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Having an LG TV remote suddenly stop working can be incredibly frustrating. You sit down to watch your favorite show and find that no matter how many times you click the power button, the TV isn’t responding. Before you panic or call for an expensive service visit, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try yourself to get your LG magic remote working again.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons an LG TV remote can stop working and provide fixes you can implement yourself. Read on to troubleshoot an unresponsive LG TV remote in just a few easy steps.
Check the Batteries in Your LG TV Remote
The first thing you should always check when your LG TV remote stops working is the batteries. Dead or drained batteries are the most common culprit behind remote control issues.
Here’s how to check and replace the batteries in an unresponsive LG TV remote:
- Remove the Batteries: Slide open the back battery compartment of your LG magic remote and take out the batteries inside. Even if the batteries don’t seem fully drained, remove them anyway.
- Check for Damage: Inspect the removed batteries and battery compartment for any corrosion or damage before inserting new batteries.
- Replace with Fresh Batteries: Insert 2 new, high-quality AAA batteries facing in the correct orientation. LG advises using alkaline rather than rechargeable batteries.
- Test the Remote: Point your remote at the LG TV and press the power button a few times. If new batteries fixed the issue, the TV should power on normally.
Replacing old batteries is an easy first step when troubleshooting an LG TV remote not working and will solve the problem the majority of the time. Even remote controls with low battery indicators can sometimes get stuck in a unresponsive state that’s resolved by this battery reset.
Inspect the IR Sensor and Signal Receiver
If new batteries did not restore functionality, the next step is checking the IR (infrared) sensor and signal receiver. For your LG magic remote to communicate with the TV, it must have a strong infrared signal and clear line of sight between the remote and the IR sensor.
Here is how to inspect and troubleshoot IR signal issues:
- Locate the IR Sensor: The IR sensor on your LG TV is typically located near the bottom of the screen frame, centered below the LG logo. Refer to your user manual for the exact location.
- Check for Obstructions: Make sure there is a clear line of sight between the front of your LG remote control and the IR sensor on the TV. Any objects blocking this path can interrupt the crucial infrared signal.
- Get Within 25 Feet: Position yourself directly in front of the TV within 25 feet for testing. The optimal distance is 5 to 15 feet away. Being too far outside this range can make your remote unresponsive.
- Test Multiple Buttons: Aim your LG remote directly at the IR sensor and press a variety of buttons like power, volume, channel change, etc. The TV should respond instantly if the infrared signal is transmitting properly.
- Replace Batteries: Try replacing batteries again just to rule out any remaining power issues impacting signal strength.
If the remote channels and controls still don’t register after checking for obstructions and standing an optimal distance away, your LG TV likely has a hardware issue with its IR sensor or signal receiver. Contacting LG customer support for service may be required as an additional troubleshooting step.
Reset Your LG TV Remote
If brand new batteries did not restore functionality and IR signal issues have been ruled out, completing a reset of your LG smart TV remote control can often resolve problems getting it to pair or respond.
Follow these steps demonstrate how to quickly reset an LG TV remote:
- Remove Batteries: Take out the batteries from the remote control.
- Press Power Button: With batteries still removed, press and firmly hold the power button on the remote for 5 seconds. This will discharge any remaining power.
- Wait 1 Minute: Leave remote without batteries for 1 full minute before continuing.
- Reinsert Batteries: Put batteries back into the remote control, taking care to match the +/- orientation.
- Press Power again: Aim remote at the TV’s IR sensor and press power button repeatedly to verify connectivity is restored. You may need to initially stand very close.
- Test Other Buttons: If successfully paired, test volume controls, channel changing ability, etc. to confirm full remote functionality.
Essentially this process forces your LG TV remote to discharge fully and then reboot its connection from scratch, often resolving persistent connectivity issues preventing it from controlling the television.
Program a Universal Remote as Backup
If you’ve completed battery changes, signal tests, remote resets, and every other troubleshooting step but your LG TV remote still won’t work, a final option worth trying is to program a universal backup remote. Universal remotes are designed to control multiple devices and can typically be configured to operate LG TVs.
Here is an overview of how to set up a universal remote if needed as a plan B to replace your LG TV remote:
- Buy Universal Remote: Obtain a universal remote control that specifically mentions LG TV compatibility such as brands like Logitech Harmony.
- Initiate Programming: Refer to instructions and hold appropriate device button for 5+ seconds to trigger programming mode for LG code search.
- Try LG Codes: Slowly test LG TV remote codes listed in the user guide to find match. The remote will instantly pair when correct code entered.
- Test Functions: If properly matched to your exact LG television model, universal remote should now perform all essential functions.
Having a programmed universal remote as a backup allows you to access key TV controls while troubleshooting your LG-branded remote. Some remotes also offer smartphone apps for even more convenience. Contact LG support if needed to confirm the best universal remote and LG code for your specific TV model.
When to Order a Replacement LG TV Remote
If absolutely no troubleshooting suggestions restore your LG TV remote functionality, then having to order a replacement may be inevitable. Here are signs it’s time to replace your remote:
- Physical damage like cracks leave some buttons totally unresponsive
- Repeated battery changes provide no improvements
- Remote fails to respond even when standing directly in front of IR sensor
- LG TV remote resets and repairs stop helping connectivity issues
Ideally you would order an exact replacement matching your specific LG TV model for guaranteed compatibility. Alternative universal remotes can work but may lack certain buttons or functions compared to the original LG remote. Contact LG or browse online merchants to locate and purchase suitable remote control substitutes for your non-functioning unit.
LG TV remote controls suddenly stopping responses can behave frustrating, especially with no obvious root cause. However troubleshooting typical connectivity issues like drained batteries, infrared sensor obstructions or remote reset needs will restore functionality the majority of the time. Taking methodical steps to test power, signal strength, blockages and resets can get your LG magic remote working again quickly without needing expensive service calls or full replacements in many typical cases.
Remember that fresh alkaline batteries should be your first go-to when an LG remote starts feeling unresponsive. Resetting and re-pairing fickle connectivity between the remote and television can also remedy plenty of problems controlling LG TVs. Even using universal substitutes or the manual TV buttons serves as a fine temporary backup plan until LG remote issues get resolved. Know when more serious hardware defects arise though and replacement becomes the wise long-term solution.
With this thorough troubleshooting advice guiding inspection of all common LG remote failure points, you should now feel empowered to get even stubborn remotes functioning again or make the reliable switch to universal substitutes when needed. So don’t become overwhelmed when your LG TV remote stops responding – methodically work through potential connectivity issues and power losses for an efficient restoration of crucial television controls.
Frequently Asked Questions About LG TV Remotes Not Working
Troubleshooting an LG TV remote that suddenly stops working can feel frustrating and complicated. Review answers to these common LG remote FAQs for additional helpful tips and clarity:
Why did my LG magic remote stop working so abruptly?
Sudden failure can stem from drained batteries, physical damage, or incorrect TV settings changes impacting connectivity. Start troubleshooting by replacing batteries and inspecting for cracks.
Can I control an LG TV without the remote at all? Yes, using manual power button and channel controls on the TV itself. Some apps allow phones to control LG TVs too in a pinch.
My remote won’t turn on the LG TV but volume buttons work – why?
This points to a hardware or software issue specifically with power functionality. Try resetting and re-pairing the remote, or order a replacement if needed.
I changed LG TV settings and now my remote stopped working – help!
Changing to incorrect input mode or disabling remote sensors in settings can cause this loss of connectivity. First perform full factory reset of the television through menus.
How do I know if I need a whole new LG remote control? Order replacement when remote remains unresponsive despite new batteries, clearing sensor obstructions, standing within 25 feet, resetting connectivity – indicating likely hardware failure.
Can any universal remote control work with an LG smart TV?
Universal remotes can control LG TVs but functionality varies. Research capable options listing LG before purchasing, and have remote codes on hand for easy set-up.
The LG TV turns itself on but not off with the remote – what’s wrong?
Auto power settings can allow TV to turn itself on despite remote issues. Troubleshoot by factory resetting the television through menus and repair remote connectivity.
Hopefully addressing those common questions about LG TV remote troubleshooting issues assists with resolving any problems you encounter with lost connectivity or an unresponsive unit. Just take methodical steps testing batteries, sensors, resets and replacement to regain full functions.