Remote Not Working
Philips Smart TV
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
A Philips TV remote that has stopped working is almost always caused by dead batteries or the remote losing its RF pairing with the TV. Replace the batteries first. If the remote uses RF (Bluetooth) pairing rather than IR, re-pair it by pressing and holding OK and the back button simultaneously for 3 seconds while pointing it at the TV.
Affected Models
- Philips 4K UHD Series
- Philips OLED Series
- Philips The One Series (RF remote)
- Philips Ambilight TV Series
Common Causes
- Dead batteries
- RF remote has lost its pairing with the TV
- IR signal blocked by an object between the remote and the TV sensor
- Remote control hardware fault
How to Fix It
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Replace the batteries with new ones. Even batteries that seem to have some charge left can fail to deliver the peak current needed to transmit a signal.
Use the camera on your phone to check if the remote is sending a signal — point the remote at the phone camera and press a button. If you see a flashing purple or white light on the phone screen, the remote is transmitting and the issue is with the TV's receiver.
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For Philips TVs with RF remotes (The One and some OLED models): re-pair the remote by pressing and holding OK and the back button simultaneously for 3 seconds while pointing it at the TV sensor.
A prompt should appear on the TV screen asking you to complete the pairing. Stand within 1 metre of the TV during pairing.
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For standard IR remotes: check that nothing is blocking the TV's IR sensor (usually at the bottom-centre of the bezel). Fluorescent or LED lights can sometimes interfere with IR reception.
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Try controlling the TV using the Philips TV Remote app (available for Android and iOS) as a temporary measure while you troubleshoot the physical remote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some buttons on my Philips remote work but others do not — why?
If some buttons work and others do not, the remote's keypad membrane has a fault in the non-responding area. This usually means the remote needs replacing. Philips replacement remotes are available on the Philips website and third-party retailers — search for your TV model number and add remote.