It can be such a nuisance when your FIOS remote won’t change channels. Who would want to go up to the television to change it?
Don’t worry, in this guide, we will give you the complete take on how you can fix this particular issue! We’ll not only give the benefit of helping you understand what’s causing them; we’ll also give you some of the ways on how to solve it!
You can fix FIOS Remote that won't change channels by checking the batteries on your FIOS remote, then repairing the remote to the television or the set-top box or the STB.
Before we tackle the more technical side of it, let’s first discuss a few of what causes it.
Why Your FIOS Remote Won’t Change Channels
For sure, you’ve tried slapping the remote more than once with the hopes of getting it to work. And while many people believe that it is as easy as this, it’s actually not.
As a matter of fact, there are multiple causes as to why your FIOS remote isn’t responding. What’s worse is that the channel-changing activity might not only be the problem at hand.
Line of Sight or Distance
A lot of people don’t realize it, but, over time, the power of the remote deteriorates.
Meaning, the distance of how it functions the first time you bought it would be different after using it for a year.
Try accessing it in short distances first, because, that might just be where the problem is.
Drained Batteries
Not all batteries last long. There are some that only last for a few weeks, and some for a few months.
Always keep a chart of when you used the batteries for your FIOS remote. And, since you’re using it often, it might drain faster than you expect it to.
Interferences With Infrared (IR)
It’s not a rare occurrence for remote controls to have interferences with the infrared or the IR receiver.
As a matter of fact, these issues usually spring from temperature issues (e.g., the remote being too hot, if the room temperature is too cold, etc.).
Broken Remote
And, of course, it could already be an issue with the remote control itself. Try to remember when you first had the remote.
If this is your situation, then the next thing you need to think about would be to replace your remote controls already.
With all of these causes, you might think that a workaround is something that’s not any longer possible. However, there actually are a couple of things you can do to try and solve it without the help of a FIOS representative!
My FIOS Remote Won’t Change the Channels, What Should I Do?
We’ve done the work and looked into some of the methods that some users found effective.
Carefully follow this guide religiously and you should not experience any trouble or issues with it any longer!
Step #1: Try In a Short Distance
Are you sure that the problem is with your equipment? Have you tried accessing it in short-distance applications?
The first thing you want to do is to try the remote control out in a short distance.
And yes, to follow that up, there must be no obstructions or objects that could be blocking the signals out.
Step #2: Check the Remote’s Batteries
After trying for short distances, the next thing you want to do is to test out the batteries of the remote.
You can test this out by trying the batteries on a different device, like a battery-equipped light, for example.
If you want faster results, insert a new set of batteries on the remote and check if it works out.
Step #3: Reset the Set-Top Box (STB)
Sometimes, a simple reset of the STB or the set-top box would be all you need.
To manually reset it, carefully go through these steps:
- Unplug the device from its power source or power cord.
- Leave it unplugged for about 15 to 30 seconds – you can go for a full minute.
- Plug the power cord back in again and wait for the time to appear on the front part of the device.
Note: Don’t be confused with the power cord or the power adapter with the coaxial cable.
The power cord is the one that you plug into a wall outlet that gives the power or electricity to the set-top box.
Step #4: Power Cycle All Equipment
After this, the next thing you want to do is to power cycle all equipment, including your television.
Power cycling simply is removing the device from electricity. So, unplug the television, the set-top box (STB), and the remote control from power for about 20 seconds.
Step #5: Pair the Remote to the Set-Top Box (STB) Again
Last, but definitely not least would be to pair the remote control to the set-top box again.
There are instances where the remote wouldn’t properly be paired to the STB due to accidental button clicks and presses.
Here is how you can pair your remote back to the STB again:
- On the remote, press the Menu button and navigate to Custom Support.
- Choose Home Agent from the list of options and hit on Program Remote.
- Follow the on-screen instructions on how to repair your remote.
Note: Different remotes and STBs would have different methods, so follow what the system will tell you.
After you’ve done this 5-step process, you should expect your remote to be functioning normally again.
FIOS Remote Still Won’t Change Channels?
However, if your FIOS TV remote still won’t change channels, what’s the next best thing to do?
Should you request a replacement of the FIOS remote or should you go for a universal remote instead?
Contact FIOS Support
Before deciding to go for any of those, try to contact their customer support department first.
They have their own set of troubleshooting steps that are more technical, yes, not the ones that we outlined above.
If they figure that there’s really a problem with the remote, then that’ll be the only time for a replacement.
Note: Mention to them that you’ve done the 6-step process, outlining what every step is. This is so they know what to expect and to cut time off of their troubleshooting procedure.
The replacement process, of course, would be something you’ll have to pay for. So, expect that you’ll have to shell out the amount needed to get a new remote.
Read Next: How to Use My Own Router With FIOS Quantum?
Conclusion
The next time that you find yourself struggling to control your television using your FIOS TV remote, this guide will be all you need!
Never again will you worry when your FIOS remote won’t change channels with this guide right beside you!
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.