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Check If Your Remote Signal

Check If Your Remote Sends A Signal

If your unit (TV, DVD player, soundbar, etc.) no longer responds to your remote control, you can use your smartphone or tablet to see if your remote is sending a signal at all. Since humans can't see infrared light, we can use camera sensors as a medium to check if infrared light is being emitted from devices like remote controls.

Using an iPhone, iPad, Android, or Windows Device with a Front-Facing Camera

  1. Open the Camera app on your device and set the front-facing camera as active. When looking at the screen, you should be able to see yourself like a mirror
  2. Point your remote control at your phone's camera and press any of the labeled buttons. You should be able to see a light coming from the end with the LEDs

Using an Android or Windows Device without a Front-Facing Camera

  1. Open the Camera app on your device. You should be able to see what's behind the device from this view
  2. Point your remote towards the back of the device, aiming mainly in the camera's direction. You should be able to see a light coming from the end with the LEDs

Using a Digital Camera or Camcorder with an LCD Display

Please note that using a digital camera or camcorder's viewfinder will not work, as the image is simply being reflected to the viewfinder

  1. Power on the device and remove any lens caps, filters, or covers. The end of the lens should be clear of any accessories
  2. Set your device's preview mode from Viewfinder to LCD/Display. This varies by model. The preview should now be visible on the device's LCD display
  3. Point your remote towards the camera's lens and press any of the labeled buttons. You should be able to see a light coming from the end with the LEDs

Using a Webcam

  1. Open the Camera app on your device, or a program that shows your webcam's output such as Skype or FaceTime
  2. Point your remote control at your phone's camera and press any of the labeled buttons. You should be able to see a light coming from the end with the LEDs



If you tried any of the above methods and you were able to see a light coming from the end of your remote, then the issue is likely with your unit's sensor and can likely be fixed at a local repair store. Some sensors are very precision oriented, so you may try to use the remote at a closer distance or remove anything that could possibly obstruct the line of sight between your remote and your unit.

If you don't see a light from your remote, and new batteries don't help, then you'll definitely want to consider replacing the remote itself. Remotes.com carries thousands of remotes sold across the US, and our dedicated Care staff is available by phone, email, and even Facebook and Twitter! View our Contact page for ways to reach us.