The easy solution to no longer have battery failures with your remote control
Have you ever been frustrated by an unresponsive remote? You’re sitting down in front of your TV, ready to relax and unwind, but the remote decides to ruin your evening. You press every button, but nothing happens. Before you lose your cool, take a few deep breaths and calmly consider the possible causes. This article will guide you through troubleshooting your remote and give you tips on how to fix it.
Why is the remote control not working?
There are several reasons why your remote control may not work. The first and most obvious is that the batteries are dead. If your remote control is not responding, check the batteries and replace them if necessary. If the batteries are new, the cause could be dirt that is preventing contact between the batteries and the remote control connectors. In this case, clean the contacts with a cotton swab soaked in a suitable cleaning liquid.
Another reason your remote control might not be working is a signal issue. Most remote controls are infrared remotes that send a signal using a light-emitting diode. To check if the signal is present, point your camera-equipped cell phone at the remote control and press any button. If you see a flashing light, it means the signal is being transmitted.
How to fix a remote control that doesn’t work?
If you’ve replaced the batteries and cleaned the contacts on your remote control, but it still isn’t working, don’t despair. There’s a trick you can try to extend the life of your remote control. To do this, you’ll need a pencil, pliers, and a pencil sharpener. Carefully sharpen your pencil and cut off a section, trying to make a cut the same length as a battery. Then, sharpen it with a craft knife to get a sharp point.
Next, take the old battery and, using the tweezers, remove the top part from the positive side so you can insert it into the “fake” battery and make it easier to insert. This is a small concave metal piece. Finally, gently insert the new battery by placing this small piece on its positive side. Place the battery next to it and check if the remote control works. Although this tip is only a temporary solution, it can help you save batteries for a few days.
If this trick doesn’t work, you can also try cleaning the inside of your remote control. To do this, open the remote control case and check the inside and electronics for dust or debris.