LG TVs allow you to watch, stream, and listen to music from the comfort of your couch—thanks to the remote control that makes it easy to switch between channels, apps, and more. However, you may experience remote issues, such as being unable to turn off your LG TV.  

If the LG TV does not respond to the remote, the batteries might be dead. The remote’s IR sensor may be blocked by objects in its path, resulting in no signal. Changing the batteries or resetting the remote to make it work again is best.

Below, we’ll go over all the possible causes your LG TV remote can’t turn your device off and troubleshooting steps to ensure you can get your remote working again.

Change the LG TV Remote’s Batteries

Dead or low batteries are the most common reason for a TV remote not working. When the LG TV’s infrared sensors not working, it is always a good idea to change the batteries to the remote.

 It is impossible to tell when the batteries are about to die, so changing them is always a good idea. If you see a flash of red light, this is also an indication of dead batteries.s

Follow these steps:

  • Open the battery compartment. Open the back of the remote by sliding the battery door off.Check the batteries. Find out if the batteries are AAA or AA.Remove the old batteries and put the new ones in the correct direction.Unplug the TV. Revolve the power cord from the wall outlet.Wait 2-3 minutes. When 3 minutes are up, plug the TV back in.Turn on the TV. Try to turn the TV on and off with the remote and see if it works.

LG TV Infrared Sensor Not Working: Blocked

If an LG TV has an infrared sensor that is not working or is blocked, it will no longer properly control the TV. 

This is another common reason why the remote to an LG TV suddenly stops functioning. If this is the case, you can use an IR Blaster or an app on your smartphone to control the TV in the remote’s place.

Simply go onto the Google Play Store or Apple Store, search ‘LG Remote’ and download an app with positive reviews. Most apps require you to have your phone’s Bluetooth on to operate appropriately. 

The LG TV’s Magic Remote is the most popular app available for controlling TVs with a smartphone.

If you seed the flash of red light with your remote, but nothing occurs, it is time to replace it or stick with this mobile option instead. The red light indicates an error that a simple battery replacement will not remedy.

Reset the LG TV Remote Control

Removing the batteries can allow the remote control to reset itself. Follow these steps:

  • Open the battery compartment. Remove the panel of the battery door.Remove the batteries. Wait for a few minutes.Place the batteries back.Close the battery compartment. Slide the battery cover back into place.Press the power button. Try turning the TV off.Look at the light. If the remote has a light on one end, check to see if it’s turning red when you press a button. If it’s not, the remote is not on and is not working properly.

If you notice the light is not on when you press a button, you might need to put fresh batteries in rather than the old ones.

Reset the LG TV

Sometimes the problem might not be the remote but with the TV itself. Resetting the TV might be able to fix the problem:

  • Unplug the TV. Unplug the wire from the wall outlet.Wait 5 minutes. After, plug the TV back in.Test the remote. Do this to see if you can turn the TV on and off.Wait for results. If the TV doesn’t turn on, turn it on with the button on the TV.Try using it. Try using other buttons, such as the volume or channel.

If you can change the TV settings with other buttons, the power button itself might be the issue, not the TV. In this case, you will need to buy a new remote online or from the nearest LG store.

Update the LG TV’s Software

If your TV is older, it might not automatically update the software. Make sure to check the versions and update tabs in the Settings menu. 

If it says there are updates to run, make sure to do them as soon as possible to keep your TV working properly.

Check for Interference

If you have tried the above steps and know that your batteries are working and your TV doesn’t need to be reset, you might need to check the sensors on the TV or the objects around the TV for interference.

When you press the remote-control button, a sensor on the LG TV detects it. It’s usually on the bottom panel, either in the middle or a corner. Make sure there are no stickers, plastic wrap, or anything else covering it.

Also, ensure there is nothing in front of the TV that could interfere with the signals. If your TV is on a table or stand, ensure nothing is standing in front of the sensor that could block the remote signal.

In rare cases, certain lights and fluorescent bulbs can interfere with the remote control’s signal. Try turning off your overhead lights and use the remote.

In Summary

The top reason your LG TV remote might not work is the batteries. Make sure to replace them with fresh new ones every time you notice the remote not working. You can also check the lights and objects around the TV for interference.