My remote works sometimes but not always. Is it broken?

Probably not. Intermittent remotes are almost always a sign of weak batteries. Try a fresh set from a new pack before assuming the remote has failed.

Do I need the original remote that came with the TV?

Not always. Many universal remotes can be programmed to work with a TV. However, for newer smart TVs, the original remote is usually easier because it has the streaming buttons and voice control built in.

Can you supply a replacement remote?

We can help you order the correct replacement for your specific TV model and set it up during a visit, so you do not end up with the wrong one.

Help Guides

Why is my TV remote not working?

A remote that suddenly stops working is one of the most annoying tech problems there is. Nine times out of ten it is something quick to fix.

Quick Answer

Start with fresh batteries. That fixes about half of all remote problems on its own. If that does not work, check that nothing is blocking the front of the TV, and make sure the TV is actually on the right input. If none of that helps, the remote may need pairing again.

Do not feel like poking around with batteries and settings? We sort this out every week in Durham Region living rooms. Give us a call and we can handle it for you.

The four most common causes

Before anything else, try these four checks. Each one takes less than two minutes. One of them almost always turns out to be the problem.

1. Tired batteries

By far the most common cause. Replace both batteries at once with a fresh pair from a new pack. Do not mix old and new batteries, and do not trust the ones that came free with something else.

2. Something blocking the sensor

Most remotes send an invisible beam to a small sensor on the front of the TV. A photo frame, a soundbar, a Christmas card, or even dust can block it. Make sure the front of the TV has a clear line of sight.

3. The TV is on the wrong input

If the buttons seem to do nothing on the current channel, the TV might be showing an input (like HDMI 2) that is not connected. The remote is working. The TV is just showing a blank source. Press the Input or Source button to flick through.

4. The remote has lost its pairing

Newer smart TV remotes use Bluetooth as well as the infrared beam. Bluetooth remotes sometimes "forget" the TV after a power cut. Most of them pair again by holding the Back and Home buttons together for a few seconds, but the exact steps vary by brand.

5. Sticky buttons or spilled liquid

If one or two buttons work and others do not, the remote has usually had something spilled on it at some point. This kind of damage is rarely worth repairing. A replacement remote for your exact TV model is a better path.

6. The TV itself is frozen

Sometimes it is the TV, not the remote. Unplug the TV at the wall, wait a full minute, and plug it back in. Smart TVs occasionally lock up in a way that looks like a remote fault.

Rather not fiddle with it?

We can come out and sort the whole thing in one visit, including ordering the right replacement remote if needed. Ajax, Pickering, Whitby and Oshawa.

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A quick way to test if the remote works at all

Point the front of the remote at your phone camera, open the camera app, and press a button on the remote. On most remotes you will see a small purple or white dot blinking in the screen where the remote's tip is. That is the invisible beam, and your phone camera can see it even though your eyes cannot. If you see the blink, the remote is sending a signal and the problem is at the TV end. If you see nothing, the remote itself is the problem.

This trick does not work on very new Bluetooth-only remotes, but it is a quick test for most household remotes.

When to stop and call us

If you have tried fresh batteries and nothing has changed, if the TV and remote are out of sync after a power cut, or if you are not sure which button does what any more, it is worth getting help. We carry tools to test remotes and can often sort it in a single visit, or help you order a replacement for your exact model. This is also something we cover as part of a wider Wi-Fi and TV setup visit.

If the TV itself is the real issue and the picture is buffering or dropping, our guide on smart TV buffering is a better starting point.

Get help today

Remote gone for good? We will bring the tools, identify the problem, and leave you with a working TV.

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FAQ

Common questions about TV remotes

My remote works sometimes but not always. Is it broken?: Probably not. Intermittent remotes are almost always a sign of weak batteries. Try a fresh set from a new pack before assuming the remote has failed.
Do I need the original remote that came with the TV?: Not always. Many universal remotes can be programmed to work with a TV. However, for newer smart TVs, the original remote is usually easier because it has the streaming buttons and voice control built in.
Can you supply a replacement remote?: We can help you order the correct replacement for your specific TV model and set it up during a visit, so you do not end up with the wrong one.