Repair remote control: how it works
It is annoying when the TV remote control stops working. We explain how you can repair your remote control and what could have caused damage to the everyday companion.
Is the remote control really broken?
First, you should determine whether your remote control is really broken. Often, other factors play a role when the remote control stops responding or reacts poorly.
- It may also be easy that your remote control's batteries are flat. Remove the batteries and test them with a battery tester. Replace the batteries if necessary.
- Test whether the remote control works again if you hold the infrared sensor at the top edge of the remote control directly and close to the reception sensor of the TV set. If the remote control now works, the batteries will run out of juice.
- Switch the camera of your smartphone to "Recording" and hold the remote control with the sensor in front of the lens. If the remote control is still working, the cell phone's image recording chip shows the infrared rays of the remote control by a flickering blue light on the display.
- Older remote controls, in particular, no longer function properly if damaged by dirt, dust and dirt. If your remote control has not given any sign of life so far, then it must be opened.
- If the solution below doesn't help either, you should definitely buy a universal remote control. If this does not work, then something is wrong with the infrared receiver of the TV.
Repair remote control: how it works
- To repair the remote control, you have to open it first. To do this, push apart the side of the housing shell with a thin knife or loosen the small screws in the battery compartment.
- Then check the inside of the remote control and the electronics for contamination.
- Most of the contacts or the conductive rubber mat are slightly dirty.
- You now need some vinegar or fit water to clean the remote control.
- Moisten a rag, preferably made of gentle microfibers, with a tiny amount of the liquid. Never pour the vinegar or water directly onto the contacts or the rubber mat!
- Then dab the rubber mat, the contact points and the electronics with little pressure.
- Finally, leave the remote control a little open and dry before putting it back together.
In another practical tip, we will explain what you can do if your Samsung TV no longer responds to the remote control.