Android TV Remote Not Working: Reasons and DIY Fixes Worth Trying
One of the most common problems Android TV users face is the remote not working issue. This issue is common and occurs frequently due to old batteries, dirt built up on the remote, IR signal blockage, physical damage, etc. Sometimes, the TV becomes unresponsive to the remote commands because of outdated firmware, software malfunctions, etc. Whatever the issue may be, you can easily resolve it by yourself using the troubleshooting guide mentioned below.
In this article, we have discussed 12 effective solutions to fix the Android TV remote not working issue. Try the below methods before spending your money on a new replacement remote.
Why is Android TV Remote Not Working
The main reasons for the Android TV Box remote not working are stated below.
| SCENARIO | REASONS |
|---|---|
| 1 | If you don’t change the batteries for a long time. |
| 2 | The buttons may be jammed due to the dust particles embedded in it. |
| 3 | When you have not properly paired the remote with the Android TV. |
| 4 | It will not work when the remote is physically damaged. |
| 5 | If the remote’s IR transmitter is faulty, it barely passes any command. |
| 6 | Water molecules may stored on the internal parts due to liquid spillage on the remote. |
DIY Fixes for Android TV Remote Not Working
Here are the methods to fix the Android TV remote not working.
Change the Remote Batteries
Expired batteries are one of the most common reasons for the Android TV remote not working. Change the remote batteries when they have low power. Insert a new set of batteries on your remote and check whether it works fine. If your remote does not work even with new batteries, the battery compartments might be dirty. Clean the battery compartments and reinsert the batteries.
Clean the Remote
Sometimes, the remote feels sticky due to dirt built up, or you may have unknowingly spilled any liquid. Clean the remote thoroughly by using a cleaning alcohol solution like 99% Isopropyl alcohol. Take out the batteries, dip a microfiber cloth in a small amount of the alcohol, and mildly wipe it on the remote.
Then, use a dry cloth to remove the excess alcohol on the remote. Once done, start accessing your TV to check if it works. Also, check for any substance stuck between the remote buttons. Remove it without damaging the buttons and try using it.
Re-Pair your Android TV Remote
The Android TV remote is connected via Bluetooth. And the remote should be in the Bluetooth range of your TV to stay connected. If you bring your remote out of your TV range, it gets unpaired automatically and stops working. Then, you must re-pair it using the steps below to make it work again.
2. Navigate to the Input section, and there will be an image of the TV, remote, and timer.
3. Tap the Remote option and follow the on-screen prompts to pair the remote to your TV.
A check mark appearing on your TV screen indicates that the remote is successfully paired.
Remove the Obstacles
Clear any objects placed in between your TV that block the IR signal. Also, avoid placing electronic devices like Smartphones, wireless routers, etc., near your TV. Sometimes, it blocks the IR signals from reaching the Android TV. Remove these obstacles and use your remote to control your TV.
Reset the Android TV Remote
Most Android TV remotes have a Reset button or a small hole in it. Remove the batteries from the remote and long press the reset button/the hole by using a toothpick or pin for a few seconds. You can also press and hold the Power button to reset the remote. Put back the batteries and try accessing your TV with it.
Check the IR Emitter
Most of the old Android TVs have IR emitter remotes. If the IR emitter is damaged, it will not pass any command to your TV. You can check its working status by using the below steps.
1. Launch the Camera app on your Smartphone and point it towards the IR transmitter on your remote.
2. Press any button on your remote and see through the camera if it blinks light.
The Remote is fine if it blinks red light. If not, you can conclude that the IR emitter on the remote has some issues. Then, you have to replace your remote.
Soft Reset the Android TV
Power OFF your Android TV and remove its cable from the power source. Now, press and hold the Power button on your TV for 15 seconds. Once done, release the button and, after 2 minutes, insert the cable into the power socket.
After providing the electricity, your TV will automatically turn on. You can switch on the Android TV manually when it takes too long. Try operating your TV with a remote to test whether it responds or not.
Factory Reset Android TV
You can factory reset Android TV when restarting doesn’t fix the remote not working issue. To reset your Android TV without a remote, you have to turn off your TV and long press the Power and Volume down buttons. Without releasing the buttons, reconnect the TV cable with the power source.
Release the buttons only after the green light flashes on your TV; it might take 10-30 seconds. This process erases every data and application from your TV and resets it back to its default settings. So, after performing a factory reset, you have to re-program it.
Update Android TV
Android TV will have many temporary malfunctions if not updated regularly. This might be the reason why it is not responding to the remote command. In such cases, you must update the Android TV firmware using the Google TV app or any other third-party universal remote apps available on your Smartphone. After updating, try accessing your TV with the remote control.
Contact Support Team
Contacting your TV manufacturer will help you fix the error if none of the above-listed methods work. You can reach out to them by visiting their official website. In the contact section, you can find their modes of contact. Contact them and explain your issues. They will provide you with assistance and guidance to resolve the remote not working issue.
Use the Google TV remote app
If you have misplaced your Android TV remote or if the remote is physically broken, you can use the remote application to control your TV. Google TV remote app is the most preferred app to control your Android TV. Before moving into the steps below, connect the Android TV to a WiFi, same as your smartphone.
1. Install the Google TV remote app on your Android or iOS device.
2. Once installed, tap Open to launch the app on your Smartphone.
3. Hit the remote icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
4. Allow the necessary permissions to connect your devices.
5. Select the Google TV from the list of devices.
6. Enter the six-digit code that appears on your TV screen.
7. You will see the swiping remote interface. If you do not like that, tap on the three dots icon at the top.
8. Select the D-pad control from the menu.
Now, you will see the remote interface that is similar to your traditional Android TV remote. You can control your Android TV using the Google TV remote app.
Replace Remote Control
If it is inconvenient for you to use the remote app all the time, you can buy a replacement remote. And, if you feel the price is too high to buy a new remote, you can buy a universal remote to control multiple devices at your home. There are several universal remotes available on the online market. You can buy and use it to control your TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are IR Blaster remote apps that don’t need a WiFi connection to control your Android TV, but it requires a Smartphone with IR Blaster support.
It is because the power button may be jammed due to the smudge of dirt stored under it. Clean your remote to see if it works. If it does not work, turn On your TV using the physical button on the TV panel.
