Have you noticed your Onn TV remote becoming unresponsive or working intermittently? A malfunctioning remote can be incredibly frustrating when you just want to relax and watch TV.
Don’t worry – in most cases, you can quickly get your Onn remote working again with a few simple troubleshooting steps.
Common Reasons Your Onn TV Remote May Stop Working
Before diving into solutions, let’s review why your Onn TV remote may have issues:
Low or Dead Batteries
The #1 reason an Onn remote stops working correctly is low battery power. Symptoms include:
- Need to be very close to TV for remote to work
- Intermittent button responsiveness
- No ability to control TV at all
Battery issues account for over 50% of remote problems based on customer service call volume.
Physical Damage
Dropping or spilling liquid on the remote can lead to physical issues like stuck buttons or damaged circuits. Damage typically happens from everyday wear and tear over years of use.
Interference
Other devices using the same infrared frequency can cause interference leading to Onn remote signal issues. For example, having another TV remote, wireless headphones, toys or electronics in the same space pointing at the TV.
Out of Range
If you exceed the functional wireless range of 30-50 feet, communication from remote to TV reception sensors will cut out. Being too far away is a common problem with lost remotes ending up under couch cushions.
Software Bugs
In rare cases, a system software update glitch can cause pairing or input issues with the Onn remote, TV motherboard and HDMI ports.
Now that you know why your Onn remote may be malfunctioning, let’s explore the best ways to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
Step-by-Step Guide To Fix an Unresponsive Onn TV Remote
Before replacing your remote or paying for costly repairs, try these easy troubleshooting steps at home:
1. Check/Replace Batteries
The first step is to slide open the battery compartment and examine current batteries.
- Are the +/– ends inserted correctly, making secure contact?
- Do they need to be adjusted or replaced?
I recommend trying new batteries before any other steps even if existing ones are not completely dead.
Why? Weak battery power causes the majority of wireless communication issues. New batteries often instantly resolve problems.
2. Clean Remote Bottom and TV Sensor Area
Inspect the bottom edge of your remote – is there dirt, dust or sticky residue from drinks that could block signals? Carefully wipe clean with a dry microfiber cloth.
Next, gently wipe any dust/dirt blocking IR sensor reception area on the Onn TV frame. A cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol works well to remove glossy build-up.
3. Press & Hold Setup Button
With fresh batteries installed, press and hold the power button for 20+ seconds until indicator light blinks.
This hard reset releases any electrical charge left in capacitors and clears out temporary memory causing functionality problems. Essentially, it performs a reboot on your remote control hardware itself.
The Onn TV reset button location varies by model – check exactly where it is on your version.
4. Re-pair Remote Using Setup Code
Even after a reset, the communication connection between remote and TV may need to be re-established.
- On remote, press the setup button until indicator blinks twice
- Enter assigned 5-digit pairing code found on a sticker on back of TV
- Finally, press enter/power and try normal use. The connection should be restored.
This reconnects and resyncs your specific remote ID to match your television. Consult manual if unsure of the code.
If you need the universal remote codes for your Onn Roku TV, check out this list of Onn Roku TV remote codes.
5. Try a Remote Range Test
To confirm hardware sends and receives signals properly, perform a quick range test:
- Stand 3 feet away from TV, pointing remote directly at it
- Press power/volume up/down, confirming TV responds
- Walk slowly farther away until buttons no longer work
- If range is under 30 feet, remote may need replacement
Healthy IR remotes should function reliably up to 50+ feet if unobstructed. Shorter distances indicate component wear requiring service.
Pro Tips to Prevent Future Onn Remote Issues
Following best practices will minimize headaches from a faulty remote again:
- Don’t mix old and new batteries – Using nearly depleted batteries together with fresh ones strains overall power delivery. Replace all at once.
- Remove batteries before extended storage – Batteries can leak over time. Take batteries out if not using for a month or longer.
- Point remote directly at TV – Sending signals at angles under 30 degrees may cause intermittent issues.
- Eliminate signal interference – Make sure no other competing infrared devices are between remote and TV sensor.
- Keep remote clean and dry – Fix sticky buttons and corrosion buildup using cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Store remote safely – Set in a consistent spot away from edges of tables/damage when not actively being used. Consider a wall mount holder.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Onn TV Remotes
For additional help fixing your malfunctioning remote, browse FAQs with answers:
Can I use my Onn remote on another brand of TV?
No, Onn remotes use proprietary codes matched to element electronics TV hardware. Purchase a universal remote for multi-device control.
Why does my remote work some days but not others?
Intermittent functionality is nearly always caused by weak batteries on verge of dying. Replace batteries in pair for reliable performance.
How far should my Onn remote work from?
Expect 30-50+ feet functional range if pointed directly at front TV sensors in clear line of sight. Shorter distances indicate antennae issues.
Can I use my phone instead of the Onn remote app?
Yes! Download the Onn TV remote control app from Google Play/Apple App Store to your smartphone. Provides touchscreen convenience.
How do I pair remote if setup code fails?
First, press and hold setup button for 5 seconds until light blinks twice. Enter 0000 code, then press setup again. Repeat entering different codes until successful.
Why won’t my volume/channel buttons work?
Make sure TV input is set properly to match source device connected. Press input button to cycle through options to reestablish connection.
Should I buy insurance on my Onn remote?
Protection plans are unnecessary for inexpensive standard remotes. Better to self-insure by purchasing upgraded versions after 1-2 years preventing damage.
What is the range of the remote?
Infrared remotes function reliably up to 50 feet if pointed directly at front sensors. Range is reduced at wide angles. No signal reaches behind the TV.
Key Takeaways On Fixing Onn Remotes Not Working
Getting frustrated when your Onn TV remote starts malfunctioning or only works intermittently?
Before replacing expensive TV components or the remote itself – follow simple at-home troubleshooting steps:
- Start by inserting fresh batteries – low power causes most issues
- Press and hold power button 20+ seconds to reset remote
- Re-pair remote with TV via 5-digit setup code
- Check for dirt/damage obstructing IR sensor path
- Test remote range from varying distances
With minor maintenance like cleaning sensors and interference mitigation, you can quickly get your Onn remote working again without costly technician visits or complex Onn TV troubleshooting.
Implement pro tips above to minimize problems in the future. Enjoy seamless TV control for years to come!
