How to Fix Remote for DirecTV Not Working

Are you experiencing issues with your DirecTV remote not working properly? Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you get it up and running.

If you’re a DIRECTV customer, it can be frustrating when your remote stops working. The good news is that you’re not alone. We receive many inquiries about the same issue of DirecTV remotes not working. In this article, we will discuss some common problems that can cause your DirecTV remote to malfunction and provide solutions for each issue.

How to Fix Remote for DirecTV Not Working

The DirecTV remote serves many functions, including controlling the program guide, accessing the favorite channel list, full DVR functionality, and playing and pausing the latest episodes of your favorite series. If your DirecTV remote is not working properly, try the following:

Check the Battery Health

The first thing you should do if your DirecTV remote is not working is to check the battery. The DirecTV universal remote has a built-in battery level indicator. To check if the batteries need replacing, press and hold the number 1 button and see if the green light comes on. If it stays on, your batteries are good. If it blinks, it means they are getting weak. On the other hand, no light indicates that the batteries are dead. In either case, purchase a new set of batteries and replace them as needed.

Clean Your DirecTV Remote

1. Use a soft linen cloth to wipe the front panel and buttons of the remote to remove dust and blockage of the signal bulb.
2. Dust, dirt, and particles can affect the performance of the remote, causing slow response.
3. Make sure there is no dry dust, debris, or grease on the buttons and other areas of the remote.
4. Purchase a cleaning kit that includes a brush and remote solution.
5. Use a dedicated cleaning solution with soft, ultra-fine fibers to wipe the touchpad of the remote and remove particles and dust.
6. Gently dampen a tissue or soft cloth and clean the surface of the remote, then apply the cleaning solution to the cleaning point and remove any particles.
7. After wiping with a dry towel, repeat the same process until the issue is completely resolved.
8. If the remote still has issues, you can try a more thorough cleaning. Use a screwdriver to remove the rubber keypad and use short bursts of compressed air or gentle shaking to remove particles. Clean the rubber pad thoroughly with warm soapy water and wait for it to dry completely before reassembling the remote.

Reset DirecTV Receiver and Remote

Resetting the DirecTV receiver and remote is a way to clear temporary issues and restore default settings without affecting recorded programs and saved settings.

Here are the steps to reset the DirecTV receiver:

1. Disconnect the power cord from the back of the receiver.
2. Wait for 15 seconds.
3. Reconnect the power cord to the receiver.
4. Wait for the receiver to restart and complete the startup process, which may take a few minutes.
5. If the receiver cannot be reset using the above steps, you can also try resetting it using the reset button on the front or back panel of the receiver. Locate the reset button and hold it for at least 10 seconds until the receiver restarts.

To reset the DirecTV remote:

1. Open the battery compartment of the remote and remove the batteries.
2. Press and hold the power button for three seconds.
3. Insert the batteries again and close the battery compartment.

Stuck Buttons: Another reason for the DirecTV remote not working properly is buttons getting stuck in the pressed position. Such buttons often keep sending signals and prevent others from sending signals or the receiver from responding. You need to use a forceful method by pressing them with your fingers. Make sure not to press too hard, as it can cause excessive force and damage.

Using the DirecTV App as an Alternative

Another remote solution for DirecTV not working properly is to use the DirecTV app if you have a receiver model HR20 or higher. The DirecTV app is available for iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play Store.

After installing it on your device, you need to link it to your DirecTV account. Follow these steps to do so:

1. Open the DirecTV app on your phone or tablet.
2. Select “Sign In” from the main menu.
3. Enter the email address and password associated with your DirecTV account.
4. Select “Sign In” to link the app to your account. Once logged into the app, you can use it to control your DirecTV system and access all the same functionalities as using a physical remote. You can change channels, adjust volume, browse the on-screen guide, and more, all from the app on your device.

Here’s how to access the remote control feature:

1. Open the DIRECTV app.
2. Select the remote control icon next to “Settings.”
3. Choose a receiver from the dropdown list. If the receivers are grayed out, they may be inactive or not connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the setup.

The DirecTV app also has additional features that you won’t find on a physical remote, such as the ability to stream live and recorded TV shows and movies on your phone or tablet. You can also use the app to set up and manage your DVR recordings and schedule future recordings.

Consider Replacing the Remote

If none of the troubleshooting steps mentioned above resolve the issue and your remote still doesn’t work properly, it may be time to consider replacing it. You can purchase a new DirecTV remote from the DirecTV website or from retailers that sell DirecTV products.

FAQ

Conclusion

So, if you’re experiencing issues with your DirecTV remote, try the solutions for the most common problems. These measures include checking the batteries, verifying connections, resetting the remote, checking for updates, and replacing the remote if necessary. By following the steps mentioned above, you should be able to get your DirecTV remote working again in no time. However, if not, don’t worry. You can still use the DirecTV app on your phone or tablet as an alternative method of controlling your DirecTV system. So, as long as you keep trying different approaches, it will eventually work!