Even though you use the TCL TV remote with utmost care, sometimes you may find it not working. This happens due to signal interferences, remote glitches, dust accumulation, and much more. Since these are common errors, you can fix the issue easily unless there is no physical damage to the remote. The following sections will teach you the troubleshooting techniques to resolve the TCL TV remote issue.
Before trying the fixes, we explained what caused the TCL TV remote to not work so you can understand the seriousness.
| Causes | Reasons | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| The remote signals getting blocked | The presence of blocking or interference-causing objects | Operate the TCL TV remote in a clear line of sight |
| TCL TV is not responding to the remote commands | TCL TV may be turned on partially | Power cycle the TCL TV |
| The remote responds slowly to the button presses | Glitches in the remote | Reset the TCL TV remote |
| The remote’s LED light keeps blinking | Low or drained batteries in the remote | Replace the remote batteries |
| TCL TV remote is completely dysfunctional | Damage to the remote’s hardware components | Repair or replace the faulty component |
Use the Remote in a Line of Sight
TCL TV remote generally uses IR signals, so you should use the remote in a line of sight to the TV sensor. Ensure no blocking substances or distracting devices should be found between the TCL TV and the remote. Inspect the remote path and remove those blocking objects if found. Also, hold the remote in such a way that the remote’s sensor is visible and pointing to the TCL TV. Now, check whether the TCL TV remote works without issues.
Use the TCL TV Remote within its Range
Using the remote far from the TCL TV can also result in the remote not working. The optimal distance to use the TCL TV remote is 10 meters from the TV receiver. If the distance is exempted, the remote may fail to control the TV. So, move near to the TCL TV and press the remote button. If your TV doesn’t respond, change the location or angle and try controlling the TCL TV.
Release the Jammed Buttons on the T
If the first two techniques don’t work, check whether the remote buttons are not stuck. Leaving the remote under a heavy object may automatically press the buttons. This will cause the remote buttons to get stuck, so your TCL TV won’t respond unless you fix it. The reason for the remote not working is that it sends multiple commands or nothing. So, disassemble the TCL TV remote and release the buttons that are stuck inside. Then, check if the TCL TV remote works well.
Clean the TCL TV Remote
If you can’t de-press or pull out buttons, it has got stuck due to dust accumulation. Since you leave the remote in an open zone, the dust may settle between the buttons, making them unpressable. So, pick a soft cloth and wipe the dust. If possible, dismantle the remote’s upper shell and clean it.
Also, ensure to clean the remote’s IR sensor. Dust accumulation on the IR sensor may block the remote signal from reaching the TCL TV. Once done, aim the remote towards the TCL TV and press any button. If the TCL TV doesn’t respond, move to the next fix.
Power Cycle the TCL TV
In rare cases, the TCL TV may fail to respond to the remote commands due to some glitches. To rectify this, power cycling is a good option.
- Turn off the TCL TV by pressing the TV Power button.
- Remove the TV cord from the power socket.
- Keep the TV in a power-off state and wait for about 5-10 minutes.
- Plug the TV cord back into the power socket.
- Turn on the TCL TV by pressing the TV Power button.
Now, try controlling the TCL TV using the remote. Also, check whether the TV receiver is in standby mode. If it is in appropriate condition and the remote still malfunctions, move to the next fix.
Replace the TCL TV Remote Batteries
Another primary reason the TCL TV remote is not working is the remote batteries. Weak or drained batteries will not help you control the TCL TV. So, replace the old batteries with new 2 AAA batteries. Also, clean the remote before inserting new ones if the old batteries are drained. While placing the new ones, insert them properly and fit them into their correct polarities. Never use the TCL TV remote with a mixture of old and new batteries.
Re-program the TCL TV Remote
While replacing the remote batteries, the remote may be unpaired from the TCL TV. It occurs due to signal interference or if the remote is left unused with drained batteries. So, the primary solution is to pair the remote with the TCL TV to control the TV functions as before.
- Pair TCL Android/Google TV Remote – Place the remote within 3 feet from the TCL TV → Together, long-press the Home and OK buttons.
- Pair TCL Fire TV Remote – Move near the TV → Hold the Home button on the remote → Release the button if the TCL TV screen displays “Press
to Start.” - Pair TCL Roku TV Remote – Open the remote’s battery compartment lid → Locate and long-click the Pairing button → Release it when the pairing light blinks.
Reset the TCL TV Remote
Like resetting the TCL TV to factory settings, you can reset the TCL TV remote. Moreover, this is the final and most effective troubleshooting technique. After resetting it, you can get your remote back to the default state.
- Reset the TCL Android TV Remote – After turning off the TV, remove the batteries from the remote → Hold the Home button, and at the same time, insert the batteries into the remote → Release the button if the remote light goes off.
- Reset the TCL Google TV Remote – Turn off the TV and remove its cable → Plug the TV cable back into the power socket → Long-press the TV Power button.
- Reset the TCL Fire TV Remote – Turn off the TV and plug out its cable → Wait for a minute → Hold the Left, Menu, and Back buttons for 12 seconds.
- Reset the TCL Roku TV Remote – Remove batteries from the remote and plug out the TV cable → Wait for a minute → Plug the TV cable and turn on the TV → Insert batteries into the remote when the logo comes on the screen → Long-press the Reset button for 5 seconds.
- Reset TCL TV basic Remote – Remove the remote batteries → Hold the 1 number button for one minute → Insert the batteries into the remote.
Inspect the Remote Components
If the above troubleshooting techniques did not help you solve the TCL TV remote not working, check the remote components. The damage to remote components may result in remote malfunction. To verify it, open the Camera app on your smartphone and place the remote under the camera.
Press the remote’s Power button. If you can’t see light through the smartphone’s camera, then the remote’s IR sensor is broken. Repeat the process and inspect the remote’s button functions. Once you know that the issue is due to hardware damage, proceed with customer support.
Contact TCL Customer Support
If you want to repair the damaged parts or replace the remote, you can approach TCL TV customer support. You can contact the support team through their official website. The well-trained technicians will pick up your remote and repair the parts. If you want, you can claim a remote replacement if the current remote comes under active warranty.
Try These Remote Alternatives
Repairing the TCL TV remote may prolong for some days. In that time, you can use the following alternatives to control the TCL TV functions.
- Use keyboard or mouse – Locate the USB port on your TV and plug the keyboard or mouse dongle into it. Immediately, a cursor will appear on the TCL TV screen. Using the cursor, you can access the TV menu, settings, apps, etc.
- Use Remote App – Install the remote app for your TCL TV model on your smartphone. Pair the app with the TCL TV. Open the remote interface and control the TV functions using the given icons.
If you want a new remote but not from TCL, you can go with any universal remote brand. Know the remote codes for TCL TV and program the universal remote with the TCL TV. Then, you can control the TCL TV functions using the remote buttons.
