How to Reset TV Remote

Whether you’re using the remote controller that came with your TV or a universal remote, you may occasionally find the TV is no longer responding to your inputs. Even the best TVs in the market sometimes have challenges with tv remotes. There can be a number of reasons for this, but often this will require a reset of the remote. So how do you reset a tv remote control?

Whether you have a model-specific or universal, most remotes work the same way. There are a couple of general methods that will cover most models of remote, universal, and otherwise, and they’re all simple and quick.

Resetting Your Remote

Some TV remote controls can occasionally go into a lock-up mode, and either won’t respond to button presses or won’t communicate with the TV, but the most common cause of an unresponsive remote is a problem with the batteries. Having a faulty remote can be problematic when looking to cast to your TV. Note that having a smart TV can make it easier to cast to your TV. It is easy to check if you have a smart TV. Now, keep reading for some things to look for and steps to take first to reset a remote.

Check for Interference

Before you take other steps, check to see if there is anything obstructing the IR signal from the remote to the TV. If the IR receptor on the TV itself is dusty or dirty, try cleaning it. Also, make sure you point the remote at the television infrared sensor, not the screen. Lastly, fluorescent lights and LED lights can sometimes interfere with infrared, so try shutting any such lights near or above the TV off temporarily. If these steps don’t work, and you’re still wondering why “my TV won’t turn on,” consider changing the batteries of your remote control and then testing it again to see if the issue is resolved.

Check and/or Switch the Batteries

If your remote control batteries aren’t fresh or have been knocked out of alignment, your remote will stop responding. Fresh batteries are often the easiest solution and will often reset the remote and get it functioning again.

Perform a “Hard” Reset

If new batteries don’t do the trick, you may want to perform a “hard” reset of your remote. Sometimes even with batteries removed, some power will remain in your remote and won’t allow it to reset completely. Instead of immediately replacing the batteries, leave the remote without batteries for a period of time, about 5-7 minutes, and then put in batteries. Your remote will be returned to factory settings. This can also work even if you don’t need new batteries and just remove and replace the same ones after waiting.

Note that in a universal remote, this will also usually mean you’ll have to re-enter your TV device code like you did when you first set up the best universal remote.

Model-Specific Soft Resets

Most remotes have reset functions specific to their model that involve a combination of held buttons. It may be as simple as holding the power button and menu button for a few seconds, but this will vary by brand and remote control type. Instructions for this function can be found in a user’s manual, the manufacturer’s website, or sometimes even printed somewhere on the remote itself. It may be difficult to reset the remote of some TV brands such as 3D TVs and it may be prudent to know how 3D TVs work before seeking to reset the remote. This is a good first step much of the time before you try replacing batteries or performing a hard reset.

And if you are having trouble with your picture quality and use over-the-air TV, you could have an issue with your antenna. Don’t worry, we have you covered, you can check out how to replace tv ear tips to learn how to fix antenna problems. Alternatively, if your picture has lines going through it, that could be a different problem. Check out how to fix lines on a TV to learn more about that.

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