How to Improve Remote Control Effectiveness

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.

  1. Image titled Improve Remote Control Effectiveness Step 1
    An IF receiver (RX) is an optical sensor that detects a signal from the IR transmitter (TX) on your remote. 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.

  1. Image titled Improve Remote Control Effectiveness Step 2
    Check for a damaged vent or infrared light bulb. A damaged or scratched transmitter diode may not effectively send out signals to your device.
3

Clean and polish the lens.

  1. Image titled Improve Remote Control Effectiveness Step 3
    Polish scratched or dull Infrared diode lenses on old beat up remotes. Remove any buildup grime or dirt from old remote controls.
    2. Advertisement
4

Keep the surface free of dust.

  1. Image titled Improve Remote Control Effectiveness Step 4
    The IR/RX surface lenses should stay clean and dust free. A dirty IR can diminish effective controller distance by several feet.
5

Move the TV closer or elevate it.

  1. Image titled Improve Remote Control Effectiveness Step 5
    If the receiver is located at the bottom of the screen, raising the TV will help. 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.

  1. Image titled Improve Remote Control Effectiveness Step 6
    Many devices like STBs have dark covers over the sensors and/or senders. 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.

  1. Image titled Improve Remote Control Effectiveness Step 7
    Try putting an aluminum foil reflector or collector around the sender/sensor. This can improve the signal.
    2. Advertisement
8

Start with a fresh set of batteries.

  1. Image titled Improve Remote Control Effectiveness Step 8
    Replace remote batteries with a fresh set every 3 - 4 months. 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.

  1. Image titled Improve Remote Control Effectiveness Step 10
    Remove the batteries if a remote won't be used for longer than a month. This can prevent damage and battery degradation.
    2. Advertisement
10

Always point remote controller directly to the receiver.

  1. Image titled Improve Remote Control Effectiveness Step 11
    The way you hold the remote control determines its effectiveness. Point the remote directly at the TV or device for best results.

Warnings

Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Program a GE Universal Remote
How to
Program a GE Universal Remote
Program a Philips Universal Remote
How to
Program a Philips Universal Remote
Connect a New Remote to Firestick
How to
Connect a New Remote to Firestick
Connect a Virgin Remote to a TV
How to
Connect a Virgin Remote to a TV
Sync a Samsung Remote to a TVPairing a Samsung Remote to a TV with Troubleshooting Steps
Program an ONN Universal Remote
How to
Program an ONN Universal Remote
Repair a Remote Control
How to
Repair a Remote Control
Reset a Vizio Remote
How to
Reset a Vizio Remote
Program a Samsung Remote to Work with a Cable Box
How to
Program a Samsung Remote to Work with a Cable Box
Program an RCA Universal Remote Using Manual Code Search
How to
Program an RCA Universal Remote Using Manual Code Search
Program an RCA Universal Remote Without a "Code Search" Button
How to
Program an RCA Universal Remote Without a "Code Search" Button
Find a Lost Television Remote
How to
Find a Lost Television Remote
Program a DirecTV Genie Remote
How to
Program a DirecTV Genie Remote
Reset FirestickHow to Reset Your Firestick
Advertisement

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 33,673 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 7
Updated: June 2, 2022
Views: 33,673
Categories: Television Remote Controllers
Advertisement