BenQ Projector Remote Not Working? (Let’s Fix It Fast)

We know how it feels when preparing for a movie night, only to find out the BenQ projector remote not working, but don’t get discouraged–there’s a simple solution!

In most cases, the batteries of your BenQ projector remote tend to give up first, but if it’s not that, then we’ve prepared other solutions, such as checking for interference and recalibrating.

Let’s get started!

BenQ Projector Remote Not Working – 7 Quick Ways To Fix!

Note: Make sure that the projector is turned on and the lamp is not lit in red.

1. Set the Remote Receiver Option

The “Remote Receiver” option is a specific feature of all BenQ projectors that negates the IR waves sent by the remote control.

If set to “Off”, neither of your remote’s buttons will be able to command the projector and activate any of the functions.

Tip: Use the built-in navigation arrows to access the menu while the remote is inactive!

How to Set BenQ’s Remote Projector Option?

1. Press the “Menu” button on the projector.
2. Navigate to “System Setup” then “Basic”.
3. Use the “Down” arrow to scroll downward.
4. Highlight “Remote Receiver” and hit “OK”.

Now, the following options will appear on the screen:

• “Front”
• “Top”
• “Front + Top”
• “Off”

We recommend setting the projector to either of these, except for “Off”.

Check how the remote interacts with the projector on each of the settings and if still doesn’t work, keep reading further!

2. Interact Within BenQ’s Range

An essential requirement is to stay within your BenQ projector’s range while using the remote.

Unlike remote controls operating on wireless Bluetooth or another type of radio frequency, this remote has an IR blaster with a set range of 20–25 feet (~10 meters).

Try to stand right next to the projector’s OSD panel and press different buttons on the remote to test all of the functions.

Also, check if the volume can be regulated, try to turn off the projector or change the source.

If the projector only works while you’re close, the batteries may be weak. 

Note: Even if you have the USB dongle remote, it still works over a limited range of several feet. 

3. Discharge the BenQ Remote 

If your BenQ projector remote is not working, another potential culprit is the battery charge.

Even if the remote is programmed and worked fine until a while ago, replacing the batteries could address faults with the range and the command execution.

What Batteries Does BenQ Remote Use?

The BenQ projector remote uses two AAA batteries and the battery compartment is found on the inner underside of the bottom panel.

So, place the remote with the buttons facing down and apply upward pressure to remove the latch. 

How to Power Cycle BenQ Remote?

1. Take both batteries out of the BenQ remote.
2. Hold the “Power” button for 10–15 seconds.
3. Hold each remote button for ~2 seconds.
4. Reinstall your batteries and place the cover.

Shortly after the batteries are installed, test several of the remote’s buttons and determine if there will be an output by the projector.

If not, replace the batteries with a brand-new set of triple-A batteries and again, test all functions. 

4. Check for Infrared Interference

Interference is a common thing with IR-based remote controls, because of the signal type itself.

All of BenQ’s remote controls emit an infrared wave that can be easily blocked by an object in between or another device operating on a wireless frequency.

How to Identify Physical Interference?

Well, physical interference is considered more common, specifically with remote operating via infrared lightning.

The most often causes of physical interference are:

• Solid obstructions or furniture.
• Improper projector positioning.
• Unclean sensors of the remote.
• Reflecting surfaces out of metal.

On the other hand, this type of interference can be solved extremely easily–ensure there’s a clear line of path between the remote and the projector.

How to Identify Wireless Interference?

This type of interference tends to be a little more tricky to identify and respectively, solve.

It can be caused by wireless devices operating via 2.4 GHz frequency, which can conflict with the IR. 

Verify there are no Bluetooth devices, RF transmitters, and radios close to your projector since interfering devices can cause flickering issues and picture problems.

5. Recalibrate the BenQ Remote

Whether the BenQ projector remote not pairing or not working, a proper recalibration should address all communication issues.

Assuming you’ve already noticed, the remote of your BenQ projector does not have a standard pairing procedure, and you will require the USB dongle that came along with it.

You could also use a universal remote with the BenQ remote and conduct universal IR programming. 

How to Calibrate a BenQ Smart Remote (USB)?

1. Reinsert the USB dongle from the BenQ projector.
2. Hold the “V-” and “BLANK” buttons on the remote.
3. Release once the remote’s LED light starts to flash.
4. Wait for several seconds and test the BenQ remote.

How to Calibrate a BenQ Universal Remote?

1. Hold the “HOME” or “MENU” button for 10 seconds.
2. Use the keypad to type the remote’s IR pairing code.
3. Next, press the “Power” button to finalize the pairing.

Most popular remotes have the following pairing code:

• LG: 0178 / 1423 / 2065
• Samsung: 0812 / 2051 / 3131 / 1060
• Sony: 1001 / 1036 / 1904
• Vizio: 1758 / 2707 / 0864
• Panasonic: 0051 / 0250 / 0650
• Philips: 0752 / 0081 / 0706

If your remote brand wasn’t listed above, check the user manual if you still have it or consult online for all values of the 3 or 4-digit programming code. 

Note: The remote and USB dongle are factory-paired, but you can reactivate the programming process with the steps above. 

6. Check for USB Dongle Issues (Smart Remote)

As established, newer BenQ remote controls use a USB dongle to maintain a private radio frequency connection at all times.

A fault with the dongle could prevent your projector from responding to your remote-initiated commands or cause it to lose functionality persistently.

Here are the solutions we recommend against USB dongle issues!

Plug into a Different USB Port

The projector may be failing to recognize the remote due to an obstruction of the USB port or a problem with the pins/connectors.

Your BenQ projector may have up to two 2.0/3.0 USB ports, so it’s recommended to test the remote’s dongle on an alternative input.

Update the Dongle’s Drivers

If nothing else worked, connecting the dongle to one of your computer’s USB ports is an easy way to tell if it’s recognized.

Simply wait for Windows recognition then go to “Device Manager” → “Universal Serial Bus controllers” and check whether there is any device under “BenQ”.

• To update the drivers, double-click on the dongle’s tile and go to “Driver” → “Update Driver” → “Search automatically”.

Note: There may not be dongle drivers available for manual installation if the automatic search doesn’t find anything. 

Check for Overheating

Projectors tend to operate at high temperatures due to the default heat generation of the HW.

The USB dongle may be getting persistently heated up around the components of the projector, leading to communication issues with the remote.

To prevent overheating, we recommend unplugging the dongle and waiting for at least several minutes until it has fully cooled down. 

7. Factory Reset the Remote Control

If all else fails, and your BenQ projector remote not working still, a factory restoration might resolve the issue with your BenQ remote.

Well, the reset is different for dongle-operated and universal remotes, hence proceed with the correct instructions.

How to Factory Reset a BenQ Smart Remote?

1. Press the “MENU” button on the BenQ projector.
2. Next, use the “DOWN” arrow to go to “System”.
3. Press on “OK” then select “FACTORY DEFAULT”.
4. Now, press “OK” again and follow the instructions.

Warning: The restoration procedure for a dongle-operated remote requires restoring the receiver to factory defaults, which erases all of the device’s options. 

How to Factory Reset a Universal Projector Remote?

A universal remote can often be reset by holding the “HOME” or “MENU” button for an extended period, typically until the indicator light blinks.

For accurate reset instructions, consult the remote user manual or check online. 

• Philips remote: Hold “Setup” and enter “9-8-1” on the keypad.
• LG remote: Hold “Back” and “Home” for 5–7 seconds.
• Samsung remote: Remove the batteries for 30 seconds.
• Vizio remote: Hold “Setup” and enter “9-8-0” on the keypad.
• Panasonic remote: Remove the batteries and press any button.
• Sony remote: Remote the batteries and hold “Power” for 10 seconds.

Tip: If you’re still facing remote issues, or other BenQ projector problems get in touch with BenQ for further assistance.