How to Improve Remote Control Effectiveness

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This article tells you how to increase range and sensitivity between remotes and TVs, Set-top-boxes, etc.

1

Locate the infrared receiver on TV or device.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Look for the receiver on the front face of the TV or device. Most often, the IR receiver is discretely placed along the top or bottom edge of the screen and covered by a red or gray film or plastic lens.
    • Use a flashlight to better locate the receiver lenses. Sometimes they are so small and placed within the protective edge of LCD screens or the covers color match and are flushed in with the surface.
    2. Advertisement
2

Inspect your remote control for damage.

PDF download Download Article
  1. A damaged or scratched transmitter diode may not effectively send out signals to your device.
3

Clean and polish the lens.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Remove any buildup grime or dirt from old remote controls.
    2. Advertisement
4

Keep the surface free of dust.

PDF download Download Article
  1. A dirty IR can diminish effective controller distance by several feet.
5

Move the TV closer or elevate it.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Having the unit too far back from the edge may obstruct the line of sight between the remote controller and the receiver.
    2. Advertisement
6

Check for a film cover over the sensor or sender.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sometimes you'll see a thin film of color that can be peeled off. Remove the film cover for better results.
7

Use a reflector.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This can improve the signal.
    2. Advertisement
8

Start with a fresh set of batteries.

PDF download Download Article
  1. When batteries weaken, signal can suffer.
    • Never mix different batteries or new with used.
    • Alkaline batteries may be too strong for a remote control even though they are rated with same voltage.
9

Store the remote control properly.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This can prevent damage and battery degradation.
    2. Advertisement
10

Always point remote controller directly to the receiver.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Point the remote directly at the TV or device for best results.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Stick a note with programming codes within the battery compartment/lid for easy reference when replacing batteries.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about remote controls, check out our in-depth interview with Jocotra Cathey .

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Program an ONN Universal Remote: With + Without Codes
      How to
      Program a Philips Universal Remote: With + Without Codes
      How to
      Program a GE Universal Remote
      Programming an RCA Universal Remote: Manual & Automatic Methods
      Resetting a Vizio Remote
      How to
      Connect a New Remote to FireStick Without the Old Remote
      How to
      Program an RCA Universal Remote Without a "Code Search" Button
      Pairing a Samsung Remote to a TV with Troubleshooting Steps
      7 Ways to Fix an Insignia Remote That's Not Working
      How to
      Manually Reset Your FireStick Remote: Complete Guide
      A Guide to Using Your Samsung TV Remote to Control a Cable Box
      8 Quick Ways to Fix Samsung TV Remote Blinking Red
      4 Ways to Repair a Remote Control
      How to
      Connect a Universal Remote to a TV
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 52,240 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement