How to Fix a Remote Control That Isn't Working: 5 Easy Ways

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A simple guide to fixing a broken TV remote
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No matter how good your remote is, it will eventually get dirty and wear out from frequent use. Thankfully, you don't have to throw out a remote that's starting to show its age! There are a number of ways to fix a remote that isn't working, including cleaning it out, fixing the buttons, and removing battery corrosion. This wikiHow article teaches you how to repair a remote so you can make an old remote last for years.

Repairing a Remote Control

  • Open the remote and clean inside before trying anything else.
  • Use a keypad repair kit (or pure graphite) to fix button conductivity.
  • Put aluminum foil under problematic buttons to fix them.
  • Clean any corrosion from your remote's battery terminals, but make sure you're wearing proper PPE.
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Opening the Remote Control

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  1. 1
    Gather your materials. To open your remote, you'll need a mini Philips screwdriver and a butter knife. Having the remote's manual on hand or a camera to take pictures of how the remote is put together is also helpful.
  2. It’s best to do this before opening the remote, since some of the buttons may come flying out when you open it. Use your phone or draw a diagram if you don’t have a user manual with one in it. Also, note the position of any screws on the remote.
    • The solution used to fix the remote takes some time to dry. Forgetting the button positioning is very easy when you’re forced to wait before putting it back together. Fortunately, you will have a handy picture to make it easier!
    • Putting back the screws can also be confusing, so make sure you have pictures of all of them and know where they belong.
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  3. Undo the cover on the back of your controller to pull out the batteries. Removing the batteries will deactivate the controller. It’s always a good idea to deactivate the controller this way before applying any sort of fluid to the electrical components inside of it. [1]
  4. All remotes are different , so taking them apart isn’t always a straightforward process. Most of them have a couple of screws in the back. Use a mini Phillips screwdriver to turn the screws counterclockwise until you’re able to remove them. If you don’t see any screws on the back, check the battery compartment and also look underneath any stickers or sliding covers.
    • Some remotes may not have any visible screws. These types of removes usually just need to be pried open with a dull blade.
    • Be cautious when removing the screws. If the screwdriver slips, it could scratch up your remote.
  5. Look for a crack running along the side or edge of the remote. Most remotes consist of 2 plastic halves. By separating the halves, you can access the internal electronics. Wedge the dull tool into the crack, pry up the cover, and use your hands to pop it off.
    • Handle the remote carefully to avoid scratching it. Never attempt to open it with anything sharp.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Cleaning the Remote

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  1. 1
    Gather your materials. You'll need cotton swabs, rubbing alcohol, and compressed air.
  2. 2
    Clean any sticky residue off the membrane. Once you open the remote, you may notice that there's a piece of rubber or silicone behind the buttons. This is the membrane. If there's any sticky residue, dip your cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently rub it over the residue to remove it.
    • If your remote has a plastic piece inside that holds the buttons in place instead of a membrane, you can clean it with rubbing alcohol as well.
  3. 3
    Clean the circuit board. On the other half of your remote, you will notice a green circuit board. If you notice any debris or residue on the circuit board, dip a clean cotton swab in rubbing alcohol, then gently clean off the circuit board.
  4. 4
    Use compressed air to gently blow away any dust or debris. Make sure you hold the can of compressed air upright. If you turn the can to the side or upside down, you may spray out the propellant, which can damage your remote and can also cause injury, as the propellant is very cold.
  5. 5
    Allow the remote to dry. Before reassembling your remote, make sure it is completely dry. If there are any wet spots on the inside of the remote, this can damage the remote further and could lead to you getting a shock when trying to use the remote. [2]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Using a Keypad Repair Kit

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  1. 1
    Gather your materials. Besides the keypad repair kit, you'll need a bucket, liquid dish soap, water, a towel, some cotton balls or swabs, and rubbing alcohol.
  2. A keypad repair kit comes with several brushes and a bottle of conductive paint. Plan on getting one that includes a cleaning fluid as well, such as rubbing alcohol or acetone, so you have everything you need for the repair. Getting a repair kit is well worth the price, especially if you’re trying to fix an expensive remote or one that is no longer manufactured. A typical repair kit costs between $20 and $30, although you may find smaller kits for less.
    • If you don't want to buy a keypad repair kit, you can also use a cotton swab and some pure graphite to repaint the back of the buttons. [3] Pure graphite (sold in small bottles) works much better than using a pencil, but if you have nothing else, a pencil will work.
  3. Remotes either have individual buttons or a sheet of plastic with all the buttons attached. Remove the individual buttons or the entire sheet and take it to your sink. Fill a bowl with warm water, then mix in at least 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of a liquid dish detergent. Soak the buttons and scrub them clean with a soft brush. [4]
    • Use one of the brushes in your kit or get an old toothbrush. Rub away any noticeable debris, but spend extra time scrubbing any buttons that stick when you press them.
  4. Get some warm water running in your sink. Move all of the buttons there. The parts of the plastic case, as long as they don’t contain any electronic components, are also safe to wash this way. Make sure you get all of the soap and remaining debris before allowing the components to dry.
    • Test the buttons. If they stick or feel sticky, then spend more time scrubbing them. Look closely for any debris that could cause them to stop functioning.
  5. Spread out a towel on your countertop, for instance, and put the buttons and case parts there. Keep them in a relatively secure place out of direct sunlight. Decrease the drying time by keeping them out in the open.
    • Make sure the remote control components are out of the way so they don’t end up getting knocked over and lost.
    • The parts have to be completely dry before going back into the remote, or else the moisture could damage the circuitry.
  6. The best solution to use on the electrical components is rubbing alcohol since it dries quickly (the higher the percentage, the better, so 70% is the lowest you want to get; 91% is ideal). Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol to dampen it, then wipe away any debris you see inside the remote. Make sure the cotton ball isn’t dripping, or else you could apply more liquid than you intend.
    • The electrical parts are delicate, so apply rubbing alcohol sparingly by using something soft, such as a cotton ball.
  7. The contacts are underneath each button and rest against the remote’s circuit board. Most kits include a small paper match or brush you can use to spread the paint. Dip the match in the paint, then apply a thin coat of it to the bottom of each contact. Make sure the rubber contacts are all well-coated.
    • Check the repair kit instructions before opening the included jar of paint. You may need to prepare or mix it in a certain way in order to use it.
  8. The conductive paint dries in about 24 hours, but you can let it dry longer to be safe. In the meantime, keep the keypad on the towel you set out when letting it dry earlier. [5]
    • Leave the keypad with the contacts face up so the paint doesn’t rub off on the towel.
  9. Refer to the picture you took when disassembling the remote while putting all sliding bars, loose buttons, screws, and other components back where they belong. Replace the batteries when you’re done. [6]
    • If the remote still doesn’t work, it may be time to invest in a replacement. Take the old remote to a facility that recycles electronics.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Repairing Buttons with Aluminum Foil

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  1. 1
    Gather your materials. You'll need scissors or a hole punch, some aluminum foil, a cotton swab, some rubbing alcohol, a toothpick, and a contact adhesive that's safe to use with rubber.
  2. The buttons you most commonly use are likely to wear out first. This includes the power, volume, and channel buttons. Determine where these buttons are located before and after you open the remote. Write down the locations so you know which ones to fix.
    • Test all of the buttons before opening the remote. That way, you can repair them all at once instead of having to open the remote multiple times.
  3. Check all the buttons, but pay extra attention to the ones that aren’t functioning correctly. When they are new, they have a shiny coating of conductive paint on them. This paint wears off over time and may also collect dust or other debris. Dampen a cotton swab in a little bit of rubbing alcohol, then wipe away the debris. [7]
    • If your remote needs a deeper cleaning, take out the removable components and wash them with soap and water. Scrub the electronic components with rubbing alcohol.
  4. The exact size of the foil isn’t too important, but try to cut it so it’s similar to the pads. If you have a hole punch, use it to create perfect circles that match the contacts. Otherwise, use a sharp pair of scissors. You can cut the foil into small squares that are about the same size as the contacts. [8]
    • If the foil is too big, it may get in the way of the other contacts or fail to fit inside the remote. You really can’t make the foil too small, however.
  5. Try using a contact adhesive , which is a very strong type of rubber cement. Avoid using super glue, as it doesn't work with all plastic and rubber materials. Instead of squeezing the glue directly onto the contacts, dip the tip of something small, like a toothpick, into it. Use it to spread a thin but consistent layer of glue across each contact. [9]
    • While you can squeeze the glue onto the contacts, you will usually end up using too much of it. It can lead to a mess that is difficult to clean up.
    • If you’re having a hard time placing the foil on the contacts, use tweezers or another tool. Positioning the small squares by hand can be difficult.
  6. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for an exact recommendation. Contact adhesive and other glues you may use tend to dry relatively quickly. However, you may wish to leave the remote alone for longer to ensure the glue fully cures. Some super glues can take as long as 24 hours to cure.
    • Set the remote parts out on a towel with the contacts up in the air. This will help the glue dry and also prevent the foil from coming off the contacts.
  7. Put the keypad back inside the casing. Refer to a picture or diagram of your remote to position any loose parts correctly. Make sure the keypad contacts rest against the circuit board as well. When you’re done, put the batteries back in to use the remote. [10]
    • If the buttons still aren’t working, you may need to replace the remote.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Cleaning Battery Terminals

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  1. 1
    Gather your materials. You'll need newspaper, nitrile or latex gloves, safety goggles, a dust mask, lemon juice or vinegar, a cotton swab, trash bags, 150-grit sandpaper, a metal file, or a wire brush.
  2. Battery acid is very harsh, so don’t let any get on your skin. You must wear gloves (such as nitrile or latex) and safety goggles. A face mask or respirator is also a good idea, especially if your batteries are very corroded. Consider wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt as well. [11]
    • To make cleanup easier, take some time to prepare your work surface. Spread a newspaper out under the remote to catch any corrosion.
    • Work in an area with good ventilation. Turn on ventilation fans or open nearby doors and windows.
  3. Pull the batteries out of the remote and set them aside. If the batteries have begun leaking, you will see white flakes like rust inside the remote. Squeeze a drop of the liquid onto the corroded spots to neutralize them. You can use a cotton swab to help spread the liquid around. [12]
    • If you don’t see any signs of corrosion, you don’t have to worry about neutralizing anything and can focus on cleaning the electrical contacts inside the battery chamber.
    • You can mix in a little baking soda to clear stubborn spots of corrosion.
  4. An old toothbrush can also help remove any corrosion. Wipe corrosion off the batteries first, then work on the battery chamber in the remote. When you’re done, check it over for anything you missed. Sometimes the corrosion is very small and can be easy to overlook. [13]
    • Wipe the corrosion off onto a newspaper or sweep it into a garbage bag. Be careful to avoid spreading it throughout your home.
    • If you need to, use a toothpick or pencil eraser to reach anything you can’t remove with a cotton swab or toothbrush.
  5. If the contacts inside the remote’s battery chamber look dirty, clean them. Try scrubbing them with a piece of 150-grit sandpaper. Wear off the corrosion, taking care not to rub the spots that appear clean. Throw away the sandpaper when you’re done. [14]
    • Use a metal file to clean areas that are tough to reach. Another good tool to have around is a wire brush, which can also be used in place of sandpaper.
    • When you’re done, install new batteries and test the remote. Corroded terminals can’t properly receive power from batteries, so cleaning them can make the remote work again. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to buy a new one.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Do you have any tips on troubleshooting a remote control that's not working?
    Jocotra Cathey
    TV Expert
    Jocotra Cathey is a TV Mounting Service Expert and the business owner of TV Mount Charlotte, a professional TV mounting company operating in Charlotte, North Carolina. For the past 18 years, Jocotra's company has offered premier home theater installation services, specializing in home theater design, wiring and installation, projector and screen installation, wire concealing, and more. He has received certifications in Computer Science and Low-Voltage Certification from Central Piedmont Community College.
    Jocotra Cathey
    TV Expert
    Expert Answer
    Check the batteries. Make sure they are up correctly. Make sure that they have a good position and that you don't see any corrosion or little white powder. Take something small like a screwdriver and clean around because the batteries in the remote might be loose, that's why sometimes you see people spinning them. If that doesn't work, take another remote and test if it works.
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 2
  • Question
    What kind of adhesive is an impact adhesive?
    Community Answer
    I think they meant "contact adhesive". Also, apply the foil pieces to the contact points on back of the rubber (silicone) buttons (usually flat black dots), NOT on the circuit board as was illustrated. Doing as is illustrated will definitely ruin the remote.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do I change the batteries in my DirecTV remote control?
    Community Answer
    There should be a panel on the back of the remote that opens. You can then remove the old batteries and replace them.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Video

      Tips

      • Check your remote’s IR light by pointing it at a phone or video camera. If the LED doesn’t light up when you press a button, then you most likely need to get a new remote.
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      • If the coating on the keypad contacts is thick or dirty, it can flake off and cause the remote to fail. You will have to clean the solution off the circuit board and reapply it to fix the remote.
        Thanks
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      • Remotes wear down over time, so sometimes your repair attempts won’t be successful. Fortunately, remotes are relatively inexpensive, but make sure you get one that is compatible with your device. You can also purchase a universal remote that will work with any type of TV.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Rub the contact surfaces of the batteries on a clean, dry cloth and avoid touching these surfaces with your fingers. If a battery seems spent, you can often get a few more hours from it by rubbing the contact surfaces on your clothes (as long as there is no corrosion), before replacing it.
      • The battery terminals are usually plated, so whatever way you clean them, clean gently to not damage the plating.
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      Warnings

      • Battery acid is very toxic, so wear safety protection when dealing with corrosion. Keep in mind that your area may have special disposal rules for corroded batteries, so be sure to check local regulations.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://fixitclub.com/parts-components-repairs/remote-control-repair/
      2. ↑ https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair+a+TV+Remote+Control+Button/154804
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvVgDmW9zgQ
      4. ↑ https://yucalandia.com/diy-how-to-do-fix-stuff-in-the-tropics/remote-control-rehab/
      5. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-repair-a-tv-remote/
      6. ↑ https://fixitclub.com/parts-components-repairs/remote-control-repair/
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e31imYkNHLI&feature=youtu.be&t=108
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e31imYkNHLI&feature=youtu.be&t=235
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQueHTND49A&feature=youtu.be&t=141
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e31imYkNHLI&feature=youtu.be&t=616
      2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-battery-corrosion/
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWoBSthN3FM&feature=youtu.be&t=189
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDd4VkUm85Y&feature=youtu.be&t=102
      5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-battery-corrosion/

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