Why won’t my LG TV remote turn on or show a red light?
Answer
If the red light never lights up, the remote is usually not getting power—dead batteries, reversed batteries, or a failed remote—not a TV pairing problem. Replace the batteries first, confirm the IR LED with a phone camera, then use the TV buttons or LG’s app while you sort a replacement.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Avoid third-party “remote unlock” services or unexpected callers asking for payment or account access.
Follow these steps
Replace the batteries
Remove the batteries, check for corrosion, and insert brand-new batteries in the correct +/− orientation. Press several buttons and watch for the red light.
You should see: The red indicator lights when buttons are pressed, or it still stays dark with new batteries.
Test the IR LED with a phone camera
Open your phone’s camera, point the remote’s front tip at the lens, and press buttons. Many cameras show a brief flash even when the LED looks dark to the eye.
You should see: You either see a flash (remote is transmitting) or see nothing (remote likely has no power or a failed LED).
Confirm the TV still works without the remote
Use the power and volume buttons on the TV itself, or install the official LG ThinQ app on a phone on the same Wi‑Fi network if the TV is already set up.
You should see: The TV responds to panel buttons or the app, showing the set itself is working.
Re-pair only if the LED works
If the red light or camera flash now works, follow LG’s Magic Remote pairing steps (often holding the Wheel/OK button while pointing at the TV). Skip this if the LED never lights.
You should see: The remote pairs and controls the TV, or LG’s on-screen pairing status appears.
Replace the remote if it stays dead
If new batteries and a camera test still show no activity, order an official LG replacement remote matched to your TV model or use a compatible LG IR remote / ThinQ control as a temporary fix.
You should see: You have a working control method for the LG TV.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
0 of 5 checked
Extra tips
What to look for: Whether any LED flashes when you press buttons, whether a phone camera shows an IR flash from the remote tip, and whether the TV still responds to its physical buttons.
Before you change anything: Have a fresh set of the correct battery size ready. Confirm you are testing the original LG remote, not only a universal remote. Note your LG TV model from the sticker on the back or in Settings if you can open it from the panel buttons. Do not pay a stranger who claims they can “unlock” the remote remotely.