Here’s Why your Sony TV Remote isn’t Working

Look what a Sony user says:

“I can feel the rage boiling up inside me like a volcano ready to erupt. This Sony TV remote has pushed me to the brink of insanity. It’s like it’s mocking me, taunting me with its unresponsiveness. I’m about ready to toss it out the window and watch it explode into a million tiny pieces.”

This is really crazy, especially when it hasn’t been too many days since you bought your remote, but now it’s not responding or not working entirely.

In most cases, troubleshooting a malfunctioning Sony remote is pretty easy and requires only 5-10 minutes.

In this guide, I will break down the steps you need to take to troubleshoot this issue.

Here we go! Let’s dive into it…

Reasons why a Sony TV remote may stop working

Several reasons exist for this, but the primary reasons for this are either the TVs or the remote’s functional glitch. Aside from this, issues with the remote like dusty battery contacts or malfunctioning circuit board can also be responsible.

Look at the table: (Must Read the whole guide for some twists)

How to troubleshoot when a Sony TV Remote Not Working?

To troubleshoot this issue, try resetting the remote by removing the batteries, pressing all the buttons, and holding down the power button for 15 seconds. Then replace the batteries and test the remote to see if the issue has been resolved.

Method 1: Checking the remote for continuity

Before doing any nonsense things, I think this is the first thing you should do! This test will help you understand whether the remote is malfunctioning.

Here’s how you can test for continuity:

• Turn on the camera app on your smartphone.
• Aim the remote control towards the camera lens and press any button on the remote.
• Look at the camera screen and check if you can see a flashing light from the end of the remote control.

If you see a flashing red light on the camera screen, it means that the remote has continuity and working properly. But If you don’t see any flashing light, the remote doesn’t have continuity.

♦ Remote does have continuity

If the test proves the remote is working, you have several options like cleaning the TV’s IR receiver sensor or power resetting the TV to get your Sony remote working again.

Here’s what you have to do:

1. TV needs a power reset: Disconnect the TV from the power outlet. Wait at least 60 seconds after unplugging. While unplugged, find and press the power button on the TV for about 30 seconds. Once done, replug the TV back in.
2. TV’s IR receiver is dusty: TV receives your command through a sensor. Sometimes, this sensor gets blocked with dust and dirt. When this happens, the TV doesn’t get any signal from you! Check the TV’s IR sensor and gently wipe away any dust and debris with a soft cloth. Be careful not to damage the sensor!
3. Reset the remote: Sometimes the internal components inside the remote start malfunctioning due to sudden power outages which then require a reset to work again. Take out the batteries from the remote completely, then press all the buttons one by one especially holding the power button for about 15 seconds. Replace the batteries in their place once done.

♦ Remote doesn’t have continuity

On the other hand, if the test proves that the remote doesn’t have continuity, then either the remote’s batteries are damaged, or the remote’s battery contacts are dusty.

In this case, the problem might be:

1. The battery contacts are dusty: Take out the batteries from the remote completely. Look for any chalky white powder, solidified granules, or green coloration on the battery contacts. If there are any, clean them with cotton and rubbing alcohol, and then place the batteries back in the remote.
2. The batteries need to be replaced: Skip this if you have recently replaced the batteries. But if not, buy a new set of batteries and then put them in the remote. Now check whether the remote is working!
3. The remote is completely damaged: Now you know that your remote is faulty. Order a new one from Amazon, and you are good to go!

Method 2: DIY remote repairs trick

Here’s a simple video guide from Majid Goraya (Youtube) on how you can repair your broken remote control. If you are an expert in DIY repairs, this video might help you save a couple of dollars.

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F.A.Q.s

Q: Can I use my smartphone as a remote for my Sony TV if the original remote is not working?

Yes, you can use your smartphone as a remote for your Sony TV if the original remote is not working.

Several apps are available on both iOS and Android platforms that allow you to control your Sony TV using your smartphone.

However, you will need to make sure that your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Q: My Sony TV remote works intermittently. What could be causing this?

This could be due to low battery power, a blocked infrared (IR) signal, or a damaged or defective remote.

Try replacing the batteries first and make sure there are no obstructions blocking the IR signal between the remote and the TV.

Q: How long should the batteries in my Sony TV remote last?

The battery life of your Sony TV remote depends on usage and the quality of the batteries you use.

However, on average, the batteries in a Sony TV remote should last between 3-6 months with regular use.

Q: Where is the remote sensor on the Sony TV?

The remote sensor on a Sony TV is typically located on the front panel of the TV, near the bottom center or the top center.

It may also be located on the side panel, depending on the TV model.