Google TV is an Android TV-based software skin for TV OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). The company’s Chromecast lineup and OEMs like TCL, Hisense, Sony, Sansui, VU, and more use the Google TV interface to offer thousands of on-demand titles and streaming apps to users. However, you are up for disappointment when the supplied Google TV remote stops working out of nowhere. Before you place an order for a new one, use the tricks below to fix Google TV remote.
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1. Restart TV
It’s an effective way to troubleshoot common Chromecast and Google TV errors. You can completely turn off Google TV from the power source and turn it on again. Once your TV restarts, check if the remote is working with it.
2. Check Remote Batteries
Unlike a Samsung TV, most Google TV remotes are powered by batteries. If the remote batteries are dead or not working properly, you may face issues with using the remote with a TV.
1. Remove both batteries from your TV remote and wait for 5 minutes.
2. Reinsert them while pressing the Home button. If the remote LED doesn’t flash twice, replace them with fresh batteries.
3. Check HDMI Mode
Most Google TVs come with several HDMI slots. You can connect an Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation, home theater system, and more to your TV. However, you need to be in the correct mode to use the Google TV remote.
For example, if your Chromecast is connected to HDMI 1 port and your TV is set on HDMI 3 or HDMI 4, you can’t use the Chromecast remote. You need to pick your TV remote and change the HDMI mode.
4. Use Remote From Phone
Still, facing issues with using the Google TV remote? You can always place an order for a new remote from the company, but it may take several days to arrive at your doorstep. Till then, you can use the Google TV remote on your Android phone. Here’s how you can set it up.
1. Download the Google TV app from the Play Store.
2. Launch the app and make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Tap TV nearby, and it automatically detects your Google TV on the same network.
4. Give relevant permission and enter a pairing code that appears on your TV.
5. Your virtual remote is ready to use on your phone.
You can access the same from the quick toggles too.
1. Swipe down from the home screen and swipe down again to expand the quick toggles menu. Tap the edit icon.
2. Drag and drop the Google TV toggle at the top. Tap the back icon to save changes.
Your virtual Google TV remote is now only a tap away on your phone.
5. Pair Your Remote Again
Your Google TV remote connects to the TV via a Bluetooth connection. You can forget the connection and try pairing the remote again.
1. Use the virtual remote on your Android phone and navigate to Google TV Settings.
2. Scroll to Remotes & Accessories.
3. Select your TV remote and hit Forget.
4. Keep your remote near the TV and hit Pair accessory from the same menu.
Once your Google TV connects to the remote, use it without any issues.
6. Remove Other Devices From the TV
If you have several Bluetooth devices connected to the TV, it may impact the wireless connection with the TV remote. You should remove other devices from your Google TV and try again.
You can use the steps above to disconnect such devices from your TV. You can simply turn off Bluetooth on your TWS or gaming controller too.
7. Update Google TV Remote
This one applies to the Chromecast remote. You can update it to the latest version to fix the connection issue. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Open Remotes & Accessories in Google TV settings (check the steps above).
2. Select your Chromecast remote.
If a newer build it available, update the remote from the following menu.
8. Update Google TV
Google regularly releases Android TV updates to add new features and fix such connection glitches. You can update the system to the latest version and try again.
1. Head to Google TV Settings.
2. Scroll to System.
3. Select About.
4. Download and install the latest update.
9. Reset Google TV
If the TV remote issue persists, reset the Google TV and start from scratch.
1. Go to System in Google TV Settings (check the steps above).
2. Select About and scroll to Reset.
3. Hit Factory reset and follow the on-screen restrictions.
Google TV remote not working can spoil your perfect weekend. Before you switch to an iPad or laptop and settle for a below-average experience, use the steps above to fix the issue in no time. Read our dedicated post if you want to try the new Google TV interface on your Android.
