TCL Soundbar Remote Not Working? (Here’s The Easy Fix!)

If you’re wondering why your TCL soundbar remote not working, this guide is just for you!

Your TCL soundbar’s remote might have ceased to function due to a battery-related issue, a programming fault, or existing interference.

There’s a variety of solutions to attempt, such as:

We’re about to review each of these solutions in detail, so keep reading!

How to Fix the TCL Soundbar Remote Not Working Issue?

Note: Have you tested all of the remote control’s functions?

1. Reinsert the Batteries of the TCL Remote

So, the TCL remote could be failing to draw power from the batteries, resulting in a complete soundbar unresponsiveness.

As simple as reinserting the batteries may sound, it could often troubleshoot any functionality issues of the soundbar’s remote control in a matter of seconds.

Follow these instructions to reinsert the TCL remote’s batteries:

1. Locate the battery compartment on your remote’s underside.
2. Push the release latch and pull it out from your remote control.
3. Take out both batteries from the remote’s battery compartment.
4. Hold each button on the remote for 3–5 seconds to discharge.
5. Place the batteries back in and close the compartment’s latch.

Important: Insert a Fresh Set of Batteries!

If your remote has been using the same batteries for a while now, there’s a high possibility that the set has run out of charge.

The TCL soundbar’s remote control uses triple-A 1.5V non-rechargeable batteries, meaning the set must be replaced every couple of months. 

2. Reset the TCL Soundbar’s Power Supply

Yet, another effective solution is to perform a power cycle on the TCL soundbar, by temporarily unplugging the device from power.

This takes between 30 and 60 seconds for the soundbar’s hardware to fully discharge, so it would be necessary to wait and test the remote’s functionality.

Here are the exact steps to power cycle the TCL soundbar:

1. Press the “Power” button on the TCL soundbar’s panel.
2. Unplug the power cable after the device has powered off.
3. Wait for 60 seconds while the A/C adapter is disconnected.
4. Now, hold the soundbar’s Power button for 15–20 seconds.
5. Reconnect the A/C adapter of the device back to the power.

Once you’ve completed the power cycle, check whether the TCL soundbar behaves unusually or experiences power-related interruptions. 

Note: Such problems can be caused by a loose power cord, insufficient outlet power, or equipment-related failures.

3. Check for Physical IR Obstructions

Another reason why the remote for TCL sound bar not working is a physical obstruction or wireless interference caused by a nearby device or an object. 

The TCL soundbar remote control uses a standard IR signal to communicate with the receiver, but the downside is that it can be easily interfered with by other instances.

3.1 How to Check for Physical Remote Obstructions?

The first and most likely cause for the interference is a physical obstruction, such as a larger piece of furniture in between the remote and the TV.

So, ensure your remote has a direct line of sight with the soundbar at all times to avoid constant interruptions of the signal. 

3.2 How to Check for Wireless Remote Interference?

Wireless interference can be primarily caused by other wireless devices within the range of your TCL soundbar or remote control.

So, ensure there aren’t any devices communicating over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular within a 20-foot distance from the TCL soundbar or your remote.

Tip: Ensure the IR receivers on both the TV and soundbar are free of dust accumulation!

4. Reprogram the TCL Remote Control

If your TCL soundbar remote not working, this may be caused by an underlying programming issue.

That’s why the next step is to reprogram the control remote using the “Play/Pause/Pair” button, located in the center of the remote control.

For this purpose, ensure the soundbar is turned on and in “Standby mode” before proceeding with the programming instructions.

Here’s how to reprogram the remote control of the TCL soundbar:

1. Ensure the soundbar is powered on and in Standby mode.
2. Hold the remote right next to the soundbar’s receiver lamp.
3. Hold the “Play/Pause/Pair” button on the remote’s panel.
4. Release the button after 5 seconds to start the connection.
5. Now, check if the soundbar responds after 20–30 seconds.

If the programming was successful, there should be an output from the soundbar, indicating that it has recognized the remote.

It’s recommended to press any button on the remote control right after you release the Play/Pause/Pair button, to verify the programming.

5. Test the Remote Using a Phone Camera

A quick way to determine if the TCL soundbar’s remote is sending signals at all is to use your smartphone’s camera application.

The infrared light is not visible to the naked eye, but through a camera, you should be able to see the remote’s IR lamp illuminate when a button is pressed.

So, open the camera application on your Android or iPhone and point the TCL remote control’s tip right in front of the camera lens.

Then, proceed to press any button on the remote control and check if a purplish light will be visible through the camera screen.

Possibility #1 The Remote’s IR Lamp is Visible

If you’ve managed to see the remote control’s IR lamp illuminate, it means that the remote is fully functional, and the issue is with the soundbar.

Try moving closer to the soundbar while using the remote and reboot the soundbar before seeking further assistance. 

Possibility #2 The Remote’s IR Lamp is Not Visible

If the remote control’s light is not visible through your phone’s camera, it almost certainly means that there’s a hardware defect.

In such a case, we recommend disassembling the remote by removing the bottom compartment’s screws and conducting a thorough internal inspection

6. Test with Universal TV Remote Control

If all else fails, it’s advised to test the TCL soundbar using a standard TV remote control that also communicates over infrared light.

Most of the soundbar’s functions will not be accessible through an external remote, but you should still be able to power the device On/Off or adjust the volume effectively. 

You can activate the programming mode of most universal remotes simply by pressing and holding the “Home” or “Menu” button for about 5–7 seconds.

This must be done while the TCL soundbar is within radius and then check if you can operate any of the soundbar’s functions. 

Note: If that doesn’t help, you need to seek professional assistance or try to claim the warranty!