Freesat Box Not Responding To Remote? – Here’s How to Fix

Your Freesat Box not responding to remote and you can’t figure out a solution?

That’s why we’re here!

After carefully examining the origins of this problem, we could easily answer why the box is no longer responding to your remote.

This is an often occurrence that many users along with the Freesat ones have to deal with.

Here’s how to settle this issue quickly and easily!

To fix when the Freesat Box isn’t responding to your remote, Power Cycle the device and reset the remote. Next, replace the remote’s batteries and manage wireless interference that has occurred in your setup. Finally, Factory Reset the box!

The key to settling this problem is understanding what has caused it. Let’s go!

Why Does My Freesat Box Not Respond to Remote?

When your Freesat box does not respond to inputs through the remote, this could only mean two things – either the remote or the box isn’t working.

In most cases, it is the remote that is identified as the faulty one, software issues with the box could result in the same problem!

Let’s clarify all around this problem by reviewing the potential reasons and causes:

• The Remote’s Batteries have gone faulty
• There’s Wireless Interference in your setup
• There’s an issue with the Remote’s Battery Terminals
• A Software Problem has occurred with your Freesat cable box

In the briefest manner, this is what could impact your box and remote’s functionality.

To understand how to settle this problem quickly and easily, keep reading our guide!

Freesat Box Not Responding to Remote – Quick Fix!

After learning more about the problem and what could cause its occurrence, let’s troubleshoot.

To resolve the problem as quickly as possible, follow all of our solutions in the order they are and do not skip any of them. Good luck!

Let’s jump in with the guide!

Solution #1 Power Cycle the Freesat Box

The first and most easy solution to the problem with your Freesat box is to perform a Power Cycle.

This will discharge the device out of any intact electricity, giving its software and hardware a refresh.

This might be the particular reason why the box is refusing to respond.

Let’s learn how to power cycle your Freesat box in easy steps:

1. Shut down the box using the Panel Power Button.
2. Wait for the device to shut down.
3. Unplug the Power Adapter of the box from the wall outlet.
4. Wait for 5 Minutes while the box is unplugged.
5. Re-attach the power cable of the device back into the source.
6. Attempt to interact with the box using the remote.

Once the power cycle on your box has been completed, the box should respond to the remote and give an output after pressing the Home Button.

This is the best way to identify whether the cable box has now noticed the remote and responds to the commands.

Alert: If you plug the box back in before the 5 minutes mark, it will not power cycle properly.

Solution #2 Reset the Remote

The next thing you should attempt is to Reset your Freesat Remote!

This solution specifically targets issues with the wireless range of the remote and helps it contact the TV in case of unresponsiveness.

What the reset will do to your remote is have both the hardware and software of the device refreshed, helping its functionality.

Let’s uncover how to perform a Reset on your remote:

1. Locate the Red and AD Buttons on your Freesat remote.
2. Press and hold both the Red and AD buttons for 3 Seconds Total.
3. Next, hit the Home Button and Hold It.
4. Wait for the LED of the remote to Blink Once.
5. Finally, press the Red Button on the remote again.
6. The LED should now blink Five Times to confirm the remote control reset.

After your remote blinks five times to indicate that the reset was successful, attempt to use it on your Freesat Box. You should see an output from the box if the reset worked.

Note: If your remote doesn’t blink five times as a result of the reset, re-do the instructions!

Solution #3 Manage Wireless/Physical Interference

What could be happening is Something Blocking the Signal of your remote!

If this occurs, then the Freesat box will not respond to your remote’s commands, when the appropriate button is pressed.

What you should do now is inspect your remote/box setup and identify any source of both wireless interference and physical interference.

Let’s inspect both types of interference and what causes them!

Wireless Interference:

• RF radios
• Baby phones
• Other TVs or Cable Boxes near your Freesat device
• Bluetooth devices

Physical Interference:

• Obstructed Remote to TV Box Line of Sight
• Both devices are severely unleveled
• Furniture between the remote and Firestick
• Objects placed on top of your cable box

Important: Wireless interference is basically caused by another device that uses a signal and the physical one occurs when something physical is blocking the signal.

Solution #4 Reprogram the Remote

It’s worth attempting to Reprogram your Remote to the Freesat TV box!

There is a high chance that the remote got unpaired, as a result of a factory reset or a power outage.

Universal remotes are easy to pair, but there’s a specific reprogramming sequence for Sky HD Receiver remotes.

Let’s review how to reprogram both a universal and Freesat remote:

• Freesat HD Remote – Hold the Red button and AD Button of the remote
• Universal Remote – Press and hold the Power Button while aiming the remote

If the pairing was successful on either of the remotes, the LED light on the front of the device should blink rapidly.

For Freesat HD Receiver remotes, the flickers should last around 2-3 seconds to indicate successful programming.

Note: If the programming was a success, the power button should shut off your TV box!

Solution #5 Clean the Remote Battery Terminals

Chances are that your remote’s Battery Terminals are Dirty!

This often prevents the batteries from properly connecting with the electrical poles and therefore your remote is not functioning.

You should make sure that the terminals within the battery compartment are free of debris and that the batteries are properly making contact.

Follow these instructions to clean the remote’s battery terminals:

1. Turn your remote upside down.
2. Uninstall the Battery Compartment Cover.
3. Eject all batteries inside the remote.
4. Grab a slightly wet cloth.
5. Begin collecting all of the debris gathered within the battery compartment.
6. Wait for the compartment to dry up or use a dried cloth to fasten the process.
7. Install the batteries back into the remote.
8. Test…

Once your remote’s battery compartment has dried up and the batteries are back in place, attempt to use the device.

In case the tv box still does not recognise the remote, keep reading!

Solution #6 Replace Remote Batteries

Perhaps, your remote’s Battery Charge has run out…

What you should do next is replace the batteries of the remote you’re using along with your Freesat box.

Since also universal remotes could be paired to the box, we can’t know for sure the source of your remote and let you know the exact battery replacement.

• Standard Freesat Remotes – Could either use 2 AAA or AA Alkaline Batteries
• Universal Remotes – Most generally use 2 AA Alkaline Batteries

You should be able to quickly figure out the type of batteries your remote uses, by simply taking apart the Battery Compartment Cover.

Turn your remote upside down, take off the latch and eject the current batteries. Then, you’ll have a better idea of the replacement.

Alert: When installing the new batteries, pay attention to the compartment’s polarity.

Quick Recap:

Thus, to fix when your Freesat Box isn’t responding to the remote, Power Cycle the box and replace the remote’s batteries. Next, you should reprogram the remote to the TV Box and eliminate wireless interference. Finally, Factory Reset the Freesat TV Box!

Wrapping Up:

In this guide, we’ve got everything around the “Freesat Box not responding to remote” problem and what is it caused by.

We’ve also come up with the best possible solutions for the problem, applicable to everyone at their homes.

If you still seem to experience issues with your Freesat cable box and/or remote, contact Freesat Customer Support for more help.

Good luck!

Read Next: Freesat Not Working on Samsung TV?