Why Is My Smart TV Remote So Slow? 5 Causes and Repairs

Smart TVs are supposed to be advanced, quick, and reliable; But sometimes, they seem slower than old-school remotes. What’s the point of having a fancy tech setup if you can’t use it? We’ve all been incredibly frustrated with technology issues, but a slow remote can be fixed quite easily.

Your smart TV remote is so slow because the TV’s receiver is blocked, you’re too far out of the signal’s range, the remote’s batteries are drained, or it’s not synced with the TV properly. Make sure your TV has the latest software update to prevent compatibility errors, too.

In this article, we’ll show you why your smart TV’s remote is laggy or delayed, how you can fix it, and tips to reset or resync it quickly. We’ll also talk about several methods to repair an unresponsive remote and when it might be time to replace it.

Note: If you want to have all the latest channels and networks without getting a fancy, expensive setup, try Amazon’s Firestick TV. This remote comes with everything you watch, and it’s ultra-quick and responsive. I use the remote almost every day without any issues.

How Do I Fix a Delayed TV Remote?

To fix a delayed TV remote, start by checking its signal distance, then move anything blocking the receiver. Fingerprints and dust are often enough to cause lag or delayed remote responses. Clean the receiver on the TV and the remote for the best results.

Follow this step-by-step process if your smart TV’s remote is delayed:

1. Clear anything between your TV remote and its receiver. Chairs, tables, pictures, and other items can block the signal strength. This issue is very common for those of you who have their TV sitting on a coffee table or entertainment center with a bunch of photos around it.
2. Clean the remote and the receiver with a soft cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, and other debris. Don’t used any liquids or powders to scrub these spots. A microfiber cloth or chamois will do the trick. Both of them are gentle enough to not scrape the sensitive receivers, but they’re tough enough to get rid of dust and fingerprints.
3. Ensure you’re within the required range to keep the remote’s signal strong. Sometimes, your distance is the only thing slowing your remote down. Move the couch or chair a little closer to the TV and you’ll be surprised by how quickly it works. You could also move the receiver closer to the couch if your TV has a separate one.
4. Check for the latest software update on your smart TV. Much like Prime Video issues, your smart TV’s remote might not be working properly because it’s outdated. Head to the settings menu and look for the latest update. These updates contain security improvements, responsiveness, and more.
5. Close unused apps to prevent lag. The problem might lie within your excessive mass of applications on the TV. In other words, make it a habit to close anything you’re not using; Otherwise, every app you open will be running for as long as you have the TV. Click the app, go to its settings menu, and close it or stop it from running.

How Do I Reset My Smart TV Remote?

To reset your smart TV’s remote, remove the batteries, hold the power button for 10 seconds, then replace the batteries. This should restart and reprogram most smart TV remotes. If yours doesn’t reset, review the remote’s instructional guide that should’ve come with it.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the resetting process:

• Remove the batteries from your smart TV’s remote and test them to ensure they’re fully charged. You can use a multimeter to test them quickly. I’ve had the AstroAI Multimeter for a few years now and it works well with AA and AAA batteries. Set it to the right mode and place the red lead on one side and the black lead on the other.
• Hold down the power button for 10 seconds (Source: A Savvy Web). Even though there aren’t batteries in the remote, there will be a bit of residual power. Holding the power button gets rid of it and tells the remote to go to sleep, letting you reset it.
• Release the power button, replace the batteries, and turn on the TV. The remote should work as good as new. This process typically only works for smart TV remotes, so it might not be the correct solution if you don’t have a smart TV (however, it’s best for Samsung remotes).
• Cycle through the settings menu and update the TV or remote if necessary. If you read my guide about updating smartwatches, you probably know how a smart device that isn’t current with the latest update can be a bit slow. It has to store the memory of a new update while using the old one, making it drag along.

How to Fix an Unresponsive Remote

To fix an unresponsive remote, replace the batteries or test the current set with a multimeter. Once you’re sure the batteries are charged, click and hold the sync button on the remote and TV. This button is usually a tiny black or red circle about half the diameter of a pea. Wait until they’re blinking at the same time, then release the buttons.

Try this method to fix your unresponsive TV remote:

1. Replace the batteries if they’re not charged or are failing. Needless to say, used or failing batteries will ruin your remote’s performance. Test them with the aforementioned multimeter to ensure they’re good to go.
2. Turn on the TV.
3. Hold the syncing button on the front of the remote and behind the smart TV’s signal receiver. Much like you larned in the previous two sections, it’s important to make sure the remote and TV are synced. Some remotes and TVs have sunken buttons, so you’ll need a pin or needle to press and hold them.
4. Release both sync buttons once they’re blinking together. If they’re not blinking at the same time, release both buttons and make sure you click and hold them at the exact same moment.
5. Test your remote to ensure it’s working properly. This process works with Firesticks, Samsung remotes, LG remotes, and many other popular smart (and non-smart) TV remotes.

If this process didn’t work, Instructables has an impressive breakdown of how you can clean the inside of your remote to keep it from overheating and slowing down. I highly suggest reviewing it if you have spare time.

In Conclusion

Smart TV remotes shouldn’t lag, delay, or become unresponsive. It often seems like new-age technology makes things more complicated, unfortunately. However, keeping the tips and tricks found throughout this post will make it much easier to get back to your favorite shows, movies, podcasts, and more.