It is very frustrating when a remote control is not working the way we want. When it comes to the standard TV remotes, we can replace the batteries, or we have to replace the whole remote. But in the case of a universal remote control, before throwing it in a wastebin when it is not working we have to try some troubleshooting tips that get it to work properly. In this post, I am going to share the troubleshooting tips that you can apply to fix a universal remote control. Keep reading.
An overview of the possible issues with a remote control and solutions
| Issue | Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Remote not responding | Battery issues, misalignment with the device | 1) Check/replace the batteries 2) Ensure the remote is pointed at the device 3) Test the remote with a camera to see if the IR light is working |
| Remote buttons not working | Sticky buttons, dirt, or moisture | 1) Clean the buttons with a dry cloth 2) Ensure no moisture is affecting the remote 3) Use compressed air to clean inside the buttons |
| Remote not pairing with device | Incorrect code, or incorrect pairing process | 1) Re-enter the correct code for the device 2) Follow the manufacturer's pairing instructions 3) Try the automatic pairing option |
| Remote working intermittently | Weak batteries, interference, or faulty sensor | 1) Replace the batteries 2) Ensure no obstructions between remote and device 3) Check for IR sensor issue |
| Remote is not controlling all functions | Incomplete code or mismatch with device model | 1) Try a different code or automatic search for codes 2) Ensure the device is compatible with the remote |
Common issues and their frequency
How to fix a universal remote?
If the issue is very small, you can fix it with simple tips like soft resetting, factory resetting, replacing the batteries, fixing the issue with the IR emitter, etc. The problem may be fixed even by trying one step. Anyway, the first thing that you need to figure out is what is the real issue. Here is the quick tip, always try to keep the remote with a remote cover and avoid the damage caused by falling.
Soft reset
Soft reset is nothing but the removal of the batteries from the remote control and keep the remote free for one or two minutes. At this time, all the programmed features or codes will be erased from it. It also helps to fix if there is any issue during programming. And it helps to fix any small glitches. after two minutes, re-insert the batteries into it.
Reprogramming is needed since the soft reset. Get the correct code from the user manual booklet or the remote code finder tool. Apply the code with the proper instructions.
Check the batteries
You may program the universal remote to different devices. so the chances are you using the same remote for such several devices. In such cases, there is a chance to get the remote battery drained so fast. Unfortunately, this is one of the disadvantages that I see in it. You can overcome it by using the rechargeable batteries.
Anyway, check the charges on the batteries. If it drained up to 90%, it is better to replace them with fresh batteries. A universal remote has two batteries, so replace both rather than replacing one of them.
Factory hard reset
Hard reset is the process by which we get the remote to the state at the time of buying. It is similar to resetting our mobile phones, smart TVs, etc. In many remotes, there is no reset button. But in some advanced smart universal remotes, there should be a reset button on the body like in the side or bottom portion. If your device bears that one switch, press and hold the reset button for at least 5 seconds. Some devices will indicate that it blinks the light when the reset is completed.
When the factory mode reset is completed, all the customized programs will be deleted from the remote. If you have programmed the remote for 4 devices, all those settings will be erased. You have to re-program all of them again to get used to all those devices.
Check the IR sensor
Your remote IR sensor may get the issue when the remote is not working even after replacing the batteries with a fresh pair. There is an easy way to check the IR sensor. Point the remote to the mobile camera and then press the keys on the remote. And watch through the mobile display. when you press the key, the IR sensor will light and that can see through the mobile screen. Press all of the keys and they all are working fine.
If the IR sensor is not working, there may be a disconnection from the remote control circuit board. Just open the remote compartment slowly, then press the IR sensor LED to make it touch with the circuit board.
Programming error
Properly programming a universal remote is one important step to get it to work with the desired devices. For that, we have to find the correct 4 or 5-digit codes. Based on the brand of the remote and the device brand to be programmed, apply the code with the proper instructions. Get the accurate code from the RCA remote code finder tool and note it down. Preferably, get the code from the code manual booklet. So, always keep the user manual safe and it will be useful for future reference, especially in the case of a universal remote.
It’s better to take a photo of the codes part and the programming instruction portion and the file is uploaded to Google Drive as well as the computer PC for future reference. In such cases, there is no issue even when you lose the hard copy of the user manual.
Defects caused by wetting the remote control
As remote control usage is not much care, we all use it while we eating, drinking, etc. So, there is a chance of getting it damaged due to wetness. It only occurs when the fluid or water content enters the remote and gets it into the circuit board.
If you notice that the remote got wet, immediately remove the batteries from the compartment and if possible open the remote control body. dry it using the hair dryer or place it in a place where the water content dries fast.
Remove the obstructions between the TV and the remote
Since the remote is working based on the infrared signal as the communication channel, a direct line of sight should be needed between the TV/any device and the remote. If any obstructions are present between them, they may interrupt the IR signals. So, remove any objects that are present in front of the TV, especially at the position of the IR sensor.
Notably, the distance between the TV and the remote should not exceed more than 10 meters. The manufacturers are saying that there is no issue even if the distance is 12 meters, but it’s good to keep the distance as short as possible.
Clean or remove the stains on the circuit board with an Eraser
The circuit board may have stains and dust if you have not kept it very well. If you are confident enough, there are no stains generated by the wet, and if stains are there, we can simply clean the stains with the help of a pencil eraser. Scrub with the soft eraser and remove all the stains.
Apply Conductive electric paint to the circuit/rubber pad
You can follow this step if you are confident in repairing your remote control. If the electric paint of the number keypad has gone, there may not be enough contact between the button and the circuit board. You can apply the electric paint on the keypad.
Instructions to apply the electric paint
- Place the circuit board on a table
- Open the bottle and add a small drop of the conductive electric paint on the button touch portion
- Use a safety pin to slowly spread the paint all the portion
- Apply a small drop of paint on the button mat too
- Let it dry, wait at least half an hour
- Reassemble the remote
Open the remote control panel, and separate both the circuit board and the rubberized keypad. Gently apply the electric paint in the under portion of each key. Wait till it dry.
FAQ
1. Is there an app to troubleshoot my universal remote?
The standard or traditional universal remote doesn’t have any mobile application to diagnose and fix the errors, but when you are using an advanced smart universal remote, you can simply diagnose the issue and fix it by applying specific troubleshooting tips.
For example, the Sofabaton remotes, when you connect it to the remote control application Vi Bluetooth/WiFi, you can scan it with the function troubleshoot interface. Then, the app scans the system and identifies any issues there. And it provides troubleshooting tips. If the issue is related to the software, the application automatically updates the firmware or resets (By asking you) to fix the issues.
2. What should I do if my universal remote is working intermittently?
Check for weak batteries, interference from other electronic devices, or faulty IR sensors.
3. Why does my universal remote only work for some buttons and not others?
This might be due to partial programming, worn-out buttons, or a compatibility issue with your device. The most probable reason may be the partial programming. That’s why I suggest you check all of the buttons with the device after pairing with a code. If some button functions not working, you can try re-programming with another code from the list.