Remotes & Controls

Getting the most from your remote

The remote is how you talk to your television. Understanding a few common buttons and habits makes everyday use faster and calmer — and makes the occasional hiccup easy to solve.

Published 30 March 2026 · Updated 28 May 2026 · SmartTVConnectGuide Editorial Team

Basic remote functions

Although remotes vary, most share the same core controls: power, volume, channel or navigation, a select or “OK” button, a home button, and a back button. Learning where these sit by feel means you can operate the television without looking down.

Understanding common buttons

Home
Returns you to the main home screen from anywhere.
Back
Steps back one screen without leaving the current app.
Input / Source
Switches between connected devices such as players and consoles.
Options / Menu
Opens extra choices for whatever is currently on screen.

Navigating television menus

Use the directional pad to move around and the select button to confirm. If you get lost, the home button is a reliable way to start again from a familiar place.

Voice-control privacy considerations

Some remotes include a microphone for voice search. If you prefer not to use it, you can usually disable voice features in settings. It is worth understanding what is captured when the microphone button is pressed — review the voice or privacy section of your television's settings and the wider privacy basics.

Battery maintenance

  • Replace batteries as a pair with the correct type for your remote.
  • If the remote becomes erratic, weak batteries are a common cause.
  • Remove batteries if the remote will be unused for a long period.

Input selection

When you connect a device and see a blank screen, the television is often simply set to the wrong input. Press the input or source button and choose the socket your device is plugged into, such as HDMI 1 or HDMI 2. There is more on this in our troubleshooting guide.

Basic pairing concepts

Some remotes connect wirelessly and may occasionally need re-pairing. The exact steps differ between televisions, so follow the pairing instructions in your television's built-in help or settings. As a general concept, pairing usually involves holding a button on the remote near the television until an on-screen confirmation appears.

Troubleshooting an unresponsive remote

  1. Check for a clear line of sight to the television and remove any obstruction.
  2. Replace the batteries with a fresh pair.
  3. Restart the television with the power button on the set itself.
  4. Re-pair the remote using your television's built-in instructions if it connects wirelessly.

Universal remote considerations

A universal remote can control several devices from one handset. If you use one, keep its setup guide handy, since programming steps are specific to each model. A universal remote is optional — the remote supplied with your television is designed to work with all of its features.

Frequently asked questions

My remote works sometimes — what should I check first?

Start with fresh batteries and a clear line of sight. Intermittent behaviour is very often a battery issue.

Can I turn off the microphone on my remote?

On most remotes with voice search, yes. Look for a voice or privacy option in the television's settings.