Spectrum Remote Volume Not Working? Here’s The Fix You Need

Experiencing volume issues with any remote can be super frustrating. If your Spectrum remote is acting up, then there are few simple things you can try to solve it to get back to enjoying your home theater:

To fix a Spectrum TV remote that can’t control volume, start by replacing the remote’s batteries, restarting the spectrum receiver, and confirming line-of-sight with the receiver. You can use the Spectrum TV App to control the receiver while you figure out reprogramming the remote, if needed.

In the following sections, we will dive into detail about each possible cause and offer step-by-step guidance on troubleshooting and resolving the problem with your Spectrum remote’s volume control. We’ll start with some of the quickest and simplest fixes, and hopefully that’s all you need! After that, we’ll go into some of the more detailed troubleshooting options you have before turning our attention toward a replacement remote.

5 Quick Steps To Troubleshooting Spectrum TV Remote Volume Issues

We see most users running into simple, routine issues like volume control and low power or line of sight issues more than anything else. So, here’s a list of 5 steps you can take, in order, to quickly breeze through the low-hanging-fruit here:

1. Check the TV volume: Check that the volume on your TV is turned up and isn’t muted using physical buttons on the TV’s chassis if it has them, and if you have external speakers, make sure they aren’t muted.
   
2. Select the correct input: If you use your remote to control multiple devices, make sure you select the appropriate input on your remote (TV for adjusting the TV’s volume directly, or AUX or AUDIO if you have an external speaker system).
   
3. Replace the batteries: Try replacing the batteries in your remote (and clean the battery terminals with rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth if they have battery build-up).
   
4. Power cycle the TV: Turn your TV off and on again, then test your remote to see if a random glitch on the TV’s side has been cleared.
   
5. Confirm line-of-sight: Some Spectrum remotes use IR signals, which require a direct line of sight with the receiver. Ensure the receiver is in a visible position, or if you have an RF remote, this won’t be necessary, but if you don’t know if your remote is IR or RF, go ahead and move the receiver and try this.

Keep in mind that there are different models of Spectrum remotes, and some may have different troubleshooting paths when it comes to advanced steps like resetting the remote. The steps above should work for any remote, but in the next section we’ll dive into more advanced troubleshooting methods to get your remote’s volume working again.

Advanced Spectrum Remote Volume Issue Troubleshooting

This is where things start to get a little tricky, with some different paths for different remote models. So, while we’ll present good general instructions that should work for most remotes, you should reference your remote’s unique make/model user guide for better instructions if you either don’t have these buttons, or have trouble following the settings paths.

How To Reprogram Your Spectrum TV

Sometimes, simply resetting and pairing your Spectrum remote may not resolve the volume control issue. In the world of these remotes, this is referred to as “Programming” the remote, not resetting it. Assuming your remote was already programmed to your TV before, we are now reprogramming it.

Here’s how to do it in general (specifically for the Philips RC122 Spectrum remote, example on Amazon), but, again, be sure to reference that link above to find instructions for your unique remote if these don’t work:

1. Turn on the TV that you want to program the remote to control.
   
2. Press and hold the TV button on your Spectrum TV remote, and the Select/OK button until the LED light on the remote flashes twice.
   
3. Using the number buttons on the remote, aim it at the TV and press 9-9-1, and look for the device button on the remote (TV) to blink twice.
   
4. You’ve entered the code search mode, so, now you should hit the Play key, and if the device doesn’t power off hit the Rewind key after that and try the Play button again. This is trying another code. Do this again until the TV powers off.
   
5. When the TV powers off, hit Select/OK again on the remote to lock in the code.
   
6. Now, turn the TV back on using the remote and hit Select/OK one more time.
   
7. Finally, you can check the volume again and see if your remote can control the volume now.

Check External Speaker Audio Settings Or Remote Them

If you’re using external speakers or a soundbar, ensure the audio output settings on the TV are configured properly. Check your TV’s manual for instructions on connecting and setting up external audio devices, or simply work your way to the audio settings and look for output options.

If your output isn’t set to the speakers, the volume may not appear to be working when, in reality, the TV is just sending that sound to the wrong place. You can also remote external speakers for now to try and isolate your issue with the remote and fix it before adding them back in.

Use the Spectrum App to Control Your Device

If you’re fed up with trying the remote, you can skip right to a smartphone app to control your device. Here’s how to quickly set that up:

1. Download the Spectrum TV App on your mobile device (for either iOS or Android)
   
2. Connect your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Spectrum receiver.
   
3. Open the Spectrum TV App and sign in with your Spectrum account credentials.
   
4. Once you’re signed in, select the “Remote Control” option from the app’s menu.
   
5. The app will search for your Spectrum receiver. Once it’s found, select it.
   
6. You should now see a virtual remote control on your mobile device’s screen. You can use this virtual remote control to change channels, adjust the volume, and perform other functions that you would normally do with a physical remote control.

That’s it! With the Spectrum TV App, you can control your Spectrum receiver from your mobile device, even if you don’t have the physical remote control. What’s more, If you need to enter text, such as when searching for a specific program, you can use your mobile device’s keyboard. This is a great way to sidestep the physical remote issue entirely.

Replacement Options for Non-working Spectrum Remotes

If you still can’t get your remote to work, maybe it’s time for a new one. If you have a Spectrum store nearby, you can take your remote to a local branch and they may replace it for free. You can also contact Spectrum support to try and get some more troubleshooting or a replacement set up.

Alternatively, you can pick up a remote like the TWC Phillips RC122 Time Warner Cable 5 Devices Universal Remote (on Amazon). This remote has the option to control up to 5 devices, including your TV, making it a pretty good universal remote option in our book. Universal remotes can simplify and streamline the management of your home theater equipment for an enhanced experience.

Sound Success: Spectrum Remote Volume Issues Fixed

After going through the troubleshooting steps and trying out the alternative methods, you should now have a working remote that lets you control the volume of your Spectrum-powered home theater system. Whether you’ve managed to fix your Spectrum remote, opted for a universal remote, or decided to use a smartphone app, you can now sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite movies and shows with the perfect volume level!