A universal remote can be a helpful replacement if your original TV remote is lost, damaged, or no longer working. It may also let you control multiple devices, such as your TV, soundbar, streaming device, or cable box, with one remote.
Setup steps and available features can vary depending on the brand and model of the universal remote. Some remotes use a setup code, while others use auto-search, app-based setup, or learning features.
Before You Start
Make sure you have:
- Your universal remote
- Fresh batteries
- The brand (TCL) and model number of your TV
- The user guide or setup instructions for your universal remote, if available
- A list of remote setup codes, if your remote requires them
How to Set Up a Universal Remote
Most universal remotes can be set up using one of the methods below. The exact button names and steps may vary by remote brand.
Option 1: Enter a Setup Code
- Turn on your TV.
- Press and hold the setup or program button on the universal remote.
- Select TV as the device type, if prompted.
- Enter the code for your TV brand.
- Test the remote by pressing Power, Volume, and Input.
- If the remote does not work, try the next code listed for your TV brand.
Option 2: Use Auto Code Search
- Turn on your TV.
- Press and hold the setup or program button.
- Select TV as the device type, if prompted.
- Start the remote’s code search process.
- When the TV turns off or responds, save the code.
- Test common buttons like Power, Volume, Mute, and Input.
Option 3: Use App-Based Setup
- Some newer universal remotes use a mobile app for setup.
- Follow the instructions in the remote’s app to add your TV and any other devices you want to control.
| App / Remote Brand | Type | Best For | Support Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech Harmony | App + Harmony Hub / Harmony remote | Customers using older Harmony hub-based or remote-based universal remote systems | Logitech Harmony Support |
| SofaBaton | App + SofaBaton universal remote | Customers using SofaBaton U Series or X Series remotes | SofaBaton Support |
| BroadLink | App + BroadLink IR/RF hub | Customers using a phone app with a BroadLink hub to control TVs, soundbars, set-top boxes, and other IR/RF devices | BroadLink App Support |
| SwitchBot | App + SwitchBot Hub / Universal Remote | Customers using SwitchBot Hub products or the SwitchBot Universal Remote with supported devices | SwitchBot Support |
| Amazon Fire TV App | App-based TV/streaming remote | Customers using Fire TV devices or Fire TV Edition/Fire TV smart TVs on the same Wi-Fi network | Fire TV App Support |
| Google TV App Remote | App-based TV remote | Customers using compatible Google TV or Android TV devices on the same Wi-Fi network | Google TV Virtual Remote Help |
| Roku Mobile App | App-based TV/streaming remote | Customers using Roku TVs or Roku streaming devices on the same Wi-Fi network | Roku Support |
| ZaZa Remote | App-based IR remote | Customers using Android phones with built-in IR blasters or compatible IR accessories | ZaZa Remote on Google Play |
What Features May or May Not Work
A universal remote may control basic TV functions such as:
- Power
- Volume
- Mute
- Channel up/down
- Input/source
- Menu navigation
Some advanced features may not work the same way as the original TV remote, including:
- Voice control
- App shortcut buttons
- Bluetooth pairing
- Google TV, Roku TV, or Fire TV home controls
- Settings menus
- Special buttons made only for the original remote
Because universal remote features vary by brand and model, we recommend checking the remote manufacturer’s support page for the most accurate setup steps.
Popular Universal Remote Brands and Support Pages
| Brand | Support page |
|---|---|
| RCA | RCA provides remote programming help, remote revision information, and setup videos. |
| GE / Jasco | Jasco’s universal remote code page explains how to locate the code list version inside the battery compartment and find the correct code list. |
| One For All | One For All offers manuals, FAQs, videos, and setup code help for universal remotes. |
| Philips | Philips offers a Universal Remote Control Code Finder to help locate device codes by remote model. |
| onn. | onn. provides programming tutorials, including Direct Code Entry and Auto Code Entry. |
| Inteset | Inteset provides product support and user guide resources for its universal remotes. |
Troubleshooting Tips
If your universal remote does not work after setup:
- Replace the batteries.
- Make sure there is nothing blocking the front of the TV.
- Try another setup code for your TV brand.
- Run the auto code search again.
- Confirm the remote supports your type of TV.
- Restart the TV by unplugging it from power for about 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
- Check the remote manufacturer’s support page for model-specific instructions.
Still Having Trouble?
If your universal remote cannot control the TV after trying the available setup options, the remote may not be fully compatible with your TV model. For best results, use the original TV remote or a replacement remote designed for your TV model.