Short answer: fit fresh batteries (or charge a Samsung SolarCell remote), then point the remote at your phone’s camera and press a button – if you see a flashing light, the remote is sending a signal. Smart remotes that use Bluetooth often just need re-pairing: on Samsung, hold Back and Play/Pause for 5 seconds; on LG Magic Remotes, hold Home and Back for 5 seconds, then press OK.
First, which type of remote do you have?
This matters because the fixes differ:
- Infrared (IR) remotes – most basic TV remotes. They need a clear line of sight to the TV’s sensor and never need pairing.
- Bluetooth/RF “smart” remotes – such as Samsung Smart Remotes and LG Magic Remotes. They work without pointing at the TV (pointer and voice features use Bluetooth), and can lose their pairing.
Many smart remotes use both: IR for basic buttons like power, Bluetooth for everything else. That is why some buttons can work while others do not.
Step 1: power
- Fit a fresh pair of batteries from a new pack, checking the + and – direction. “New” batteries from a drawer are not always charged.
- Clean any corrosion from the battery contacts with a dry cotton bud. If there is a lot of white residue, the remote may need replacing.
- Samsung SolarCell remotes have a built-in rechargeable battery. Samsung says to charge them using the solar panel or a USB-C cable.
- LG Magic Remote: LG says the power button should light up when you press any button. If it does not, change the batteries.
Step 2: the phone-camera test (IR remotes)
Infrared light is invisible to your eyes but most phone cameras can see it. Open your camera, point the remote at the lens and press the power button. If you see a flashing light on screen, the remote is working and the problem is more likely the TV’s sensor or settings. Some front cameras filter infrared, so try the rear camera if you see nothing.
If there is no light at all, the remote or its batteries are the problem.
Step 3: restart the TV
Switch the TV off at the wall or unplug it for one minute, then turn it back on. Samsung lists this as a standard step. It clears software glitches that can stop the TV responding to a remote.
Step 4: re-pair a smart remote
Samsung Smart Remote / SolarCell remote
- Point the remote at the TV from a short distance.
- Press and hold Back and Play/Pause together for at least 5 seconds.
- Wait for the on-screen message confirming the remote is paired.
LG Magic Remote
- Press and hold Home and Back together for 5 seconds to unregister the remote.
- Point it at the TV and press OK (or the scroll wheel) to register it again.
LG says that if the TV shows “Bluetooth Initialization Failed”, the TV itself needs a service.
Step 5: rule out the TV’s sensor and surroundings
- Make sure nothing blocks the bottom edge of the TV, where the IR sensor usually sits – soundbars are a frequent culprit.
- Strong sunlight and some lighting can interfere with infrared. Close curtains and test again.
- If the phone test shows a light but the TV does not respond, Samsung suggests switching the TV on with its own button and then pointing the remote directly at the Samsung logo.
Step 6: when only some buttons fail
- Volume does not work – if you use a soundbar, volume may be handled through HDMI-CEC. Check that CEC (Anynet+, SIMPLINK, BRAVIA Sync) is on. Our Samsung no-sound guide explains sound output settings.
- TV switches on without you touching the remote – that is usually HDMI-CEC or a timer. See why a TV turns on by itself.
- Remote does not work in one app – the app may be frozen. Restart the TV and update the app.
- Fire TV Stick remote problems – these use a different pairing process. See how to reset a Firestick and its remote.
Control the TV while you sort the remote
- Most smart TVs have a free official remote app for phones (for example, Samsung SmartThings or LG ThinQ). Your phone and TV need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Use the physical buttons or joystick on the TV, usually under the centre or edge of the screen.
- A universal remote can replace a lost basic remote. Smart features such as voice and pointer control usually need the manufacturer’s own remote.
When to replace the remote
If the remote shows no light in the phone test with fresh batteries, has been dropped or liquid-damaged, or LG/Samsung pairing fails repeatedly, a replacement is usually cheaper than a repair. Buy the model listed for your TV from the manufacturer or a reputable retailer, and check the model number on the back of the TV first.
FAQ
Why is my TV remote not working even with new batteries?
Smart remotes may have lost their Bluetooth pairing, the TV may need a restart, or the batteries may be inserted wrongly or old stock. Try the phone-camera test to see whether the remote is sending a signal.
My remote light blinks but the TV does nothing. Why?
The remote is sending a signal, so check the TV’s sensor is not blocked, unplug the TV for a minute, and re-pair if it is a smart remote.
Can I use my phone as a TV remote?
Yes, most smart TV brands have an official app that works over your home Wi-Fi.
Sources and further help
- Samsung Support: Troubleshoot your Samsung TV remote
- LG Support: Magic Remote troubleshooting