LG TV Remote Not Working? Top Fixes & Troubleshooting Guide

Is your LG TV remote not working? Fix your remove with our easy step-by-step guide, and get your remote working again fast!

Is your LG TV remote not working? It can be frustrating when you can’t change channels or adjust the volume. This problem is common for LG TV users. It might happen because of dead batteries, signal issues, or software problems.

Don’t worry—this guide will help you fix it. We’ll walk you through simple steps to get your remote working again. You’ll also find tips for common issues and what to do if the problem persists. This article is easy to follow, even if you’re not tech-savvy.

Let’s get started and bring your LG TV remote back to life.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these items:

• New batteries: Get two AA or AAA batteries, depending on your remote.
• Clear view of the TV: Make sure nothing blocks the remote’s signal to the TV.
• TV’s manual buttons: Find the buttons on your TV to control it without the remote.
• Internet access: You may need Wi-Fi to check for updates.
• Smartphone (optional): Use it for the LG ThinQ app if needed.
• Small screwdriver (optional): Some remotes have screws on the battery cover.

Make sure your TV is turned on and works with its manual buttons before you begin.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Your LG TV Remote

Follow these steps to fix your remote. Each step checks a different issue. Start from the top and work your way down.

1. Check the Batteries

Open the battery cover on the back of your remote. Take out the old batteries. Put in new AA or AAA batteries. Make sure the + and – ends match the markings.

Warning: Don’t mix old and new batteries. This can cause problems. Point the remote at the TV and press the Power button to test it.

2. Look for Blockages

Make sure nothing is between the remote and the TV. The remote needs a clear path to send signals. For regular LG remotes, this uses an infrared (IR) signal.

For LG Magic Remotes, it uses Bluetooth. Keep the remote within 10 meters (33 feet) of the TV. Remove objects like books or decorations that might block the signal.

3. Test the Remote’s Buttons

Point the remote at the TV. Press buttons like Volume Up or Menu. Does the TV respond? If not, check if the remote’s LED light flashes when you press a button.

You might see it in dim light. Or use a smartphone camera. Point the remote at the camera and press a button. If you see a light on the screen, the remote is sending a signal.

4. Re-pair an LG Magic Remote

If you have an LG Magic Remote, it uses Bluetooth. You may need to re-pair it with the TV. Press and hold the OK (or Wheel) button and the Back button together for 5 seconds.

The TV should show a pairing message. Follow the instructions on the screen. Note: Go to Settings > General > Bluetooth on the TV to ensure Bluetooth is turned on.

5. Reset the Remote

Take out the batteries. Press and hold the Power button for 20 seconds. This clears any leftover power. Put the batteries back in.

Test the remote again by pressing the Power button.

Also read: How to connect an Android phone to LG TV

6. Update Your TV’s Software

Your TV might need a software update. Use the TV’s manual buttons or the LG ThinQ app.

Go to Settings > General > About This TV. Select Check for Updates.

If an update is available, install it. This can fix software issues that affect the remote.

7. Reset the TV to Factory Settings

If nothing works, try resetting your TV. Use the manual buttons to go to Settings > General > Reset to Initial Settings. Follow the prompts to reset.

Warning: This will erase all your TV settings, like Wi-Fi and apps. Write down important settings before you reset.

8. Try the LG ThinQ App

Download the LG ThinQ app on your smartphone. You can find it on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Connect the app to your TV using the same Wi-Fi network.

Use the app to control your TV. This is a good backup while you fix the remote.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Sometimes, the steps above don’t work. Here are common issues and how to fix them.

Remote LED Doesn’t Flash

If the LED doesn’t light up when you press buttons, the batteries might be bad. Try another set of new batteries. If it still doesn’t work, the remote might be broken.

Contact LG Support for help. They can tell you how to repair or replace it.

LG Magic Remote Won’t Pair

If your Magic Remote won’t connect, check for other Bluetooth devices nearby. Phones or speakers might interfere. Turn them off and try pairing again.

Also, check that the TV’s Bluetooth is on in Settings > General > Bluetooth.

Remote Works Sometimes

If the remote only works part of the time, there might be interference. Fluorescent lights or other electronics can block signals. Move the TV or remove those devices.

And test the remote again.

Some Buttons Don’t Work

If only some buttons work, the remote might be dirty. Clean the buttons with a soft cloth and a little isopropyl alcohol. Be gentle to avoid damage.

If buttons still don’t work, the remote may need repair.

TV Works with Buttons but Not Remote

If the TV’s manual buttons work but the remote doesn’t, the TV’s IR sensor or Bluetooth receiver might be faulty. Test with another LG remote if you have one.

If the second remote works, your original remote is the problem.

Additional Tips for Success

Here are extra tips to keep your remote working well:

• Use good batteries: Cheap batteries die quickly. Choose trusted brands like Duracell or Energizer.
• Clean the remote regularly: Dust and dirt can build up. Wipe it with a dry cloth every few months.
• Keep the TV updated: Check for firmware updates monthly. This prevents software issues.
• Store the remote safely: Avoid dropping it. Falls can damage internal parts.
• Use the LG ThinQ app: It’s a handy backup if your remote fails again.

When to Contact LG Support

If none of these steps work, your remote or TV might have a bigger problem. Visit LG’s support website at www.lg.com/support. You can find your TV model’s manual or contact customer service.

They may suggest sending the remote for repair or getting a new one. Have your TV’s model number ready when you call.

Also read: Top 7 4K TVs that you can buy in budget

Why Remotes Fail

Understanding why remotes stop working can help you prevent issues. Batteries often die after months of use. Physical damage, like dropping the remote, can break internal parts.

Signal interference from other devices is another common cause. Software glitches in the TV can also affect the remote.

Regular maintenance, like checking batteries and updating software, can stop problems before they start.

Final Words

A broken LG TV remote doesn’t have to ruin your day. This guide showed you how to fix it step by step. Start with simple fixes like checking batteries. Then try pairing, resetting, or updating your TV. If those don’t work, use the LG ThinQ app or contact LG Support.

Regular care, like using good batteries and keeping software updated, will help avoid future issues. For more help, check LG’s support website at www.lg.com/support or your TV’s user manual. With these steps, you’ll have your LG TV remote working again in no time.