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Remote sensor doesn't work

My remote sensor isn't working properly. It's not the batteries. Both my cable remote and tv remote doesn't turn the tv on, off or control the volume . When I turn it on manually, my cable remote will change channels and control everything but the volume and on/off functions so it has to be the remote sensor on the tv. The cable box responds to the cable remote. I've unplugged the remote sensor and plugged in earplugs , cleaned it with alcohol and nothing.

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Hi,

The sensor normally doesn't discriminate as to what type of signals it receives. It just changes the received code signal from the remote control from IR to an electrical signal for the TV's processor to interpret.

Does your TV's remote control unit also control everything except the ON/OFF and Volume as well when you turn on the TV manually?

What is the model number of your TV and also what is the make and model number of your cable box?

Also not quite sure what you you say "I've unplugged the remote sensor and plugged in earplugs cleaned it with alcohol and nothing". What do you mean by "earplugs" and I assume you mean that you cleaned the sensor with alcohol?

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Hi,

Thanks for your response!

Model# UN32H5203F, Type#UN32H5203

I unplugged the IR sensor and plugged in earphones as I read it would reset itself. I've been having this issue on and off for a year. My cable box is a TiVo Mini. The TV remote doesn't do anything, I really never use it as I use the cable remote fo everything but when this happens I try them both. This first happened last January just when the 1 year warranty ran out.

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I have a similar problem I can change Channel ie up and down, last channel and input channel no but nothing else cant turn on cant turn volume up or down

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model lg 42lg 50

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We are having the same issues. The smart hub button works but the enter button does not. The mute, on/off and channel up/down does not work. We can turn the Samsung TV on from the button but we can't do anything else in terms of volume. What is the solution?

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Hi Jo Ann,

To find your problem may be a process of elimination. If you are willing to proceed with this I shall try to guide you through the process.

Although reading the reviews online regarding your TV you are not alone in the problems that you are having with the remote.

The process involves doing things that you may think "why?" but as I said you have to eliminate them from the possibilities.

Doing some of these checks may restore the TV to its factory default condition and you will have to set it up again. Just so that you are aware of this before you start. (if you want to do this of course)

1. Does the TV remote work OK, by pointing it at the TV, with the remote sensor unplugged?

If it does see #3 below

If not:

Given that the power and volume buttons are the 2 most used buttons on a remote then you need to prove that the TV remote is OK.

You can test the remote by using a mobile phone's camera app or a digital camera . Simply point the remote at the phone or camera (which is turned on obviously) and looking at the remote through the LCD viewing screen simply press a button on the remote. You should see a pulsing light at the end of the remote. Do this for the power button and the volume buttons. If you don't see a light try another button which you know works with the TV to prove that it works and that you are doing it right.

If the remote works also do this test for the cable remote's power and volume buttons that you use for the TV control to ensure that they work as well.

2. If the remote buttons are OK, leave the remote sensor unplugged and try a power reset. Switch off the TV, switch off the power outlet and unplug the TV from the outlet. Press and hold the power button on the TV for 30 seconds and then release. Reconnect the power cable to the TV, switch on the power outlet and then switch on the TV. Test if the remote control now works correctly.

If it works plug in the remote sensor (you may have to set it up again) and then see if the remote still works OK.

If it stops working properly again

3. Are there any other electronic devices or even lights which are turned on, (CFL) in the direct "field of view" of the remote sensor's "window" (not the cable box of course)? If so either switch them off or move them and see if it makes a difference.

I can only find the generic user guide for your model but I was wondering if you could go through the menu options of the TV somewhere in the General Settings area to see if there is a mention of the firmware or software version that is installed in the TV. There are software updates available for your TV, unfortunately Samsung doesn't state what they do or what they are for but it doesn't hurt to check if you have the latest software installed.

Apologies for the long reply.

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Again, I really appreciate your time. I have in the past and did again check both remotes with the camera from my cell phone. They are both fine. I did as you said with resetting, but again, nothing. The tv remote doesn't do anything at all, cannot access the menu, tools, etc. which shows me that it's the tv sensor . I turn on the tv manually and use my cable remote to change channels but that is all it will do which tells me the remote from the cable box is fine. Nothing is blocking the external sensor and I've positioned it several ways. I have also unplugged the tv for several hours as that was another solution that was recommended but did not work.

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And yes, the cable remote works with the remote sensor unplugged.

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Hi Jo Ann,

Thank you for that.

Just verifying that the TV remote does not work with the external sensor removed but the cable remote does, and you are pointing the cable remote at the cable box no doubt. Have I got it right?

If so it seems that I have wasted some of your time. You were right. Apologies.

You may wish to try replacing the sensor board in the TV. Here is a link to a replacement (I think)You can double check this by finding the board number printed on the sensor board and seeing if it matches the number of the board in the link. If it doesn't just Google the number on your sensor board and see if there are any results.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-UN32H520...

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I just ordered this on eBay, wish me luck, lol.

Original Samsung LED TV IR Blaster Infrared Extender Cable BN96-31644A OEM

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Hi,

I was thinking that the IR sensor in the TV might be faulty as with the external sensor removed you would have to point to the sensor in the TV with the remote control not replace an external one.

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Most Helpful Answer

Press return key and play button for 5 sec simultaneously and you see the paring completed with remote picture

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16 Comments:

That worked! Thanks!!

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Thanks- you just helped me as well!

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return + menu together helped me for remote pairing..

but network issues continue

unable to detect wireless network

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Also worked for me, thanks a bunch! Was thinking I was gonna have to buy a new remote board or whatever controls that part of the tv

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Return and menu button together worked for me as well!!! Thanks for the help! Remote had been down for months and thought I was gonna have to buy a new remote!

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I had the same problem, symptom was the smart remote power button worked, but nothing else. Also, my smartphone TV remote app didn't work either, so I suspected the TV. First I did a hard reset on the remote (remove batteries, press any button for 20-30 seconds) and replaced the batteries, that didn't help. Unplugged the TV, waited a minute, pressed and held the power button for 30 seconds. Plugged it back in and everything is working now.

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Just tried the unplugging and holding the power button and everything is working! Thanks Doug!

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Worked for me as well. Contacted Samsung via chat and they said it as a known problem with the remote and they "would get back" to me.

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Unplugging works but only for a short time, it's not a permanent fix in my situation.

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Could this be a software issue? I'm having a problem too, I did this unplug and that worked for a few hours. I did a complete reset, that worked for about 20 minutes. The sensor on the TV is flashing when I hit buttons on the remote showing that it's receiving a signal but just doesn't do anything. The Power Button seems to work consistently, though sometimes it's delays to turn off right away.

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Not sure because I have downloaded updates. Very frustrating. I was told to install a new internal remote sensor (IRS) . I'm pretty tech savvy but my hands aren't what they used to be and to have a professional do it, I might as well just buy a new tv.

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If you smart remote does note work (except for turn on and off the TV), then all you have to do is pair again the remote with the tv by pressing for about 5 seconds the exit and extra bottom at the same time. After about 2 years in this situation this solution did work just fine for me.

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thank you Orlando, You made my day. This worked for me. Remote is back in business :)

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Pressing for about 5 seconds the exit and extra bottom at the same time worked for me. Thank you Orlando!

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Found the exit but where is the extra bottom

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But still if it's not working then you are the most idiot person on earth for last 3 years.

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Dude idk how i figured out what an extra bottom was but it worked. Thank you.

Note: extra bottom = volume button)

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I held the remote about 12 inches from the TV sensor, pressed the two buttons either side of the coloured Smart Hub button for about 5 seconds - the sensor on the TV started flashing on and off very quickly - and that was that. Normal Service restored and working remote!

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Just seen this blog, very interesting. Can anybody help me?

My problem is with the control for my Philips surround sound. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't? No reasoning what's so ever.

I've had the remote tested and that's okay. My Sky remote works the volume only (which is what I want it to do) when the main Philips remote control decides to work and Sky/Philips remote doesn't work when the system decides it doesn't want to work !

Any help would very much be appreciated.

Thank you,

Mike

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I ddi work for me as well. Thank you for the tips!

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Hello can somebody help me?

I have a tv LG 60UH850 my remote control only works when I push on/off button or the internet button.

The other buttons don't works at all.

is there any possibilities for pairing the tv with the remote?

Thank you.

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I've got that problem too not able to turn the channels over with the remote control I'm having someone from the shop coming round today if he can get it working with remote control then I shall keep it if not then a refund. They should supply a refund. It works fine by pressing on television and able to watch video. To watch video whilst tele channels on you need to go into source press the v buttons down on your tele click on source list and then scroll down to svideo. I need to be up to date there all now flat screen televisions these days.

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Remote not working except power button

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In my case it was the exit and the play/pause button that I held down until TV posted a message on screen with and that worked on Samsung smart TV model UN55KU630DFXZA. Thanks for the tip, Orlando.

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Just unplug for 30 secs, plug back in and hold down the power button on the remote until the tv turns on shuts off and turns back on again and it's paired

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Yes, I've done all of the above except install a new sensor. In my case that doesn't work. If I unplug my TV for days, when I plug it back in the remote will work for about an hour. Unplugging and pressing power does nothing. The TV is practically brand new, since it was only used for a year before the sensor started not working.

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Hi Jo Ann, having same problem now. Tv was fine & now the sensor is flashing. Tried all the above & it’s still not working. Tv is pretty new, it’s defo the remote. How did you fix yours if you managed to?

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The tv might have the srs hd functiion

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I think the sensor is extra sensitive. Every couple days I have to wipe around the sensor on the tv to get dust off and it starts working again.

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Hello JoAnn, maybe try another remote control, and see if it works, if not then yes its your tv. Thank you, Greg

Try to find a new remote at the link below:

https://www.goodforu2002store.com/produc...

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JoAnn, I have the EXACT same problem. I can't use the remote to turn the TV on/off or change the volume. But, every now and then, the remote works for these functions. I too have tried everything everyone suggested, just like you. But, I haven't replaced the IRS, did you do it? Did you find another solution? Thank you!

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I agree with the comment from Guy above. My remotes were working intermittently. Opening up the unit, (like 20 screws!), disconnecting the white cord from the single small hidden button on the back (pinching top and bottom and pulling slowly) completely solved my problem. All three remotes worked immediately.

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There is a common problem with many of the Samsung TVs. If your remote works intermittently you may have a bad wireless network card. This is relatively easy to fix. The card can be replaced or just unplugged if you don’t need it. I unplugged my card and left it in since my TV is connected via ethernet.

You have to take the back of the TV off to access the card. On my 55" UN55H6350 I had to remove about 20 phillips head screws. Once you remove the back, the card is held on with one screw and is is connected with a ribbon type connection. My wireless card is the “Samsung BN59-01174A Wi-Fi Module” and this fits many other TVs. If you search on that part number you will find many sources for the part and videos on how to remove it. It sells for about $40 from Samsung and less elsewhere.

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I had the same issue. Unplugging the optical audio cable from the back of the tv fixed it. Very weird. 45 minutes after plugging the cable back in and it's still responding.

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My Samsung smart tv remote works only turning on the tv, changing channels,putting volume up and down, but the source button, E- manual button, setting button, info button, return button, home button(which is right under the ch list button), and exit buttons don't work. I honestly thought it was the tv but it is the controller batteries which I changed them to new ones but I think I unpaired it which is never good. May some one help me please

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Just need restart your TV: power cable to off, after few second to on...

But Samsung support recommend to buy new remote for $285...

Good business..., but not good for you...

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This just happened to me, I changed the remote batteries and no way it would work, it only turned the TV on and off but no other command would work, then I unplugged the TV for like 10 minutes and plugged it back again, and pointed the remote at the TV to connect both of them and, Voila! it worked! pairing complete, and remote is working again, hope this helps to whoever is having the same issue!

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The LED sensor of my Samsung LED model# : UA40K5000ARSMZ, Model Year :2017 has a issue . My Remote is working properly . When I turn on TV ,remote works till half n hour but after that ,remote doesn't work to change channel or do anything on LED TV while remote works on other TVs. It means TV sensor might has some problem . How should I correct it?

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Download Samsung remote app to your phone. It works through WiFi and will act as back up when remote sensor is playing up

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These Samsung issues seem ridiculous and I will never buy this piece of $@$* products from them again. I remember when it used to mean something now it is Chinese crap!

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The TV is fine just hold the power button down for 5 secs to restart and pair your TV.

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Nope every time I turn on the tv the remote is not linked. So I need to hold those two buttons down for it to recognize the remote , but then our volume is stuck at 16. It will mute but then stay stuck off. I heard buying a new remote won’t work, and of course Samsung is a huge waste of time as is dealing with Square Trade who I have an extended warranty with.

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I linked my samsung TV and remote together by holding the power button down on the remote for 5 secs . Same exact problem. After you link the remote and TV together restart your smart hub settings in the menu. Pair your Bluetooth speakers in the audio menu and then try to adjusting the volume.

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My TV is a pre smart TV, about ten years old. The remote stopped working. Got two new ones, don't ask! And they worked fine but the fault is now back intermittently. It's completely random, no time connection, it may work all evening then not then, five minutes later it works. Both new controls work when it does and don't when it doesn't. Any ideas on that one? I know it's quite old by today's standards but it's a good enough one for us and, as we're retired we don't want to have to buy a new one. Help!

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Jo Ann will be eternally grateful.
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