TCL Roku TV remotes are known for their ease of use and convenience (which is to say, Roku remotes have been known for their ease of use and convenience) but like any other remote, they can sometimes experience issues. Maybe your remote is unresponsive, or maybe a few buttons work while some others don't. Today we're going to try and get you out of this situation as quickly as possible, so, let's get right to the info you most likely need:
To fix a TCL Roku TV Remote, first try replacing the batteries, then try re-pairing the remote with the Roku TV. If those options don't work, you can use the Roku app to control your TV while you decide if you want to purchase a replacement remote or continue trying to fix it yourself.
So, let's start by covering the basics–figuring out which of the two possible remotes your dealing with–before turning our attention toward fixing the problem. Later in the article, we'll explore when to give up, but for now keep holding onto hope as you start the troubleshooting:
First: Note Which TCL Roku Remote You Have, Test IR Connections
Before starting your troubleshooting journey, it's essential to identify which TCL Roku Remote you have. There are two main types: the Standard IR Remote and the Enhanced Remote.
The Standard IR (infrared) Remote is the basic version and requires direct line-of-sight with your TCL Roku TV to function properly. To check if your remote is an IR remote, look for the absence of a voice-search button (a button with a microphone symbol). You can also check the IR sensor located at the top of the remote using your mobile's camera.
Now we know enough to attempt our first troubleshooting step: If you have the Standard remote with IR sensor, then you need to confirm you have line-of-sight to the TV. If you confirm line-of-sight and the remote still doesn't work, keep reading.
Moving on, the other remote, the Enhanced Remote rather, is more advanced and uses radio frequency (RF) technology, allowing you to control your TV without needing a direct line-of-sight. This remote has a voice-search button and is often supplied with TCL Roku TVs that include premium features, such as headphone jacks and gaming buttons.
Next: Replace The Batteries And Restart Everything
Often, the simplest solution is to replace the batteries in the remote and restart your TCL Roku TV.
First, remove the battery compartment cover from the back of the remote. Check that the batteries are placed correctly according to the polarity symbols (+/-) inside the compartment. If you're not sure, remove the batteries and place them back in, making sure they align properly. And to really test this, just replace the batteries currently in the remote with new ones.
After replacing the batteries, unplug the TV from the power source, wait for a minute, and plug it back in. After the TV powers on, give it a minute or so to boot, and then point the remote at it and test the connection to see if anything's changed. If you're not re-connected, keep reading.
Resetting And Re-Pairing Your Roku Remote
Sometimes, Roku remotes may experience issues, and a simple reset can resolve them. If you have the Standard remote, then good news: what you did with the batteries in the last step did reset the remote! If you have the Enhanced remote, though, you have a few extra steps to do a formal reset and pairing of the remote.
Open the battery compartment and find the Pairing button (right side), then hold it down for at least 3 seconds–until the pairing LED (left side) on the remote begins to flash.
Then, turn your TV off for at least 30 seconds before turning it back on. The pairing should happen automagically, and the reset process should be complete, but if you still can't get it to work, then we have an alternate solution ready for you in the next section.
Using the Roku Mobile App To Control Your TV
If you want to skip the physical remote entirely, you can use the Roku mobile app to control your TV without needing the physical remote. This app is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded for free, but you do need to have your smartphone on the same network as the TV for it all to work properly.
To start using the app, first install it on your smartphone or tablet. Once it's installed, open the app and connect it to your Roku TV.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. With the app, you have access to a virtual remote that mimics the physical remote's functionality. Additionally, some features like voice search and private listening are available on the mobile app, which is a great bonus!
The Roku mobile app not only solves the issue of a malfunctioning remote but also adds more convenience and functionality to your Roku experience. So go ahead and enjoy controlling your TCL Roku TV with the ease and accessibility of your smartphone or tablet.
Oh, and if you're trying to get your TV set up and don't have the remote, note that we have a whole article on how to get your TCL TV connected to WiFi without using a remote here.
How to Replace a Unresponsive TCL Roku TV Remote
If you've made it this far, then we're out of practical troubleshooting options. Sure, you could take the remote apart to inspect the button connection points, maybe you'll find corrosion or damage from a spilled drink. You can clean this off with a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol, but honestly, it's not always worth the time and effort.
Replacement remotes are quite affordable now, and if you want to build some redundancy into your home theater we'd recommend you go ahead and just get a two-pack of them (on Amazon), because this won't be the last time one fails on your or, more likely, is simply lost into a couch for the duration. While you're at it, consider upgrading to a universal remote, which we think is a much better solution for most home theater enthusiasts.
