Play/Pause simultaneously for at least 5 seconds or until the TV shows the remote is connected.
3. If pairing fails: unplug the TV for 30 seconds, plug back in, repeat Return + Play/Pause.

Sources: samsung.com · samsung.com · samsung.com · samsung.com

Roku Simple remote

Try these first

1. Clear the path to the Roku device; don't hide it behind a TV or in a cabinet; try different angles (hold the remote higher, point down, move side to side).
2. Reset/replace batteries: remove the old batteries, press any two buttons, insert a fresh matching pair, replace the cover.
3. Check battery orientation.
4. Restart the Roku device: unplug it, wait 5 seconds, plug back in, wait for the Home screen.
5. Phone camera test: use the front-facing (selfie) camera, press several buttons; no flashing light = replace batteries.
6. If the remote gets hot: stop using it, don't remove hot batteries, set it on a hard non-flammable surface like tile to cool.
7. Use the free Roku mobile app as a remote while waiting for a replacement.

Re-pair or reset

1. No pairing button; ready to use after inserting fresh matching batteries (or pulling the battery tab).

Sources: support.roku.com · support.roku.com · support.roku.com · support.roku.com

Roku Voice remote

Try these first

1. Restart the remote: remove both batteries, press any two buttons, reinsert negative end first, replace cover.
2. Replace batteries if buttons still respond poorly.
3. Battery level: Settings > Remotes & Devices > Remotes > [your remote] > About.
4. Volume/power not working: point at the TV's front sensor (works = IR); otherwise enable CEC on the TV; update software (Settings > System > System Update > Check Now) then Settings > Remotes & Devices > Remotes > 'Set up remote for TV control'.
5. Persistent low-battery warning: reboot the remote, and disable unused remotes by removing their batteries or holding Back + Home + Mute for 5 seconds.
6. Streaming sticks: use the wireless receiver in the USB power cable; an HDMI extender can reduce interference.

Re-pair or reset

1. Restart the Roku TV or player first (unplug, wait 5 seconds, reconnect, wait for Home screen).
2. With a Pairing button (in battery compartment): hold it 5 seconds until the light flashes. Without one: hold Back + Home for 5 seconds.
3. Wait for the on-screen pairing message. If no pairing dialog appears, repeat the steps.
4. Insert batteries negative (-) ends first.

Sources: support.roku.com · image.roku.com · image.roku.com · support.roku.com

Roku Voice Remote Pro

Try these first

1. Recharge with the included cable for at least 5 hours (USB power or computer).
2. If the remote gets warm/hot, disconnect it from the charging cable.
3. Low battery shows as an on-screen message.

Re-pair or reset

1. Unplug the streaming device power cable, wait at least 5 seconds, reconnect; wait for the Home screen.
2. Press and hold Back and Home for 5 seconds until the status light flashes; on-screen confirmation appears.
3. Hold Home on your current remote/mobile app 5 seconds to open setup, select Remote, then hold the Pairing button on the new remote 5 seconds until the status light turns green and blinks. Requires Roku OS 9.4 or higher.
4. Reset a rechargeable remote: hold the Pairing button for 20 seconds (or Back + Home for 20 seconds if no Pairing button), wait for the light to stop flashing, then recharge at least 5 hours.

Sources: support.roku.com · image.roku.com · support.roku.com · support.roku.com

TCL Roku TV remote

Try these first

1. Replace batteries with a fresh set matching +/-; don't mix old/new or different brands.
2. For IR remotes point directly at the TV and try Power, Home or Volume.
3. Restart the TV: unplug from the outlet, wait at least 30 seconds.
4. Phone camera test for IR remotes: point the remote's front at the phone camera, hold any button, look for a flashing light.
5. Dropped or liquid-damaged remotes may need replacing.

Re-pair or reset

1. Check for a pairing button in the battery compartment; if present hold it about 5 seconds or until the pairing light flashes, keeping the remote close to the TV. No pairing button = IR remote, no pairing needed.
2. Re-pair: remove remote batteries, unplug the TV, wait at least 30 seconds, plug the TV in, reinsert batteries, hold the pairing button until the light flashes, wait for pairing to complete.

Sources: support.tcl.com · image.roku.com

Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen / 2024)

Try these first

1. Replace batteries (Amazon recommends AAA alkaline; also allows new 1.5V alkaline or 1.2V NiMH rechargeable AAA, never mix old and new).
2. Move within 10 feet (3 m) of the device; restart the Fire TV (unplug, wait five seconds).
3. Troubleshooting mode (compatible remotes): press Rewind + Right 3 seconds, then Menu (LED green). Press any button: red slow = low battery; red fast = remote problem, reset it; orange = not paired, restart and hold Home 10 s; white = make sure Fire TV is on; blue = remote OK, restart Fire TV. Exit: Play/Pause + Up 3 seconds, then Menu, then reseat batteries.
4. Volume/power/mute not working: Settings > Equipment Control > Manage Equipment > TV, check the TV brand; Change TV if wrong (not for Fire TV Smart TVs).
5. Batteries draining fast: use alkaline AAA, remove batteries 30 seconds, reinsert, press and hold Home; replace with new alkaline AAA if it persists.
6. Fallback: Fire TV app on a phone as a remote / to pair.

Re-pair or reset

1. Auto-pairs when batteries are inserted and the TV is on. If not: stay within 10 feet (3 m), press Home until 'Press [play] to start' appears (about 10 seconds).
2. Remove batteries, wait 30 seconds, reinsert, press and hold Home again; try new alkaline batteries.
3. Reset (most Fire TV remotes): unplug Fire TV from power and HDMI, wait 60 seconds; press and hold Left, Menu and Back together for 12 seconds; release, wait five seconds; remove remote batteries; plug in Fire TV and wait for the remote-detection error; reinsert batteries; press Home. LED blinks blue when paired; otherwise hold Home 10 seconds.
4. Pair a new remote with the original: Settings > Controllers & Bluetooth Devices > Amazon Fire TV Remotes > Add New Remote, insert batteries (if not shown, hold Home 10 seconds). Without the original: unplug Fire TV, plug back in, wait for 'Cannot detect your remote', insert batteries.
5. Max seven paired controllers; remove one before pairing another.

Sources: amazon.com · amazon.com · amazon.com · amazon.com · amazon.com · amazon.com · amazon.com · amazon.com · amazon.com · amazon.com · amazon.com · amazon.com

Alexa Voice Remote Pro

Try these first

1. Same Fire TV troubleshooting (batteries, 10 ft range, restart, troubleshooting mode).

Re-pair or reset

1. Same Fire TV pairing/reset as other Fire TV remotes: hold Home ~10 seconds; reset with Left + Menu + Back for 12 seconds (see Fire TV reset steps).

Sources: amazon.com · amazon.com · amazon.com

Fire TV smart TV remote (Fire TV Edition, Fire TV 4-Series)

Try these first

1. Replace both dead batteries with new 1.5V alkaline or 1.2V NiMH rechargeable AAA.
2. Amazon's Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Gen/2024) listing says it is NOT compatible with Fire TV Edition smart TVs; check Amazon's compatibility table (Fire TV Remote 2026 Release lists Fire TV 2-/4-/Omni series).

Re-pair or reset

1. Remote should already be paired; if not, press Home until 'Press [play] to start' appears (about 10 seconds).
2. Fire TV reset steps (Left + Menu + Back 12 seconds) apply to most Fire TV remotes.

Sources: amazon.com · shop.hisense-usa.com · amazon.com · amazon.com · amazon.com

Fire TV Basic Edition / Alexa Voice Remote (1st Gen)

Re-pair or reset

1. Basic Edition: hold Home and press Menu three times; release Home; press Menu nine times; remove batteries; unplug Fire TV 60 seconds; reinsert batteries, plug in Fire TV; on Home screen hold Home 40 seconds; wait 60 seconds.
2. Alexa Voice Remote (1st Gen): unplug Fire TV 60 seconds; hold Left + Menu 12 seconds; release, wait five seconds; remove batteries; plug in Fire TV, wait for remote-detection error; reinsert batteries; press Home (hold 10 s if not paired).

Source: amazon.com

LG Magic Remote

Try these first

1. Press a button; if the Power/indicator light doesn't come on, replace both batteries with new ones (don't mix types or old/new).
2. Use within 10 meters (about 33 feet) with no obstacles.

Re-pair or reset

1. Register: insert batteries, turn on the TV, point the remote at the TV and press the Wheel (OK) button. If it fails, turn the TV off and on and try again.
2. Unregister: press and hold Home and Back together for more than 5 seconds (Power light blinks when deregistered), then press Wheel (OK) to register again.
3. MR22GN: hold Home + Q. Settings for more than 5 seconds to disconnect and re-register in one step.
4. AN-MR500 (older): hold BACK + Home five seconds to unpair; pressing and holding EXIT to LIVE cancels and re-registers at once.

Sources: lg.com · lg.com · lg.com · lg.com

LG standard remote

Try these first

1. If the front LED (if present) doesn't light, replace both batteries and test Power, Volume, Channel.
2. Phone camera test: open the camera app on an Android phone, point the remote's front IR emitter at the lens, press buttons; flashes on some buttons but not others = button failure; no flashes = new batteries, then remote likely faulty.
3. Turn off nearby fluorescent lamps (CFLs, electronic ballasts); move closer, aim at the TV's IR receiver; clear soundbar edges, decor, cabinet doors.
4. Press the TV's physical Power button to check the TV itself; try another LG standard remote.

Re-pair or reset

1. No setup or pairing needed.

Sources: lg.com · lg.com · lg.com

Vizio standard remote

Try these first

1. Make sure batteries are inserted matching - and + symbols.
2. Replace the batteries with fresh ones.
3. Point the remote directly at the TV when pressing a button.

Source: cdn.vizio.com

Chromecast with Google TV voice remote

Try these first

1. Remove both batteries and reinsert while watching the LED (front, below buttons) for two flashes; if none, remove/reinsert within 2 seconds and repeat.
2. Try the original batteries or 2 fresh 1.5 volt AAA; then remove batteries for 5 minutes and reinsert.
3. Reboot the streaming device; unplug USB-C power for one minute for Bluetooth dropouts.
4. TV power/volume not working = likely IR: Settings > Remotes & Accessories > Set up remote buttons.
5. Slow response: move closer to the TV, move the Wi-Fi access point away, use an HDMI extension, reposition/flip the streaming device.
6. Last resort: factory reset the Chromecast (hold back button until LED blinks yellow then solid white) then reset the remote again.

Re-pair or reset

1. Factory reset: remove both batteries, press and hold Home, reinsert batteries while holding, keep holding while the LED is solid, release when it starts to pulse.
2. If it doesn't pair automatically, press and hold Back and Home for 3 seconds.
3. Still not pairing: use your phone as a virtual remote, select 'Pair remote or accessory' on the TV, factory reset the remote again.
4. Unpair old remote: profile > Settings > Remotes & Accessories > Voice Remote > Forget > Yes.

Sources: support.google.com · support.google.com

Google TV Streamer remote

Try these first

1. Same battery/LED two-flash checks, reboot, unpair (Forget) and IR button setup as the Chromecast remote.

Re-pair or reset

1. Usually pairs automatically; if the TV shows 'Start pairing', press and hold Back and Home until the remote light pulses.
2. Factory reset: press and hold Mute and Center (Select) together; LED blinks white; countdown sound after 10 seconds; keep holding until LED turns solid white (usually no more than 12 seconds).
3. To re-pair after a reset, press the reset button on the streaming device to enter the pairing screen.

Sources: support.google.com · support.google.com · support.google.com

Sony BRAVIA standard remote

Try these first

1. Press the TV's own power button to see if the problem is the remote or the TV.
2. Point at the remote sensor on the front of the TV; keep the sensor area clear; turn off fluorescent lights.
3. Check battery orientation; replace with new batteries.
4. After unplugging/replugging the TV, wait about 10 to 20 seconds for it to initialize.

Re-pair or reset

1. Reset: remove the batteries, press the power button on the remote for three seconds, install new batteries.

Sources: helpguide.sony.net · helpguide.sony.net

Sony BRAVIA voice remote (Google TV)

Try these first

1. Toggle Bluetooth: [Settings] > [Remotes & accessories] > [Bluetooth] off then on.
2. Use the remote closer to the TV; remove obstacles; avoid using a microwave nearby; turn off other Bluetooth devices.
3. Keep Wi-Fi access points and microwaves at least 10 m from the TV; use the 5 GHz band if available.
4. A supplied remote is pre-paired to its own TV and can't operate other TVs out of the box.
5. Rechargeable: lamp flashes red on Power press at 30% or less; also buzzer at 10% or less; check level in [Settings] > [Remotes and accessories] > [Remote control].

Re-pair or reset

1. Re-pair: Quick Settings > [Settings] > [Remotes & accessories] > [Remote control] > [Connect via Bluetooth] > [Connect a new remote], follow on-screen instructions.
2. If the supplied remote can't navigate, use another Sony TV's remote to reach [Connect a new remote], then connect the supplied remote.
3. Reset: remove batteries, press the remote's power button for three seconds, install new batteries.

Sources: helpguide.sony.net · helpguide.sony.net · helpguide.sony.net

TCL Google TV remote

Try these first

1. Remove and reinsert batteries checking polarity; replace with a fresh matching set (weak batteries are the most common pairing failure cause).
2. Point directly at the front of the TV; clear the remote sensor; if it only works when pointed, Bluetooth needs re-pairing.
3. Restart: remove batteries, press Settings, reinsert; or unplug the TV about 30 seconds and plug back in.
4. Move Bluetooth headphones/speakers/controllers away during pairing.
5. IR camera test: phone or digital camera, hold Power, look for flashing purple, white or pink light; may work better with a front-facing camera or a darkened room.
6. Temporary remote: Android TV Remote Control app on the same Wi-Fi.

Re-pair or reset

1. Stand within 3 feet (1 meter) of the TV; press and hold HOME + OK at the same time until the on-screen pairing prompt appears, then release.
2. Or Settings > Remotes & Accessories and add the remote again (using another remote, USB keyboard or TV buttons).

Sources: support.tcl.com · support.tcl.com

Hisense Google TV remote

Try these first

1. Remove interference sources and retry pairing.
2. If errors occur with charged batteries, remove batteries for 1~2 seconds and reinsert.
3. If the remote's small light doesn't flash on a button press, replace batteries; check +/- orientation; keep the sensor area clear.

Re-pair or reset

1. Pairing instructions appear at first power-on.
2. Check Settings > Remotes & Accessories > Bluetooth is On; the remote cannot pair while the TV is in standby.

Source: assets.hisense-usa.com