Have you ever settled into your cozy spot on the couch, ready to binge-watch your favorite shows on your Chromecast with Google TV, only to find that your trusty remote seems to have taken an unexpected vacation? Many people share the frustration of the Google TV remote not working just when they need it most. But fear not, as we’ll cover the simple ways to fix Google TV remote not working.

Chromecast with Google TV offers a seamless viewing experience, but when the remote decides to act up, it can feel like a glitch in an otherwise smooth operation. Whether it’s unresponsive buttons, a stubborn cursor, or simply refusing to connect, these issues can put a damper on your viewing pleasure.

1. Restart your TV and Google TV device

Feeling frustrated because your Google TV remote isn’t working the way it should? Before you get too annoyed, let’s try a simple restart. Sometimes, a quick system refresh is all it takes to clear out any minor bugs. First, unplug your TV from the power outlet for a few seconds, then plug it back in. Do the same with your Google TV device: unplug the USB-C power cable, wait around 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This might just be the magic solution you were looking for!

2. Replace the batteries for the remote

The remote needs AAA batteries to work its magic, and as they get older, they can cause all sorts of problems, like buttons not working or the remote not connecting properly. Give it a shot with fresh batteries; you might be surprised at how often this easy solution does the trick.

1. Turn your remote over and find the little groove on the back. Slide the cover off.

2. Take out the batteries and put them right back in.

3. See if a tiny light on the remote blinks twice. 

Note: If it doesn’t, try using another battery pair.

4. Pop out those old AAA batteries.

5. Grab two new AAA batteries and slide them in.

Note: Make sure the + and – symbols line up!

3. Check the Remote button settings

If some of your remote buttons seem to work but have trouble with specific TV functions (like volume or input source), let’s double-check your remote button settings. Sometimes, these get changed by accident, causing unexpected behavior. Follow the below steps to check if all your remote buttons are functioning properly:

1. Hold down the Home button until Quick Settings pop up.

2. Look for the Settings icon that resembles a cogwheel and tap on it.

3. Inside Settings, find and tap on Remote & Accessories.

4. Choose the option labeled Set up remote button.

5. Select the button you’re having trouble with. Now, pick one of these options based on your needs:

• TV (CEC): Imagine this as a magic link between your Chromecast and TV. Now, you only need one remote (the Chromecast’s) to control both!
• Auto (CEC): This is like a smart assistant. It picks the best settings for you, so you don’t have to fiddle with menus.
• Chromecast: Think of this as Bluetooth for your Chromecast. It lets you send commands to the Chromecast without needing to be in direct line of sight.
• TV’s Name (IR): This is the old-fashioned way to control your TV. It uses infrared light, so you need to point your remote directly at the TV for it to work.

Also read: How to mirror your Android device to your TV.

4. Reconnect the Google TV remote

If you’re encountering persistent connectivity issues or unresponsiveness with your Google TV remote, you can try a straightforward fix: reconnecting the remote. By following these steps, you can effectively remove the Chromecast voice remote from your list of connected devices and pair it again to establish a fresh connection. Here’s how to do so:

1. Hold down the Home button to open Quick Settings.

2. Look for the Settings icon and tap on it.

3. In the Settings app, go to Remote & Accessories.

4. Find your Chromecast remote in the list and tap on it.

5. Choose Forget to disconnect your remote. Confirm your decision by tapping Yes.

6. Now, select Pair Remote or accessory. Hold down the Back and Home buttons on your remote.

7. Watch for a blinking light at the bottom of your remote. When you see Chromecast Remote pop up, tap on it.

5. Use your smartphone as a remote

If your Google TV remote is playing up, don’t despair! Your smartphone becomes your convenient backup. The Google TV app turns your phone into a handy remote, allowing you to navigate menus and troubleshoot any issues. Not only is this a clever fix, but it’s a skill you’ll find surprisingly useful down the line. Here’s how you can get your smartphone set up as your new remote:

1. Make sure your phone and Google TV are using the same Wi-Fi network.

2. Download the Google TV app from either the App Store or Google Play Store.

Note: If you have the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone device, it works, too!

3. Open the Google TV app and sign in with the same Google account you use for your TV.

4. Look for the TV Nearby option (usually at the bottom right of the screen) and tap it.

5. Select your Google TV from the list and tap the Remote icon.

Also read: How to install APK files on Android.

6. Install the latest Google TV update

If you’ve been experiencing issues with your Google TV remote not responding as it should, there’s a good chance that a simple software update could be the fix you need. Sometimes, bugs and glitches in the operating system can cause these kinds of problems. Luckily, updating your Google TV to the latest version of Android often resolves these issues seamlessly.

To get started, follow these steps to install the latest Google TV update:

1. Hold the home button to open Quick Settings.

2. Look for the Settings icon and tap on it. Now, find and tap on System.

3. Select About once you’re on the System page.

4. Look for a System update and tap on it.

5. Wait a few minutes to see if there’s an update. If there’s an update, tap on Install and then choose Restart now.

7. Update your Google TV Remote

One effective fix when your Google TV remote is not working is to update the firmware on your Chromecast Voice remote. While updating your Google TV itself is important, ensuring that your remote’s firmware is up-to-date can often resolve connectivity issues and improve its overall performance.

By updating the firmware on your Google TV remote, you ensure it has access to the latest bug fixes and optimizations, which may directly address the issues you’ve encountered. This process is relatively simple and can be done directly through your Google TV settings. Follow the steps below to update your Google TV remote firmware:

1. Hold down the Home button to open Quick Settings.

2. Pick the Settings option and go to Remote & Accessories.

3. Find the Chromecast remote in the list of devices.

4. Choose Remote Update to start updating.

5. Tap Continue and wait for the update to finish. 

6. Watch the LED on the remote flash while it updates.

Also read: How to clear RAM on Android phone.

8. Reset the Google TV voice remote

If you find yourself tapping buttons with no response or experiencing any other glitches, resetting the remote could be just the ticket to getting things back to smooth operation. This simple fix can often work wonders for getting your remote back on track. Doing this wipes out any previous pairings and settings that might be causing the problem. Follow the below-mentioned instructions to factory reset your remote:

1. Take out the batteries for at least 5 minutes. This gives your remote a chance to fully reset.

2. Put the batteries back in while holding down the Home button. Keep holding until the light at the bottom of your remote starts to pulse.

Your remote should fix itself. If it doesn’t, don’t worry; we have a few more steps.

1. Unplug your Google TV, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in.

2. Press and hold the Home and Back buttons together on your remote until the light starts pulsing again.

3. On your TV, go to Settings, then Remote & Accessories. 

4. Choose Pair Remote or Accessory and select your Chromecast remote.

9. Factory reset your Google TV

Despite trying various troubleshooting methods, I understand your frustration with your Google TV remote. Sometimes, a factory reset can be the ultimate fix for Google TV remote not working. By performing a factory reset on your Google TV device, you’ll essentially be giving it a fresh start, erasing any glitches or configuration issues that may be hindering the functionality of your remote. To initiate a factory reset, follow these steps:

1. Hold down the Home button on your device to open Quick Settings.

2. Look for the Settings option.

3. Scroll down until you find System in the options. Now, tap About.

4. Choose Factory Reset and tap Factory Reset again to confirm your choice.

5. Finally, tap Erase Everything to complete the process.

Remote working

As someone who has experienced the exasperating inconvenience of a malfunctioning Google TV remote, I understand the frustration it brings when your favorite shows are just a click away yet seemingly unreachable due to technical glitches. However, I hope the comprehensive solutions outlined in this troubleshooting guide have helped you fix the issue of the Google TV remote not working.