BT TV Remote Not Working? – (Instant Fix Guide)

If you wonder why your BT TV remote not working, we’re here to help, so continue reading!

When a remote is not working, we can’t control the BT TV box, and the actual hurdle comes when we replace the batteries, but this doesn’t solve the problem.

So, in this guide, we will identify all possible causes for the complication with the BT remote and solve the issue…

Whenever the BT TV remote control isn’t working, power cycle the device by removing the batteries for ~30 seconds. If the issue persists, replace the batteries with a fresh set, check if the remote signal is interfered with by anything, and factory reset the BT TV box.

Let’s continue to unwrap!

Why is the BT TV Box Remote Not Working?

If you’re wondering why the BT TV remote won’t operate the TV box, the issue is related to a battery malfunction or a complication with the remote’s programming. 

To enhance the troubleshooting and speed up things, reviewing all the underlying causes for the issue is advised.

So, here’s why your BT TV remote control is not working with the receiver box: 

Those are the general causes for the functionality issues of the BT TV remote control.

Let’s learn more about the remote’s volume to gain better depth and understanding of the hurdle!

Why is the BT TV Remote Volume Not Working?

The “VOL +” and “VOL –” remote buttons aren’t doing anything because the remote control is not programmed with the BT receiver.

If the volume buttons aren’t working on the BT remote control, follow these steps to resolve the issue as quickly as possible:

1. Press the purple “Home” button on the remote control.
2. Scroll upwards to “Settings” > “Bluetooth remote”.
3. Select “Control Volume and Source” in the menu.
4. Select “Set Top Box” and exit the BT box section.

If these steps don’t restore the functionality of the remote, proceed with our expert guide!

BT TV Remote Not Working – 5 Proven Methods!

Tip: Follow our solutions chronologically!

1. Discharge the BT Remote Control!

To address recurring functionality issues with the BT remote control, it is advised to discharge the device by reinserting the batteries.

The BT remote control designed to operate the TV box uses 2 x AAA-type batteries, so you must replace them, especially if reinserting doesn’t help!

Here’s how to discharge the BT TV remote control in easy steps:

1. Position the BT TV remote control with the buttons lying down.
2. Pull the latch of the battery compartment cover to uninstall it.
3. Eject the batteries of the BT TV remote from the compartment.
4. Hold the “power” button on the remote for about 10 seconds.
5. Then, press each remote button individually for 3 seconds.
6. Reinsert the batteries of the remote and close the compartment.

If the power-discharge method doesn’t work, remove the old batteries from the remote and insert a fresh set of the correct battery units. 

Alert: Verify that the batteries are correctly inserted within the compartment.

2. Reboot the BT TV Receiver

The issue is likely related to the BT TV receiver box rather than to the remote control entirely.

To address underlying software issues with the BT receiver, the following recommended solution is to perform a power cycle on the device by unplugging it from the electrical supply.

Here’s how to perform an advanced type of reboot on the BT TV receiver box:

1. Unplug the “power” cable from the back of the BT receiver.
2. Disconnect the other end of the adapter from the wall outlet.
3. Hold any of the action buttons on the panels of the TV box.
4. Wait for 15 seconds and reconnect the box’s power cable.
5. Wait until the BT receiver turns on and test the functionality.

Notice: The power cycle is also effective against overheating/power issues with the box!

3. Resolve Remote Interference!

Since most BT remote controls use IR signals to communicate with the TV box, physical or wireless interference might intercept the IR signal.

To diagnose underlying causes of interference, the first step is to dislocate potential interfering devices close to the receiver.

Here’s what could cause interference with the remote’ signal:

• RF transmitters, radios or baby phones close to the remote/box.
• Other satellite or cable box receivers close to the BT equipment.
• Placing the TV box/receiver in a small space or closed cabinet.
• Direct shining sunlight on the surface of the receiver or remote.

How to Distinguish an RF and IR Remote Control?

The IR remote control uses a standard analogue signal to communicate with the TV box or the satellite receiver.

All RF remotes possess a higher level of signal connectivity that allows for interactions with the connected communicator while either of the sensors is covered.

• To check if the remote control is RF or IR-powered, cover the frontal sensor of the remote (“eye”) and try pressing any of the buttons.

The BT TV remote control with the BT Pro package only uses RF communication technology, so there is a higher chance it’s IR-powered.

Note: If the receiver responds to the button press, the remote uses RF technology!

4. Restore BT Receiver to Defaults!

Fortunately, restoring the default settings of any BT receiver is possible without the assistance of the remote control.

All BT TV boxes have in-built action buttons on either of the side panels that allow for operating the system and accessing particular settings without a remote control.

Let’s uncover how to factory reset most types of BT TV receivers!

How to System Reset the BT TV Non-Recordable Box?

1. Unplug the power adapter from the back of the receiver.
2. Hold the “DOWN” arrow button on the top panel of the box.
3. While still holding the button, reconnect the power cable.
4. Wait until the BT non-recordable box system starts up.
5. Wait for the “Enter Maintenance Mode Y/N” tab to show.
6. Use the physical buttons on the box to guide the setup.

How to System Reset the BT TV/4K Recordable Box?

1. First, turn the box’s power switch to the “OFF” side.
2. Press the “DOWN” arrow button on the top panel.
3. After that, press the standby/power button (switch).
4. While holding both buttons, unplug the box’s power.
5. After 10 seconds, reconnect the adapter of the box.
6. Wait for the “Maintenance Mode” menu to show up.

How to System Reset the BT TV Box Pro?

1. Unplug the BT TV box’s power cable from the wall outlet.
2. Hold the “reset” button on the right-hand side of the box.
3. While still holding the action button, reconnect the power.
4. While holding “reset”, press and hold the “power” button.
5. Wait for 5 seconds while holding both of the action buttons.
6. Check if the reset menu will appear on the connected TV!

Alert: Do not use third-party equipment to power the BT TV box’s hardware!

5. Program a Universal TV Remote!

To determine if the functionality error is with the BT receiver of the remote control, programming a universal remote is an effective method to find out. 

All the BT receivers are compatible with infrared universal remotes that function on the same frequency and can program with them. 

• Press the “power” or the “VOL +/-” buttons to determine if the universal remote is programmed immediately.

Remember that using the BT box with a universal remote is not advised for too long. Even if the programming works, this is only a temporary solution.

You should look forward to purchasing a brand new original BT TV remote control or contacting customer support for further assistance!

How to Program a Universal Remote to BT Box?

1. Hold the “power” button on the universal remote until the light is steady.
2. Join the tips of the remotes together so the sensors are making contact.
3. Press the “Volume UP” button on the universal remote until the LED blinks.
4. Press the “Volume +” remote on the BT TV remote control to bind the key.
5. Repeat for all other buttons you wish to bind to the new universal remote.

Remember that the re-binding method may only work on Android universal remotes.

By selecting the key you wish to bind on the universal remote, joining the remotes together and pressing the corresponding button on the BT remote, you can reprogram all of the keys.

Note: If you can’t pair the remote with the method above, use an IR blaster app!

Quick Recap:

Hence, to fix whenever the BT TV remote not working, discharge the remote control and perform a power cycle on the BT TV receiver.

If the issue is still there, check and resolve any interference, and as a last resort, perform a factory restoration on the receiver box.

Follow us for more BT troubleshooting!