You are probably wondering, Why Is My AT&T Remote Blinking blue?
Nothing is worse than settling down to watch a much-anticipated film only to be interrupted by an annoying, blinking light from your remote.
The AT&T remote could be blinking blue due to dead batteries or due to sudden signal interference. I’ll take you through several possible reasons this could be happening and how to fix it.
Here are some quick suggestions for troubleshooting your AT&T remote control:
- Replace drained batteries.
- Adhere to the recommended use range.
- Check TV connection cables.
- Check the AT&T mode buttons.
- Reprogram the remote.
Let us delve into possible reasons for the issue and several ways you can mitigate it. These methods will help troubleshoot the S20, S30, S10, Silver, and Point anywhere models.
Note: The S30 and S20 are identical in functionality except that all the S30’s buttons are backlit.
Reasons Why is My AT&T Remote Blinking Blue?
There are multiple reasons why your remote could be blinking blue. Some of these are:
- Dead batteries- May cause the power button to flicker, flash, or dim.
- Signal interference– Electrical devices nearby are interfering with the remote’s signal.
- Use beyond maximum range– The remote only works at a limited distance.
- Improper cable connection-Connect the cables properly for the remote to work.
- Receiver breakdown– The receiver might not be functioning correctly.
Now that we have seen a few issues that could cause blinking, we will look at some possible solutions.
Solution #1: Adhere To The Recommended Range Of Use
Your AT&T remote uses infrared light to send signals to your receiver. The receiver converts them to instructions for your TV set.
The remote uses a tiny light bulb at the top with a limited range of about 20 to 30 feet. If the remote fails to communicate with the receiver, the button at the top may flash blue.
For proper functionality:
- Ensure you are within20 feet of the receiver.
- Clear the receiver of any obstruction.
- Properly aim the remote when using.
Solution #2: Check TV Connection Cables
Multiple cables connect all your devices to ensure you enjoy your viewing. Any misconnection will cause failure when you try to control the TV using your AT&T remote.
This failure may present itself as blinking. Ensure that the cables are not tugging on furniture.
Steps to properly connect your devices:
- Connect the HDMI cable to your receiver and the other end to your TV.
- Connect your receiver to your router or home gateway(optional).
- Power the devices.
- Change TV input to the particular HDMI channel.
If you connect them properly, you will be able to set up your account using the AT&T remote.
Solution #3: Restart your Receiver
A fault in the receiver will hamper the proper functioning of the remote. In case a proper connection is not established, the remote will fail to pass specific commands.
This can present itself in the form of a blinking light. You can restart your receiver to troubleshoot most issues.
To restart the receiver:
- Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
- Press the button again to restart.
- The process takes 5 to 8 minutes.
Note: The reset will impact any DVR recordings that were in progress.
For multiple receivers:
You can reboot your wireless gateway. This will clear any network-based errors.
To do this:
- Unplug your gateway from the power source.
- Leave it unplugged for a few minutes.
- Power the gateway and boot.
Solution #4: Check the AT&T Mode Buttons
The AT&T mode button in the S20 and S30 remotes controls the TV receiver.
The button gives you access to the channel guide, channel functions, and the menu. Using the TV mode button, you can control functions such as the settings.
Use the DVD mode to control the DVD player. The Aux mode controls auxiliary equipment.
Trying to pass commands when you’re on the wrong mode might result in the light blinking. Ensure you are aware of the mode you are currently using.
Solution #5: Reprogramming your AT&T TV Remote
Your AT&T remote should be the first thing you set up during installation. This initial programming enables you to properly set up all the devices and customize them to your liking.
In case the remote is reset for whatever reason, it may fail to function correctly. This may be the reason why the light keeps blinking blue.
You can reprogram the remote yourself with just a few simple steps despite the technicality. I will take you through a few of the procedures for the various models.
S10 Remote
You can use the S10 remote to program the TV, the DVD player, or an auxiliary device.
Here is how to do this:
- Turn on the particular device(DVD, TV, AUX) you want to program.
- Press the mode button for that device and hold while pressing enter.
- If the mode button lights up, you are in programming mode.
- Hold the Scan/FF button until the device powers down.
- Turn on the device. If it doesn’t power up, hold the Rew/Scan key until it does.
- Control the device using the remote.
- Tap Enter to save.
Pressing the Scan/FF button multiple times may disable the power button. Tap the REW/Scan button on your remote several times, then test the power button again.
If it is still unresponsive, retry the process from Step 1.
Silver Remote
This model also programs your TV, DVD player, or audio device. To program it:
- Ensure the device is powered.
- Hold the Mode button for that device together with the OK button.
- The button will light up. Program mode is on.
- Key in 9-2-2. The mode you want will light up.
- Tap Play in the case of a Tv or DVD player.
- If using the Aux button to set up a different device, press 4 for Home Theater, 3 for Amplifier, 1 for Tuner, and 0 for VCR.
- Tap the FF button until the device powers down.
- Press Enter to save.
Note: The remote exits program mode after 10 secs.
Point Anywhere Remote
They are of two versions; the A30 programming remote and the standard version.
You need to check the programming number that corresponds with your tv model to program using the A30 remote.
To program:
- Hold the OK and Menu Keys on the remote simultaneously.
- The arrow keys will blink two times. It is ready to program.
- Tap the Mode key that corresponds with the device you’re programming.
- Hold the number button that corresponds with your particular TV model.
- When your device shuts down or the audio mutes, release the number button.
- Check the power and volume buttons to ensure everything is working correctly.
S20 and S30 Remotes
These two have similar functionality to the S10 but are more advanced. As earlier indicated, the S20 and S30 are similar in control features.
The only difference is that all the buttons of the S30 are backlit. The same set-up steps for the S10 model will also work for these two models.
Solution #6: Replace Drained batteries
As pointed out, dead batteries can be why your remote is acting up. All AT&T remote models use either 2 AA or AAA batteries, each delivering 1.5V.
Fresh, high-quality Batteries should last for 3-6 months. If the button at the top of your remote (or all the buttons in the S30 model) is not lighting up as expected, replace the batteries.
To replace a battery:
- Open the back cover.
- Replace both batteries with a new pair.
Note: You should not use old batteries together with new batteries.
Solution #7: Order a Replacement
If all the solutions fail and your remote is still blinking or unresponsive, reach out to AT&T’s customer support.
Describe the issue, and they will guide you on how to get a free replacement (not guaranteed). You can also order a new one from third-party sellers like Amazon and eBay.
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Final thoughts
I hope that at least one of the solutions we’ve discussed above answers the question, Why Is My AT&T Remote Blinking Blue?
I trust that you will be able to troubleshoot most issues that arise.
If none of the solutions works with your device, ensure you contact AT&T customer support to find out the root cause of the problem.
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.