Auric Celine

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Are you experiencing the universal remote not working? While it’s a convenient tool for controlling multiple devices, it can sometimes encounter issues. Don’t worry—this guide will help you troubleshoot and fix the problem before you consider replacing it.

How to Fix Universal Remote Control Not Working

There are several reasons behind the TV remote stopped working, including the batteries, pairing issues, infrared sensor issues, and physical damage. No matter what the culprit is, you can try the following steps below:

Fix 1. Check the Batteries

Why is my universal remote not working? One common reason is low battery power, which can cause the remote to stop working completely or only function intermittently. Since there might be no obvious sign that the batteries are drained, the first thing to try is replacing them with fresh ones.

batteries

Step 1. Lift the remote’s back cover, remove the old batteries, and insert the new ones.

Step 2. Once the new batteries are in, place the back cover back on and slide it down until it clicks into place.

Note: Make sure to use the correct type of batteries, which you can find in the user manual of your universal remote. You can also always contact customer support for guidance.

Fix 2. Clean the Remote and Sensor

If your universal TV remote not working even with new batteries, it’s a good idea to clean the remote and the sensor. Dust and debris can build up, affecting the buttons’ performance and disrupting signal transmission. Use a soft cloth to gently clean the buttons and the sensor on the remote for optimal function.

IR sensor on a remote

Fix 3. Remove Signal Interference

Additionally, you might be overlooking obstacles between the universal remote and your TV. Make sure to remove any obstructions and minimize interference from other electronic devices, as these can block the signal and prevent proper functioning.

Fix 4. Re-pair the Universal Remote

When the universal remote not connecting to TV persists, please try programming the universal remote to your device again. Since different universal remote models may have varying pairing processes, it’s important to follow the specific steps for your remote to pair it with your TV.

You may find: How to Program a Universal Remote to a TV Without Codes?

Fix 5. Reset the Universal Remote

Resetting the universal remote can also help resolve some glitches, including the universal remote won’t work. The process may vary based on the remote model, so we’ve outlined general steps here. For more specific instructions, refer to the user manual.

Step 1. Remove the batteries from your universal remote and press and hold the Power button on the remote for 15-30 seconds.

Step 2. Reinsert the batteries and ensure they are installed properly in your universal remote.

Step 3. Depending on your universal remote, you need to press a specific button like Setup or combination buttons to enter the setup mode.

Step 4. Then follow the instructions in the manual for programming it to control your device.

Fix 6. Use a Virtual Universal TV Remote

Once all the above solutions can’t solve your universal control stopped working, it may be time to consider using a virtual universal remote on your mobile device as an alternative.

Universal TV remote app

Download Universal TV Remote

Step 1. Install the universal remote app on your mobile device, then ensure your devices are under the same wireless network.

Step 2. Open the app and tap “Tap to connect” to choose your TV to connect from the device list.

Step 3. When finish the pairing process, you can use the universal virtual TV remote to replace your physical universal remote.

Fix 7. Purchase a New Universal Remote

Finally, you can buy a new physical universal remote from BoostVision. This remote supports all smart TVs and streaming devices, and the pairing process is simple and straightforward.

Universal remote

Press the TV brand button for 5 seconds, then release it after the LED light flashes three times and the setting is complete.

Closing Words

How to fix my universal remote is not working? There are several effective methods you can try: check the batteries, clean the remote and sensor, remove signal interference, reprogram the universal remote, and reset the remote.

As an alternative, you can use a universal virtual remote on your phone. Once none of these solutions work, consider purchasing a new remote. If you have never used any remote control apps, it’s time to download one and have a try now.

Universal Remote Not Working FAQ

Q: Why is my TV not responding to my universal remote?

There are several reasons behind the TV remote stopped working, including the batteries, pairing issues, infrared sensor issues, and physical damage.

Q: How do you fix the remote control not responding?

You can check the batteries, clean the remote and sensor, remove signal interference, reprogram the universal remote, reset the remote, use a virtual universal TV remote, and purchase a new universal remote.

Q: Can I use my phone as a universal remote?

Luckily, the answer is yes. You can use the built-in IR feature or install a virtual universal remote app to control your smart television from the phone. What you should note is that ensure your devices are both covered by the same wireless network.

Auric Celine

Auric Celine is a web content writer for BoostVision who is interested in smart devices and draws attention to visual experience. She aims to output professional information to help others engage in the streaming media trend and have a wonderful visual experience as well as her.

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