Buy the Right Remote for Your TV Model

The fastest way to replace a TV remote is to buy one that matches your exact TV model. Look at the back or side of your television for the brand name and model number — it is usually printed on a sticker. Write down both pieces of information before you start shopping.

Once you have the model number, search for it on the retailer's website along with the word "remote". Most TV manufacturers sell official remotes through Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and their own websites. An official remote costs between $20 and $60 depending on the brand and whether it has extra features like voice control or backlighting.

If you cannot find the exact model remote, look for a universal remote that lists your TV brand in its compatibility chart. Universal remotes work with most major brands — Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL, and others — but you will need to program it to your TV before it works. Universal remotes typically cost $15 to $40.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your TV's brand and model number on a sticker on the back or side of the set, then search for that model number plus "remote" to find the exact replacement.
  • Official remotes from the TV manufacturer cost $20 to $60 and work when ready after you insert batteries, with no programming required.
  • Universal remotes cost $15 to $40 and work with most TV brands, but require you to enter a code or hold a button to program them to your specific TV.
  • Before ordering, check the retailer's return policy in case the remote does not work with your TV or arrives damaged.

Program a Universal Remote to Your TV

If you bought a universal remote, you need to program it to communicate with your TV. The remote comes with an instruction sheet that lists codes for different TV brands. Find your brand in the list and write down the code — it is usually a four- or five-digit number.

Turn on your TV. Point the universal remote at the TV and hold down the Setup button (or Code button, depending on the remote model) until a light on the remote blinks or stays on. Release the button, then enter the code using the number pad. The light will blink again to confirm the code was entered. Point the remote at the TV and press the power button — if the TV turns off, the remote is programmed correctly.

If the TV does not turn off, the code you entered was wrong. Repeat the process with the next code listed for your brand. Most brands have three to five codes to try. If none of them work, check the manufacturer's website for your TV model — they sometimes post the correct code for universal remotes.

Replace Batteries and Test All Buttons

A new remote needs fresh batteries to work. Most TV remotes use two AA or AAA batteries. Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote by sliding or unclipping the cover, insert the batteries with the positive end facing up, and close the cover.

Test every button on the remote to make sure it responds. Press the power button, volume up and down, channel up and down, and the menu button. Point the remote directly at the TV from a distance of 6 to 10 feet — if the buttons do not respond, the batteries may be dead or the remote may not be programmed correctly. Try new batteries first, then reprogram if needed.

Use Your Smartphone as a Temporary Remote

While you wait for a new remote to arrive, you can control your TV from your smartphone if it has an infrared blaster or if your TV supports a wireless app. Most newer Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio TVs have companion apps in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store that let you control the TV over your home WiFi network.

read the app for your TV brand, open it, and follow the on-screen steps to connect it to your TV. You will need to be on the same WiFi network as the TV. Once connected, the app shows a virtual remote on your phone screen with all the same buttons as a physical remote.

If your TV does not have an app, check whether your phone has an infrared blaster — some Android phones and a few older iPhones have this feature. Apps like Peel Remote or AnyMote can use the infrared blaster to control your TV the same way a physical remote does, but they only work if your phone has the hardware built in.

Check Compatibility Before You Order

Before you buy a remote online, verify that it will work with your TV. Look at the product listing and find the "Compatible Models" or "Works With" section. It should list your exact TV model or at least your TV brand. If the listing does not mention your model, read the customer reviews — buyers often mention whether the remote worked with their specific TV.

Check the retailer's return policy. Most major retailers allow returns within 30 days if the remote does not work or is defective. Keep the receipt and the original packaging in case you need to send it back. Some retailers charge a restocking fee for returns, so read the fine print before you buy.

Replace the Remote Control Board if the Remote Is Not the Problem

If you bought a new remote and it still does not control your TV, the problem may be inside the TV itself, not the remote. The TV has a receiver board that picks up the infrared signal from the remote. If that board is broken, no remote will work.

Test this by pointing your phone's camera at the front of the remote and pressing a button. If you see a light flash on the camera screen, the remote is sending a signal. If you do not see a light, the remote is broken. If you do see a light but the TV still does not respond, the receiver board inside the TV may need replacement. This repair typically costs $100 to $300 at a repair shop, depending on the TV brand and model.

Find Replacement Parts for Older or Discontinued TV Models

If your TV is more than 10 years old or the model has been discontinued, you may not find an official remote from the manufacturer. In that case, a universal remote is your best option. Search for your TV brand and the word "universal remote" to find models that support older televisions.

You can also check eBay or specialty electronics retailers for used original remotes. Buying used carries a small risk — the remote may have worn buttons or dead batteries — but it is often cheaper than a universal remote and requires no programming. Make sure the seller offers a return period in case the remote does not work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a remote from a different TV brand on my TV?

Not usually. A Samsung remote will not work on an LG TV without programming. A universal remote is designed to work across brands, but you have to program it first by entering a code. If you have an old remote from a different brand lying around, it is worth trying to program it as a universal remote, but an official universal remote is more reliable.

What if the remote works for some buttons but not others?

Try new batteries first — weak batteries often cause some buttons to stop working before others. If new batteries do not fix it, the remote may have water damage or a broken circuit board inside. Most remotes are not worth repairing, so replacement is usually the better choice.

Do I need to reprogram a universal remote if I change the batteries?

No. Programming is stored in the remote's memory and does not depend on the batteries. You only need to reprogram if you reset the remote or move it to a different TV.

How long does a TV remote usually last?

Most remotes last 3 to 5 years with normal use. Buttons wear out from repeated pressing, and the infrared transmitter can fail over time. Keeping the remote away from heat, moisture, and drops extends its life.

Is a voice-control remote worth the extra cost?

Voice remotes cost $30 to $60, compared to $20 to $40 for a standard remote. They are useful if you prefer speaking commands to pressing buttons, but they require a WiFi connection and work best in quiet rooms. If you rarely use voice features, a standard remote saves money and works just as well.