Fixed: Insignia TV Remote Not Working

We get it – it can be annoying to find out that your Insignia TV remote isn’t working after an exhausting day. Don’t replace it just yet, because there are a few troubleshooting steps you can do.

Today, our professional appliance technicians will guide you to fix this Insignia TV remote issue. So, without further ado, let’s start! 

Why is My Insignia TV Smart Remote Not Functioning?

Before jumping to resolutions, let’s first know why your Insignia TV remote is acting up. Several factors could go wrong in your remote control (RC). 

Insignia TV Remote

6 Methods to Fix Your Insignia TV Remote

Fix #1: Reset or Power Cycle Your Remote

First, try to power cycle the remote or simply do a remote reset. Too good to be true, right? But it can resolve the problem. 

Just simply: 

batteries removed from Insignia TV Remote
  1. Take the batteries out of the remote
  2. Then, wait for about 2 to 3 minutes
  3. Put them back in and try using the remote if it works.

Fix #2: Reset Your Insignia Smart TV

Using the remote for your TV device is not complex. Though it controls an Insignia Smart TV or Insignia Fire TV, it functions the same as any other remotes you’ve used before. 

You can factory reset your television using the buttons on its side and back panel or installing the Insignia Remote Application on your phone. 

To do a reset, here’s how to get this done:

  1. Go to your TV “Settings.”
  2. Choose the “System” option. 
  3. Then, choose “Reset to Factory Defaults” to return your television to its factory settings. 
resetting Insignia Smart TV

Note: Your TV and remote will also be re-paired through this method. Also, you’ll need to sign in to any of your streaming services after the reset.   

Other Reset Method

If you don’t have a remote application installed on your phone and your TV has no buttons, you still have another option. 

Just press and hold your TV’s “Power” button for 10 seconds, or until you see the changes on the screen, and the LED light should start to blink. It looks similar to resetting an iPhone; hold down the “Power” button, wait for a few seconds, and everything will return to its default settings.

Fix #3: Re-pair the Remote

Your Insignia TV remote issue can be fixed by re-pairing it to your TV. You have three ways to do this. 

pressing navigation button on Insignia TV Remote
  1. If you’re using the enhanced version of the Insignia RC, open the back of the remote, and there should be a pair button below the batteries. Hold that specific “Pair Button,” and it will automatically revert the connection to your Insignia TV or Insignia Smart TV. 
  2. Sometimes your Insignia Smart TV remote or Insignia Fire TV remote have no pair button. If this is the issue, point the remote to your television and press and hold the “Home” button for 30 seconds. 
  3. Lastly, if the previous options have not worked, try to press and hold back the “Left Navigation” button and the “Menu” button together for 30 seconds. Make sure you’re pointing the remote to the TV to make it work. 

Fix #4: Replace the Batteries

Whether you’re using a universal Insignia remote, a Fire TV remote, or the Insignia Smart TV remote, you need to check if it has working batteries. The batteries might be dead, causing remote malfunction.

Insignia TV Remote battery replacement

Just get the old batteries from the compartment, and replace them with new batteries [1]. Then, try using the remote control again to test the issue. If you still encounter issues, try the next fixes. 

Fix #5: Inspect the Smart TV Receiver for Obstructions

If something gets in between the receiver and the remote, it will block the signal coming. Most TVs nowadays have receivers you can hardly see, which you unintentionally block with things around your TV. 

Try to declutter the space around your Insignia TV. Inspect for obstructions like decors, picture frames, photo albums, vases, etc. If your remote works fine after, no technical methods are needed. 

Fix #6: Browse Your Insignia TV's Settings

Another troubleshooting method is browsing your Insignia television’s settings. Make sure your TV is set in the right settings. 

Insignia TV settings

You can simply press the “Settings” button on your RC. Then, navigate where the volume settings are and ensure to set the proper audio source. That’s it! 

When to Get a New Remote + Contact Insignia Support

If all the troubleshooting methods above don’t work, the best action you can take is to get a new remote. 

Sometimes, the issue with your TV remote is caused by a broken or failing internal component – making it unfixable. Buy a new remote if the issue is caused by:

holding a tv remote

But, if that’s not the case, we suggest contacting Insignia’s customer support and reiterating your concern. After that, you can send them the faulty remote for a replacement or repair. Visit their official website to reach their customer support. 

Alternative: Smartphone Remote App

Like Insignia TVs, Amazon Fire TV and Roku TV have their own mobile application allowing you to control your television using your phone. Luckily, these programs are compatible with Android and iOS devices. 

Like other users, you need to download the app. Make sure your television and phone are using  the same Wi-Fi network for this to work. 

We recommend using the Smartphone Remote App if you don’t want to spend to buy a new remote. 

How to Fix an Insignia TV Remote That Won't Pair

If your TV or universal remote won’t connect to your home screen, try to power reset both. Start by pressing the “Home” button for a full 10 seconds. 

Insignia TV Remote won't pair

After around a minute, your TV and RC should be able to connect again. However, if they still don’t, try to unplug it from the power outlet and plug it back again.

How to Fix an Insignia TV Remote That Doesn't Change Channels

You may try different steps to fix an Insignia TV remote that does not switch channels.

How to Fix Your Insignia TV Remote Sensor

Fix #1: Check the Line of Sight

Make sure there’s no obstruction – blocking the signal from your remote to the TV. 

holding an Insignia TV Remote

Fix #2: Wipe the Sensors Clean

You must clean the TV sensor at least twice in two weeks. If the TV sensor is covered with dirt, it cannot receive a signal properly from your remote. So, try wiping the sensors clean and reconnecting your remote with your TV.

Fix #3: Power Cycle Your TV

Doing a clean power cycle on your entire TV can fix the issue. You can get this done by: 

  1. Unplugging your TV from the power source or power strip. 
  2. Holding the “Power” button for about a minute, then release.

Now, check the remote with your TV if both work fine. 

You can try these fixes on an Insignia universal remote, Insignia Smart TV remote, Fire TV or Roku TV remote.

FAQ

Will I be able to control my Insignia TV without using a remote?

Yes, you can control your Insignia TV without using a remote. You can use the Insignia TV button, universal remote, or the Insignia remote app. 

Conclusion

If your Insignia remote stops working, you won’t have to be alarmed as there are simple and easy-to-follow fixes that can resolve the problem. 

But when the problem is unfixable, you still have the option to control your TV using the Insignia mobile application. 

Writer

Willie Greer
Willie Greer
Willie Greer is the founder of The Product Analyst. A cinephile, he has made it a personal quest to achieve the awesomest home theater possible. He now shares what he has learned through the years on the site, and has enlisted the help of tech-savvy colleagues in providing more insight about today’s most sought-after gadgets.