A cable box allows you to access and view cable TV channels on your TV. Dealing with a Cable box not responding to your remote control can be annoying.
In this post, you will learn quick tips to fix your remote control to work on your Cable box. You don’t need to be a techie to apply any of the tips. You should fix the issue by following the steps in this post.
Why Is My Cable Box Not Responding To Remote Control?
There are several reasons why your Cable box isn’t responding to a remote control. Most times than not, the issue is from the remote control. For instance, it could be something like a basic pairing issue especially if you are using a universal remote control. Also, there could be issues with the remote batteries. Finally, it could be that you need to reset your Cable box. Whichever one it is, check below on possible ways to fix the issue.
6 Tips To Fix Cable Box Not Responding To Remote Control
Tip 1. Troubleshoot The Remote-Control Buttons
This is the first tip to try to troubleshoot the remote-control buttons. Press and hold down the CBL button on your remote for a couple of seconds. Then press the Power button to turn on the Cable box. If the cable box turns on, try other function keys like the channel button. Most times, this single tip will fix the issue and get your remote working again. If not, try the other steps below.
Tip 2. Remove Signal Blocks
Most remote controls make use of wireless Infrared (IR) light to transmit signals to a TV or any device. The device or TV receives the signals and transmits them back. If there is an object sitting in front of your Cable box, it could block the signals from the remote control. The object could be a picture frame, DVD stack, or any other object. Make sure you remove any object in front of the Cable box. Also, ensure you hold the remote control close enough to the Cable box.
Tip 3: Check the Batteries
The next option is to check the batteries in your remote control. It could be that the batteries weren’t placed correctly in the battery compartment, or the batteries are dead. Most cable boxes or universal remote controls make use of AA batteries. Open the battery compartment and make sure the batteries are placed correctly. Check this post on how to install AA batteries.
Also, check the batteries for any sign of wetness. Wetness on the batteries means the batteries are dead. In that case, you have to purchase a new pair of batteries for your remote. Some remote controls have a Low Battery warning. The Component LED light blinks twice when the batteries are low and need to be replaced. Press the ‘Power’ button on your remote and check for the Low Battery Signal.
Tip 4. Power Cycle The Remote and Cable Box
Another option is to power cycle both the remote and the device. Power cycle means resetting it. Power cycling the remote control helps to loosen the buttons and make them function better. To power cycle your remote control, follow the steps below.
- Remote the batteries out of your remote.
- Start pressing every button on the remote at least once.
- Replace the batteries in your remote.
- Try pressing the function buttons on the remote to see if they will work.
You may need to power circle the Cable box to make it respond to the remote. Unplug the cable box from the power outlet. Press and hold the ‘Power’ button on the cable box for 15 seconds to drain residual power in it. Plug back to the power outlet, and power your cable box. Try using the remote control.
Tip 5. Reprogram The Cable Box Remote
You may need to program your remote control to your Cable Box again if you accidentally unprogrammed it. Follow the steps below to program a universal remote control to your Cable box.
. Turn on your Cable box and TV.
. Press and hold the ‘Cable/Satellite’ button and hold for 15 seconds.
. Press the ‘Setup’ button. The LED light will blink twice. Some remote controls don’t have a ‘Set’ button, instead, they press the ‘Program’ button.
. Enter the remote ‘Code’ using the number buttons. Press the channel + buttons until your TV turns off.
All-in-One Cable Box Remote Codes
- 0527
- 0512
- 0511
- 0487
- 0532
- 0468
- 0432
- 0473
- 0483
- 0475
Tip 6. Contact Customer Service
If you’ve tried all the tips above and your cable box still won’t respond to remote control signals, you can contact customer service support. The customer support can walk you through other tips to try out. They can also activate the return policy if it’s within the 12 months warranty period.