How to Fix Insignia TV Remote Not Working [9 Easy Fixes]

How to Fix the Insignia TV Remote Not Working Issue? A TV remote that suddenly stops working can instantly ruin your evening plans. Whether you were looking forward to binge-watching your favorite show or relaxing after a long day, a non-functional Insignia TV remote can quickly become a frustrating experience. If you’re dealing with this problem, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through the most common reasons your Insignia TV remote might not be working and provide tried-and-tested fixes to help you regain control of your TV.

Why Is My Insignia TV Remote Not Working?

There are several reasons why your Insignia TV remote might not work as expected. It could be something as simple as dead batteries or more complex issues related to the remote’s pairing or sensor. Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix these problems.

Read: Onn TV Problems

How to Fix the Insignia TV Remote Not Working Issue

Fix 1. Check If There Is Anything Blocking the TV Receiver or Remote Sensor

For the Insignia remote to send signals to your TV, the pathway between the remote’s IR sensor and the TV’s receiver needs to be clear. Check for physical obstructions like objects, decorations, or dirt covering the TV sensor, which could be blocking the signal. Simply clearing the pathway or cleaning the sensor often resolves the issue.

Fix 2. Check or Replace the Batteries

Sometimes, the problem lies in the most obvious place—your remote’s batteries. If your Insignia TV remote stops working, check the following steps related to the batteries:

• Remove the cover and inspect the batteries.
• Replace them with new high-quality batteries. Low-quality replacements can cause inconsistencies.
• Ensure that the batteries are inserted correctly, with the positive (+) and negative (-) ends properly aligned.

Fix 3. Try the Insignia TV Remote Replacement App

If your remote isn’t working and needs urgent replacement, consider using an Insignia TV remote app on your smartphone. Depending on the type of Insignia TV you own, the process can vary slightly.

• The Regular Old TV Without Smart Features
• Use a universal remote app that supports Infrared (IR) functionality. This requires a phone with an IR blaster. Test it to see if it works with your TV.
• Fire TV or Roku-enabled Insignia Smart TV
• Download the Amazon Fire TV app or Roku app (depending on your TV model) through your smartphone’s app store. Pair the app with your TV, and you’ll have a working virtual remote in no time.

Fix 4. Power Cycle Your Insignia TV

Sometimes, the TV itself might be causing the issue with your remote. Performing a simple power cycle can resolve software glitches in your Insignia TV. Here’s how:

1. Turn off your TV and unplug it from the power outlet.
2. Wait for about 60 seconds to allow the system to reset.
3. Plug the TV back in and turn it on.

Now, test your remote to see if it’s functioning again.

Fix 5. Repair the Insignia TV Remote

Your remote may lose its pairing with the TV. Re-pairing it often resolves this issue. The process differs depending on the type of Insignia remote you have.

Insignia TV Remote With a Pair Button

1. Press and hold the Pair button on the back of the remote until the LED starts blinking.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.

Insignia TV Remote Without a Pair Button

1. Press and hold both the Home and Back buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds or until the LED blinks.
2. Your remote should automatically re-pair with the TV.

Use Button Combinations to Trigger the Insignia TV Repair

Some remotes require a combination of buttons for re-pairing. Check your user manual or search online for the specific instructions for your model.

Fix 6. Clean the Insignia TV Sensor

Sometimes, dirt or dust on the TV’s sensor can block communication with the remote. Use a microfiber cloth or a soft cleaning brush to gently clean the receiver on the TV. After cleaning, test the remote to see if the issue is resolved.

Fix 7. Purchase a New Remote

If your remote has visible damage or none of the above fixes work, it might be time to purchase a new one. You can order a replacement remote directly from Insignia or look for universal remotes compatible with Insignia TVs.

Fix 8. Factory Reset Insignia TV

If all else fails, you can try resetting your TV back to its factory settings. This often helps resolve stubborn software-related issues.

1. Navigate to the Settings menu on your Insignia TV, using the buttons directly on the TV or a paired remote app.
2. Select Reset to Factory Settings and confirm.
3. After the reset, you may need to reconfigure your settings and re-pair your remote.

Fix 9. Contact Insignia Support

When none of the above fixes work, it’s time to get professional help. Reach out to Insignia’s customer support team for further assistance. Be ready to provide details about your TV and remote model, as well as the steps you’ve already tried.

FAQ’s

Q: How can I tell if my Insignia TV remote sensor is broken?

A: If the TV doesn’t respond to remote commands, even after replacing batteries and clearing obstructions, your remote’s infrared (IR) sensor or the TV’s IR receiver may be damaged. Consider testing the remote with another TV or using a universal remote to confirm the issue.

Q: Will universal remotes work with Insignia TVs?

A: Yes, most universal remotes are compatible with Insignia TVs. Check the product packaging or manual for instructions on how to set up the universal remote for your specific TV model.

Q: My Insignia remote works intermittently. What should I do?

A: Intermittent issues often point to weak batteries, signal interference, or a dirty sensor. Replacing the batteries, cleaning the sensor, or re-pairing the remote can help resolve these issues.

Q: Can I use my smartphone as a remote for a non-smart Insignia TV?

A: You can use apps compatible with infrared (IR) functionality on your smartphone, provided your phone is equipped with an IR blaster. For non-IR-enabled phones, using the remote apps isn’t an option.

Q: Where can I buy a replacement remote for my Insignia TV?

A: You can purchase a replacement remote directly through the Insignia website, electronics retailers, or online marketplaces like Amazon. Make sure the remote matches your TV model.

Conclusion

A malfunctioning remote doesn’t have to derail your TV time. By following the fixes provided in this guide, you’ll be back to streaming movies or flipping channels in no time. If your Insignia TV remote still isn’t working, don’t hesitate to reach out to Insignia support for additional help or consider investing in a replacement remote. Got more tips? Share your experiences in the comments below!