If you are reading this post, chances are your DirecTV remote won’t turn TV off.
The problem of the DirectTV remote failing to function is not unique. Many people have experienced this error before. While few sources seem to have an accurate answer, we have a way out.
You can fix your DirectTV remote and continue enjoying your shows in just minutes.
To resolve the error DirectTV remote won’t turn the TV off, you must reprogram your remote. There are three main reasons why a remote will fail to work.
The problem could be a lack of batteries, damage, or programming. In most cases, the problem lies with programming. With that said, there are other causes of failed remotes that must be addressed.
Keep on reading this post to find the ultimate solution to your problem.
Reasons Why DirecTV Remote Won’t Work
DirectTV offers two types of remotes to its customers. You might either be using the Universal remote or the Genie remote.
In any case, as long as the DirectTV remote will not turn off the TV a solution is needed. Before we find the solution we must know the problem.
The main causes of this error are:
- Dead batteries or damaged remote
- Poor location of the receiver
- A programming error that leads to the remote not being detected
- Remote mode settings that can be adjusted
How to Fix DirecTV Remote Won’t Turn TV Off
To fix the problem DirectTV remote will not turn off TV, we will have to consider each remote type independently.
The two types of remote do not work in the same way. An error affecting the universal remote might not impact the Genie TV directly.
For this reason, it is okay to look at each aspect.
Solutions for Universal TV Remote
The first step will be looking at the solutions that apply to universal TV remote.
It is important to note that the Universal and Genie remotes work quite differently. You may not use the same solutions for the two.
Solution #1 Change Batteries and Update Receiver Input Settings
For both types of remote, you must start by working on the batteries. You do not want to start troubleshooting an issue that could simply be resolved by changing batteries.
- Remove the Old Batteries from the remote and replace them with new ones.
- Test to see if remote works
- If it still won’t work test to see if the batteries are okay
- Press and hold any button on your remote
- If a Solid Green light blinks your batteries are fine
- If a faint light shows the batteries could be damaged
Solution #2 Select TV Remote Mode
If your remote only has a problem with turning the TV off, the problem could be much worse.
However, if the remote has issues with other functions such as changing TV stations, the problem could be with your programming.
The first step to take is to ensure that your remote is programmed to control the TV and not the receiver.
How to set TV Mode on remote
- Locate the Mode Switch at the top of your remote control
- Slide the Mode Switch to the left where it is indicated DirectTV
- Try pressing any buttons to see if the remote control the receiver
- If the remote controls the receiver but still won’t turn off the TV, change the input mode.
- Slide the switch to the TV symbol and try switching your TV off
This should set your remote to control the TV and as a result eliminate the error.
Solution #3 Reset the Receiver
If your receiver is not functioning, some paired TVs will not function.
This is why you should ensure that the receiver is working well. To avoid any doubt, try resetting your receiver.
If there are items blocking the receiver from your view consider removing them
How to reset the receiver.
- First, remove any items blocking the receiver
- Clean your Remote’s Emitter with a soft cloth
- Try using the remote to see if it works if it does not
- Press and hold the Power Button on the receiver until all lights go off.
- Give it about 5 seconds then turn it on
Solution #4 Pair Universal Remote to TV Again
If this problem persists chances are that the remote has been unpaired with your TV. The only solution here is to try and pair it again.
Below are the steps to pair your remote to TV gain.
- Press the MENU button
- Select Settings on the screen
- Tap on Remote Control
- Select IR/RF Setup
- If the settings are set to RF mode change to the IR mode
- Select Continue
- Tap on the Exit button
Note: This will only work if your remote is not damaged and has batteries.
If you do not see any change when you press MENU, chances are that your remote is damaged.
Solutions to Genie Remote Not Turning off the TV
The Genie remote works differently from the Universal one. If your Genie remote is not turning off the TV the steps you take to change things might be slightly different.
Solution #1 Set TV to Control TV
The first step should be to check if your remote is paired to control the TV.
In some situations, the remote might be only set to control the receiver. This could hinder your functions.
- Press and hold the Enter button for about 3 seconds
- A source menu will appear indicating your TVs input
- Select the TV input source to turn on the TV control
Note: If your input source is set to DirectTV you may perform all functions but fail to turn off the TV.
Solution #2 Reset Your Remote Control
You can reset your remote to see if it will change things. When resetting your remote, make sure you now pair it with your TV.
This way, you will have control over TV features and not just DirectTV features.
- Press the MENU button on your remote
- Using the arrows on your remote navigate to SELECT
- On your Remote Control press SELECT
- Select the Pair Program Remote option depending on your setup
- If you are required to enter a code, enter the code on your TV on your remote
Note: If you do not see any code on your TV you have to restart the process from scratch.
Solution #3 Factory Reset Your Remote
If pairing did not work, your only way out might be factory resetting the remote.
You can actually factory reset your Genie remote to allow it to program again.
How to factory reset the Genie remote
- Press the MUTE and SELECT buttons simultaneously
- Wait until the lights flash three times then enter the code 9-8-1
- Press SELECT
- The remote should flash four times, indicating that it has been reset
Once your remote has been factory reset, you should be ready to be paired again.
You can now follow the steps above to try and pair your remote to the TV and see if the situation has changed.
Solution #4 Reprogram Genie Remote to Ready TV
If you are using a DirectTV-ready TV you do not need a DVR to use the remote.
In this case, you can use the remote directly on the TV, bypassing the DVR.
If you have already programmed your TV to use the remote, you will have to reset it following the steps above.
Below are the steps to reset.
- Point your Remote to the TV
- Press and hold the Mute and Enter buttons simultaneously
- When the green lights blink twice TV will display a message saying “Applying IR/RF Setup“
- Hold the Mute and SELECT buttons simultaneously
- Enter the TV manufacturer’s code as indicated on your manual
With that, you will have reset your remote and should be able to turn the TV off.
Solution #5 Power Cycle Your TV
If all the above steps do not work, the problem could be with your TV.
If your TV has encountered a temporary error, it may fail to respond to your remote. To solve this problem, you will have to power cycle your TV.
How to power cycle TV
- Press the Power button on your TV to turn it off
- Once it turns off, Unplug it from the Power source
- Press the Power button and hold for about 10 seconds
- Plug the TV into a Power source and turn it on
Tip: If you do not have access to the power plug for your TV, you may as well turn off the power from a central supply point.
Summary
To fix the DirecTV remote won’t turn the TV off error, you must first get to the root of the problem.
Make sure the fix you are applying corresponds to the right type of DirectTV remote.
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Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.