Having trouble with your LG TV remote? Are there specific buttons not responding? Can you see the pointer on the screen but can’t get it to move?
Or, even worse, is the pointer completely missing?
Just like any other brand, LG TV remotes can sometimes act up.
Some issues might require just a few button presses to resolve, while others might indicate that your remote is on its last legs – and hopefully, that’s not what you’re dealing with right now!
A non-functioning remote can be a real downer, and nobody wants to shell out cash for a replacement if they don’t have to.
So, let’s work together and see if we can figure out a way to save your remote before we accept that it’s time for a new one.
The Clever Fix
Take out the batteries from your remote, hold down the Power button for 20 seconds, and then give each button a firm press. Put the batteries back in and voila — like magic, your remote might start working again!
This universal solution works surprisingly well for most remote control issues, and it’s so straightforward that it’s hard to believe it can be effective, but it is!
If this method doesn’t resolve the issue, it might be a good idea to check your remote’s IR transmitter.
Why is my LG TV remote not working?
It’s easy to assume the worst when your remote stops working, but sometimes the issue might be incredibly simple.
It could be something as minor as accumulated dirt, a stuck button, something blocking your TV’s IR receiver, or even just dead batteries.
You know what you have to do if any of these is the issue.
Additionally, if your Wi-Fi router is located close to your TV, it could interfere with the remote’s signal.
Take a good look around; the answer might be right in front of you.
Ideally, the router should be at least 8 inches away from your TV.
In the next sections, we’ll address any potential software-related issues.
Do these first
Two things you should do: change batteries and check the IR transmitter.
More often than not, drained batteries are to blame when your remote goes unresponsive.
Even if you think it’s unlikely that the batteries are low, it doesn’t hurt to swap them out for a fresh set.
Next, check the IR transmitter.
Here’s how to do it:
Point your phone camera at the top of the remote and look at the phone screen while pressing any buttons on the remote. If you don’t see any red light, then the remote is broken.
This quick test can tell you if the remote is worth fixing or ready for the trash.
If no red light appears despite fresh batteries, you can save yourself time and abandon attempts to revive your broken remote.
If you do see a red light, great!
Your remote still has life in it, and you’ve saved yourself a few bucks on a new one.
Don’t be taken aback if your remote suddenly stops working. Everything wears out with regular or prolonged use, or due to damage.
If it’s broken, it’s time for a new one.
Start scrolling for the fixes.
How to fix LG TV remote not working
1. Power cycle the TV
Many users found that power-cycling the TV brings the remote back to life.
This is because power-cycling can clear any system glitches, blocking the remote and TV from communicating.
Here’s how to do it:
- Switch off the TV.
- Unplug it from the wall socket.
- Hold down the Power button on the TV for 30 seconds.
- Plug the TV back into the power socket.
Now check if your remote is working again.
Don’t get disheartened if this doesn’t work for you.
Some problems can’t be resolved simply by power cycling.
Don’t worry, we’ve got more fixes lined up.
2. Reset and re-register the remote
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Having issues with the pointer disappearing on the screen often?
De-registering and re-registering the remote typically fixes it.
The TV might have lost its connection to the remote for reasons unknown.
Here’s a quick and simple process:
- Hold down the Home and Back buttons at the same time for five seconds until the remote light blinks.
- Press the OK (wheel/scroll) button to pair the remote again.
Once pairing is successful, a pop-up message will appear on the screen confirming the pairing completion.
If this doesn’t work, try the following more extensive process:
- Long press the Home and Back buttons together for five seconds until a red light appears.
- Switch off and unplug the TV from the power socket.
- Remove the batteries from the remote.
- After a few seconds, reinsert the batteries into the remote and plug the TV back in.
- Tap the Power button on the remote to switch on the TV.
- Hold down the Power and Settings buttons simultaneously for five seconds.
Your remote should be functioning properly after this.
3. Disable Quickstart+
Some LG TV users have reported problems with specific buttons only.
There are instances where the remote’s Home button is the only one that fails to respond.
In such cases, turning off the Quickstart+ feature can help.
It’s not quite clear why this feature can affect the Home button’s responsiveness, but turning it off has helped many users.
Here’s how to disable Quickstart+:
- Press the Settings button on the remote.
- Go to Settings > General > Devices > TV Management > Quickstart (turn off).
Check if this resolves the issue.
4. Turn off IR repeater
There are times when the problem is neither with the remote nor the TV, but with the setup of devices around your TV.
If you’ve recently placed a new device (like a soundbar) close to your TV’s IR receiver, it might be intercepting signals from your remote.
This might be why your TV isn’t responding despite all your button mashing.
Check the settings of the device and make sure its IR transmitter is switched off to prevent any interference with your remote’s communication with the TV.
Remote Alternative
Remotes, like all devices, have a lifespan and eventually need replacing.
While you wait for your new remote, you can temporarily use the LG ThinQ app as a substitute.
The LG ThinQ app is a handy gadget that lets you control all your LG electronic devices from a single app.
You can manage all your remote-controlled devices—be it an air conditioner, air purifier, TV, washer, or dryer.
If you don’t have it yet, you can download it from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
Wrapping up
Before diving into possible fixes, always change the batteries and check your remote’s IR transmitter using your phone camera.
If your remote isn’t working even with fresh batteries, there’s no point in wasting time testing different solutions.
You might need to consider buying a new one.
If you do see a red light on the IR transmitter, your remote is still sending a signal. You’ll need to check other reasons why the TV isn’t receiving this signal.
The first remedy you can try is to press the Power button with the remote batteries removed. After that, give all remote buttons a firm press.
Seriously, give them all a good press, no harm in that. Then, reinsert the batteries.
Try the following solutions if the initial suggestion doesn’t help:
- Power cycle the TV.
- Reset and re-register the remote.
- Disable Quickstart+.
- Turn off the IR repeater.
If all else fails, consider using LG’s chat support for more troubleshooting help, to request repairs, place orders, and more. You can even chat with a live agent!
Visit the LG support page to see different ways to connect with customer support.
You can also call them directly at 800-243-0000 or 850-999-4934, available Monday to Sunday, 8 AM to 9 PM.
So, what’s the verdict?
Can your remote be fixed, or is it time for a replacement?
