LG TV remote not working? How to fix it

Imagine settling in for a movie night, but your remote control won’t respond. An LG® TV remote that doesn't work can make your streaming experience a real drag. Luckily, troubleshooting remote issues is often straightforward.

At Asurion, our experts help customers get the most out of their tech. From setting up an LG TV connection and downloading apps on a smart TV to fixing a TV that turns itself on and off and restarting an LG OLED TV, we’ve got you covered. Here is what to do if your LG TV is not responding to the remote.

Common reasons for remote failure

Your LG Smart TV remote might not be working for several reasons. Depleted batteries, blocked infrared sensors, or Bluetooth® connectivity issues are common culprits that prevent remotes from communicating with TVs.

Follow these initial troubleshooting steps

If your LG Smart TV remote is not working, follow these simple steps to reset it.

1. Check or replace batteries

The most common issue with a malfunctioning remote is drained or dead batteries. Open the battery compartment and check that the batteries are inserted correctly. If they are, but your remote isn’t working, replace them with new batteries.

2. Make sure a clear line of sight to the TV IR Sensor

If your remote still isn’t cooperating after the battery change, it might not be a power issue but an obstruction. Your LG remote uses infrared light and needs a clear line of sight. So, check that nothing is blocking the space between your remote and the IR sensor on the front of your TV. 

3. Verify IR emitter and receiver functionality

Your LG TV not responding to the remote issue might be due to a faulty infrared emitter on the remote or a malfunctioning infrared receiver on the TV.

To test your remote’s infrared emitter:

1. Open your phone’s camera app.
2. Point the remote at the camera.
3. Press and hold any button.
4. If it’s working, a flashing light will appear at the tip of the remote on your phone screen. 

If you don’t see any flashing light, your remote’s infrared emitter may be faulty, and you might need to replace it. If the remote works but the TV still doesn’t respond, your TV’s infrared sensor could be the problem, and you may need a repair expert.

Other solutions

Is your remote still not working after the initial troubleshooting? Before you toss it for another, try these additional solutions.

1. Clean your remote

Debris can build up around the buttons over time, making them stick or stop working. Gently clean around the buttons and battery contacts with a small cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

2. Check for software updates

Other times, your LG TV may not respond due to outdated software. Use the LG ThinQ app to access the virtual remote. 

Then, check for available firmware updates and install them to fix bugs and improve compatibility with the remote: 

1. Open the LG ThinQ app on your phone.
2. Connect your phone and LG TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. In the app, select your TV from the list of connected devices and tap Remote Control to launch the virtual remote function.
4. Using your phone as a remote, navigate Settings > All Settings > Support on your TV.
5. Select Software Update > Check for Updates.
6. If an update is available, choose Download and Install.

Once the update is complete, restart the TV and test the remote again.

3. Consider a replacement

If none of the fixes work and your LG TV remote still doesn’t work, consider replacing it. You can buy an original LG remote or a universal remote that supports LG Smart TV.

FAQs

How do I resync my LG remote to my TV?

To resync your LG Magic Remote, point it at your TV and press the OK (scroll wheel) button. If that doesn’t work, press and hold the Home and Back buttons simultaneously until the remote’s Power button LED blinks. Then, point the remote at the TV and press the scroll wheel (OK button) to repair it with the TV.  Note: The standard LG remotes don’t require pairing.

How can I test if the remote is emitting IR signals?

Open the camera app on your phone. Point your remote at your phone’s camera and press any button. If the remote is working, you’ll see a blinking light on your camera screen. If not, your remote’s IR emitter might be faulty.

What to do if only some buttons work?

Try cleaning around the remote’s buttons with a soft cloth and a small amount of rubbing alcohol. If cleaning doesn’t help, the problem could be internal wear, which warrants a replacement.