Spectrum remote volume not working and you’re wondering why? Stay with us!
As your remote starts to break down or the batteries are getting discharged, the volume button problem may just be one of the signs. There are plenty of things to attempt early!
Your Spectrum remote’s volume functionality may be interrupted by a fault with the receiver or a power issue with the remote.
It is also possible that some type of interference exists in your setup or simply the programming was not completed.
Let’s dig deeper!
Spectrum Remote Not Controlling Volume?
- Power problem with the remote
- Incorrect Spectrum Remote mode
- An issue with the receiver/TV
- Outdated firmware of your remote
- Wireless/physical interference
- Problems with audio systems/devices
Tip: Test the TV’s Volume!
To rule out a problem with your receiver device, check if the device has volume buttons. In case you’re able to adjust the sound of the TV with the panel buttons on the back, then the issue is with your remote.
Volume Not Working On Spectrum Remote – 9 Solutions!
Let’s jump in with the solutions and resolve the problem with your Spectrum remote!
1. Discharge the Spectrum Remote
Any impermanent and temporary faults with the Spectrum remote can be addressed with a simple power circulation of the hardware.
The process includes stopping the remote’s power supply, by removing the batteries for a short while.
Here’s how to discharge your Spectrum remote easily:
- Open the remote’s battery compartment cover.
- Eject the batteries of the Spectrum remote.
- Press all remote’s buttons for 2 seconds (each).
- Press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds.
- Wait for 60 seconds and re-insert the batteries.
Info: When reinstalling the batteries, make sure they are embedded in the upright position and are facing the power terminals correctly.
Otherwise the remote won’t draw power.
2. Adjust the TV’s Mode
Spectrum remotes have functionality modes that can be adjusted according to what device is the remote used with.
For example, there is a cable mode, TV mode, DVD mode, and AUX mode that you’ll be able to select from.
- Modes can be enabled/disabled by pressing the “AUX/DVD/Cable” button!
Here’s how to adjust the Spectrum remote mode in easy steps:
- On your remote, find the appropriate Mode button.
- Press and hold the button for about 3 seconds.
- Wait for your remote to blink twice, (mode selection).
If you’re using a TV, you must press the “TV” button, if using a cable box, you must press the “cable” button, and so on…
3. Check the TV’s Volume Settings!
If there’s a problem with the volume of your TV itself, the Spectrum remote volume not working, since it’s not audio and is not dependent on the remote.
It’s necessary to inspect your TV’s sound output and verify that everything is functional on this end.
- Verify that your TV’s volume is turned up!
- Check whether the TV/receiver isn’t muted
- Inspect the volume on *connected speakers*
Some TVs may also have the so-called “DND” options, which may lock the audio/volume settings when enabled.
Verify that no such setting is enabled on your TV, by navigating into the settings using the panel buttons if no other remote is available.
Tip: Some TVs can be entirely controlled by using the physical side panel buttons!
4. Soft-Reset the TV/Receiver
The functionality of your Spectrum remote’s volume button may be suppressed by your TV or receiver.
To address such an interference issue, reboot the associated TV or receiver in order to refresh the software.
Here’s how to soft-reset your TV/receiver in easy steps:
- Press the Power button on the TV/ receiver.
- Wait for the device to completely shut down.
- Unplug the Power cable of the TV/receiver.
- Wait for 2-3 minutes for a power circulation.
- Reconnect the TV or receiver to the power.
Note: The steps above will not erase any of the settings or contents on your TV/receiver!
5. Reprogram the Spectrum Remote
Sometimes when only the volume of the Spectrum remote is not working, the problem might have started back in the “programming”.
This is why, before continuing further we’ll take a close look at the correct way of pairing the Spectrum remote and start freshly!
Here’s how to universally program a Spectrum remote:
- Turn on the TV/receiver that you wish to program with.
- Hold the “Set Up” button on the Spectrum remote.
- Insert your TV’s pairing code to start the process.
- Tip: The Code is found in Settings > “About this TV”)
- Wait for the remote to blink twice and press “Set Up”.
Here are the most-popular TV pairing codes:
| TV Type | Element | Insignia | Philips | Samsung | Sony | Vizio | Emerson | Sharp |
| Code | 1431 | 1437 | 1126 | 1019 | 1037 | 1429 | 1468 | 1138 |
Tip: If none of the codes work for your TV, check the device’s user manual for the code!
6. Software Reset the Remote
Some newer Spectrum remote models have software of their own and can be reset.
In fact, the latest model of Spectrum remote, known as the Spectrum 210 model, uses Bluetooth to communicate with the TV/receiver.
Simply, eject the batteries, and hold the power button for 30 seconds!
That should be enough to reset the software of your remote and for the Bluetooth connection to drop. The next step is to re-insert the batteries in the remote and undergo the setup again!
Tip: Use the guide to program the Spectrum remote in Step #5.
7. Replace Spectrum Remote Batteries
As the batteries of your Spectrum remote are starting to wear out, the device may start experiencing an onset of troubles.
The inactive volume button may be one of the first signs that it’s time for a new battery!
- Your Spectrum remote uses either a combination of AA or AAA batteries!
It’s recommended to check the type inside of your Spectrum remote and respectively, purchase a replacement. We recommend using or Duracell AAA Pack for long and optimal Spectrum remote performance.
8. Disconnect (Connected) Audio Systems
If there’s an audio system of some type connected to your TV/receiver, the audio situation may differ in some terms.
Some home theaters with 4 or 5-speaker surround sound may have a remote of their own, which makes your Spectrum remote irrelevant.
- Unplug any AUX/HDMI ARC audio systems and speakers from the TV!
After that, go to Settings > Audio settings > Default Output Device and make sure your TV’s internal speakers are selected.
The speakers of the TV will go by “default” in the menu, and when the option is selected, the spectrum Remote should be able to control the volume!
9. Check for Signal Interference!
If none of the above solutions work, there may be obstructions intercepting the remote IR signal.
There must be a clear path (line of sight) between the remote and the TV/receiver in order for the IR/Bluetooth wireless signal to reach.
Here’s what type of obstructions you should be looking for:
- Large furniture or objects covering the IR “eye”
- Dust or dirt accumulation on your remote or TV
- Wireless devices or other Spectrum remotes.
- IR transmitters/radios and active baby phones
- Distance-related problems, signal insufficiency
Whilst obstructions are the main cause for interference in your setup, the distance is important too. Your remote must be close enough to the TV/receiver in order for the communication signals to be accepted and recognized.
Tip: Try controlling the volume when staying right in front of the receiver!
Spectrum Remote Volume Is Still Not Working?
Before giving up, you should know that some TVs have two different volume tracks, one for the AUX headphone jack and one for the TV’s output.
Hence, to change the volume tracks, you would need the original TV/receiver’s remote and switch from Jack to TV Output.
Then you’ll notice that when increasing/decreasing the volume, the entire TV/receiver’s output will change.
That includes any HDMI-connected devices and their audio input.
Final Steps?
In case nothing helped, perhaps you would need to contact Spectrum Support and check whether your warranty is intact. Then press “Chat With Us” to get in touch quickly!
Quick Recap:
Here we’ve learned that Spectrum remote volume not working problem can be fixed by inspecting the remote’s power and the TV’s settings.
In addition, the Spectrum remote has to be reset in order to start controlling the receiver’s volume again! For more Spectrum guides, check out our blog!
Read Next: Spectrum Remote Fast Forward Not Working? Here’s How To Fix
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.