
Zenith TV Remote Not Working: Reasons and DIY Fixes
Many Zenith TV users reported that the remote is unresponsive at times. It occurs due to weak batteries, remote pairing issues, signal obstructions, or technical glitches in the TV. These problems are resolvable, so you don’t need to buy a new universal remote. In this article, you will learn the causes and troubleshooting methods to fix the Zenith TV remote not working issue.
Why is the Zenith TV Remote Not Working
If the Zenith TV remote stops working unexpectedly, it may be due to the following reasons.
SCENARIO | REASONS |
---|---|
1 | Sometimes the remote may become defective due to physical damage |
2 | If the IR emitter on the remote has been damaged due to an accidental fall |
3 | Technical problems with the Zenith TV may be the reason why the remote doesn’t work |
4 | Due to weak batteries, you will get slow responsiveness while using the remote |
5 | If any of the remote buttons are stuck due to the accumulation of dirt |
6 | If there is an obstructing object between the TV and the remote |
How to Fix Zenith TV Remote Not Working
It is recommended to follow these troubleshooting methods to make the Zenith TV remote work without any issues.
Change the Batteries
Batteries are the key factor in the remote which helps to provide power to the remote. If the batteries on your remote have expired or work in a weak condition, the remote may not respond to your actions properly. So, when your Zenith TV remote is not working properly, the first and foremost thing you should do is remove the old batteries on the remote and replace them with the new batteries. Later, check if the remote is working without any problems.

Test IR Emitter
Zenith TV remote works by transmitting infrared signals to the receiver. If there is an issue with the remote’s IR emitter, you can’t use the remote. Follow the below steps to perform an IR test.

[1] Open the Camera app on your smartphone.
[2] Point the remote’s signal head towards the rear camera.
[3] Press the remote buttons and check if you can see a flashlight.
[4] If you don’t see any light, the IR emitter is proven defective. So, you can buy a new replacement remote for Zenith TV.
Note: If the LG TV remote sensor is not working, you can use the same steps to check if the issue is with the IR emitter.
Remove the Dust and Dirt
All the remotes are manufactured with plastic and rubber material which absorbs dust and dirt particles easily. If the dust particles are settled in between the remote buttons, it will not allow the remote to work. To remove the dust, you can use a clean cotton cloth by dipping it with 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean the remote. Also, clean the IR blaster on the remote using a soft brush.

Remove the Obstacles
The Zenith TV remote works only with the traditional infrared signal. Since it is using the infrared signal, you need to operate the remote in the clear path. If there is a hindrance in the path between the TV and the remote signal, Zenith TV will not respond to the remote commands. Always ensure to operate the IR-based remote in a direct line of sight.
Power Cycle Zenith TV
Due to a technical glitch inside your TV, you will not be able to use the remote sometimes. You can fix it by power cycling to solve the Zenith remote not working issue. This will clear the temporary bug on your TV, which affects the remote functions.

[1] Turn off your TV using the physical Power button and plug out the TV cord from the power socket.
[2] Now let the TV rest for 3-5 minutes.
[3] Then, plug the TV cord back into the socket and turn on your TV.
[4] After turning it on, press a button on your TV remote and check whether the remote is working or not.
Power Cycle Zenith TV remote
If plenty of residual power is left within the Zenith TV remote, it will stop the remote from working. So, you can power cycle the remote to fix the issue. To do so, remove the batteries from the remote and wait for a few minutes. Then, press the Power button on the remote and hold it for 30 seconds. Now, insert the batteries into the battery compartment and check if the remote is working or not.

Contact Zenith TV Support
If the troubleshooting methods discussed in this article don’t fix the issue, you can finally contact Zenith TV Support or directly call the toll-free number (847) 941-8000. Tell about the Zenith TV remote issue to the customer representative that you’re facing and they will guide you with the right solution.
Buy a Universal remote
If the Zenith TV remote is physically damaged, you can buy a new remote to control the TV. Instead of buying a new replacement remote, you can buy a universal remote to control the TV. The universal remote helps you to control multiple TVs and other entertainment devices at a time. However, you need to program a universal remote to a Zenith TV using the remote code.
Use the Zenith TV Remote App
If you are not interested in buying a new remote, install and use the Zenith TV remote app on your smartphone to control the TV. Since there is no official remote app for Zenith TV, you can use third-party universal remote apps to control your TV virtually. Before installing the app, ensure your smartphone is equipped with an IR blaster.
[1] Open the Play Store on your Android smartphone and search for the Remote for Zenith TV app.
[2] Select the app from the search result and tap the Install button to download the app.
[3] Once installed, tap Open to launch the app.
[4] Now, choose your Zenith TV remote model.
[5] Upon pairing, use the app to control your TV without a remote.
FAQ
Yes. Press the physical Power buttons present on your TV or use the remote apps to turn on your Zenith TV without a remote.
The problem occurs if you’ve inserted the batteries incorrectly instead of their positive and negative polarities. Also, check if there is any damage to the IR emitter.
Press the CH+ and CH- buttons on the Zenith TV panel to change the TV channel without a remote.