How To Fix Spectrum Remote Not Changing Channels? Complete Guide

If your Spectrum remote not changing channels or you are unable to interact with your TV properly, then you have come to the right place!

By the end of this post, you’ll learn about all possible reasons behind the interruptions and the most efficient solutions to apply against them!

To fix the spectrum remote, first, replace the batteries and re-pair the remote to your TV. Then disassemble the remote, clean its hardware, perform a sequence power cycle, and remove any objects of interference.

Even if you already tried some of these things, we’ve got a lot more further in the post. It’s important to understand where the issue could be coming from so let’s check that first.

Why Spectrum Remote Not Switching Channels?

If your Spectrum remote is not changing channels, the very first thing you should check is if the line of sight between the remote and the cable box is interrupted.

You can try taking the remote batteries out and switching their sides to check if it will make any difference.

If it does not seems like a minor issue, here is what else might have gone wrong:

1. Worn-Out Batteries

If the batteries are at their end, your remote will be unable to change channels nor transmit any signal.

2. An Issue With TV

If your TV is having trouble receiving the remote signals, it’s possible that you’ll lose all kinds of remote interaction.

3. Interference

Any large and solid objects beneath or above your cable box, or TV might cause interference leading to inactivity in Spectrum remote buttons.

4. Hardware Issue

Dirty or damaged hardware may have prevented your remote from changing any channels.

Besides all those causes, there is always a possibility of a temporary glitch, and next, we’ll explain how to check if that’s the case.

How To Fix Spectrum Remote Not Changing Channels?

The solutions are really easy to execute but it’s important to be applied in order. Also, it checks if you’re able to change channels after you’re ready with each of the solutions to avoid applying unnecessary steps.

Solution #1 Power Cycle Your Remote

Before all else, you can try to resolve the problem by performing the so-called power cycle. It will basically discharge the remote completely and provide an initial boot to resolve any temporary glitches.

To perform a remote power cycle, please follow the steps:

1. Unscrew the battery compartment of your remote.
2. Take out the batteries.
3. Press each button on the remote twice.
4. Insert the batteries back into the compartment and screw it tightly.

If power cycling the remote was not enough to resolve the problem, then the batteries might be warned out. Make sure to replace the batteries with a fresh pair before you continue.

Pro Tip: Change your remote’s batteries regularly to avoid battery leaking.

Solution #2 Remove Interference

If the channel buttons are the only non-working buttons on your remote then you definitely have interference between your devices. Pay close attention and attempt to execute ALL recommendations.

Remove Cable Box Interference

Disconnect ALL devices near your TV, except for the receiver and your TV. Next, remove any electronic devices beneath or underneath your cable box.

If there is a soundbar, gaming console, or another electronic device, make sure to take them away until you’re done reading this post.

Remove Solid Object Interference

The second step would be to check and remove any large and solid objects that are located between your remote, TV, and receiver. Focus on locating any large metal pieces such as computer cases.

When you’re ready with removing any objects that might cause interference, restart your TV, receiver, and remote (by taking the batteries out and in).

Solution #3 Reset & Re-Pair Remote

In this solution, you will learn how to unpair your remote or also considered to be a factory reset and next how to cleanly pair it with your TV. If you do everything as described your channel changing issues might remain in the past.

Let’s start with unpairing/resetting your Spectrum remote:

How To Unpair Spectrum Remote?

1. Hold the TV button on your Spectrum remote.
2. While holding press the OK button and release both simultaneously.
3. Press and hold the Delete button for about 5 seconds.
4. Release the Delete button.

The Spectrum remote should now be unpaired and reset to factory default settings. Now it’s time to cleanly pair it.

How To Pair Spectrum Remote?

1. Make sure that the TV is turned ON.
2. Point your Spectrum remote towards the TV.
3. Press and hold the OK and Menu button together for about 5 seconds.
4. Press the TV Power button*
5. Press and hold the Up arrow button until the TV turns OFF.

Note: As an indication, the input button should start emitting solid light.

If your TV turns off, then the operation is successful. Now turn the TV on and check if you are able to switch channels. If re-pairing your remote did not work let’s proceed with inspecting your receiver.

Solution #5 Reset Your Receiver (Cable Box)

If your Spectrum remote is not changing channels but the other buttons are working just fine, the problem could be in the cable box. The way to reset the cable box can happen in two ways:

Reset Cable Box Via Mobile App

1. Download the Spectrum App and log in to your account.
2. Go to Services and choose TV.
3. Select Experiencing Issues.
4. Follow the on-screen guide to complete the reset.

Reset Cable Box Online

1. Reach the Official Spectrum Website.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Go to TV Services and choose TV.
4. Press on Experiencing Issues.
5. Choose the Spectrum Cable Box.
6. Select Reset Equipment.

Regardless of which way you choose to reset your cable box, it should now be 100% bug-free and ready to change channels properly.

If however, the issue continues to persist then it might be a hardware problem. Let’s see what you can do about it.

Solution #6 Fix Remote Hardware

Before forming the final assumption, you can inspect your Spectrum’s remote hardware at home. There could be dust, or your channel buttons could be stuck so clean the hardware as much as possible.

To clean your Spectrum’s remote hardware, follow the steps below:

1. Unscrew the screws at the 4 ends of the remote and eject the big compartment cover.

2. With a slightly wet napkin, start brushing off the dust particles off the PCB and plastic button cover (focus on the area around the channel buttons).

3. Once done,Install the compartment back in place and screw it tightly.

At this point, it is recommended to restart your TV and cable box and then test the functionality of your remote. Now, let’s have a look at scenarios in which changing channels is weird or not in order.

Why Is Spectrum Remote Not Changing Channels In Order?

In case your Channel Up and Channel Down buttons are working, but acting weird by skipping or not changing channels in order there are only a few possibilities.

RF Interruption

Change the place of your receiver so it can have a clear line of sight with your remote.

Receiver Glitch

Reboot your receiver by unplugging it from the power supply.

Bad Batteries

If your remote’s batteries are warned out the Channel Up/Down buttons could be skipping channels.

Dust

And dust exposure or dirt in between the remote membrane and the button could be causing problems. Check how to clean the remote in solution #6.

Reset Cable Box

You can check how to reset your cable box in solution #5.

If those recommendations could not resolve the issues when changing the channels, there is one last option. Before buying a new remote you can contact Spectrum official support and ask for additional assistance.

Tip: Don’t forget to mention what you’ve tried in this post so you can avoid applying the same steps again.

The solution to the changing channels issue includes a power cycle and replacing the batteries. Moreover, you can clean the remote’s hardware, re-pair it to your TV, remove any interference and eventually reset your cable box as well.

Read Next: How to Cancel Spectrum Cable but Keep Internet?

Bottom Line:

If Spectrum remote isn’t changing channels, then the methods above are definitely for you. We hope that they were enough to resolve the issues you’re experiencing and if you need more help proceed to Spectrum customer service.

For more helpful posts related to Spectrum issues and how to deal with them, check our technical blog to discover the fix you’re looking for.