Do you own a Panasonic TV and your remote control has stopped working?
This is a very common issue with Panasonic TVs, and you’re not alone.
You might be considering buying a new remote control, which is understandable. However, all hope is not lost. Try these steps first.
Here’s Why Your Panasonic TV Remote Control Isn’t Working
If your Panasonic TV remote control isn’t working, remove the batteries from your remote control and press the Power button for 20 seconds. Then, put the batteries back in and turn on your TV. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, replace the batteries in your remote control with new ones.
This solves remote control problems in the majority of cases. If, however, this doesn’t work, there are several other solutions you can try.
I’ll guide you step by step.
1. Remove the Batteries from Your Panasonic Remote Control
Most often, remote control issues are caused by the batteries.
Start by removing the batteries from your remote control.
- Make sure to remove all the batteries.
- Press and hold the Power button on the remote control for at least 20 seconds.
- After 20 seconds, put the batteries back in place.
- Turn on your TV.
Your TV should turn on normally.
2. Change the Batteries
If your remote control still doesn’t work, it’s useful to replace the batteries to rule out any issues on that front.
The lifespan of batteries can depend on a variety of factors, including the brand, operating temperature, and damage caused, for example, by dropping your remote control.
Check the battery connectors in your remote control.
If you notice powder or white crystals, it’s due to the oxidation of your old batteries.
Start by removing the old batteries and make sure to dispose of them at a dedicated collection point.
Then, clean the battery terminals inside the remote control to remove any corrosion. You can use a cloth soaked in lemon juice or a mixture of baking soda dissolved in water.
Finally, once the compartment is dry, after waiting a few hours, insert new batteries into your Panasonic TV remote control and check again if it works.
Note that all stores selling batteries must take them back free of charge once they are used. You can find collection points at the entrance of supermarkets or hardware stores, and of course, at recycling centers, but sometimes also at the town hall.
3. Avoid Obstacles
When you press a button on your remote control, it transmits the information to your TV using two infrared (IR) receivers:
- The first one is located on the upper edge of your remote control and sends the infrared signal.
- The second one is usually located on the lower edge of your TV. It receives and transforms the received signal into the desired action.
It frequently happens that an obstacle, such as a decorative element, is placed in front of the receiver on your TV.
I suggest removing any items in front of or near your Panasonic TV.
Additionally, get closer to your TV. If you are at a distance that is too far, your remote control may have difficulty functioning properly.
4. Check If the Infrared Sensor of the Remote Control Works
The two receivers of your remote control and TV work with an infrared beam.
One of the simplest ways to check if the infrared receiver of your remote control is working is to use your phone’s camera.
First, open the camera app on your phone and look at your remote control through the phone’s screen.
Next, press any button on the remote control.
A functional remote control will have a flashing violet or red indicator, as shown below.
If you have ruled out the batteries as the cause and you don’t see any light, your remote control is likely defective.
5. Restart Your Panasonic TV
Also known as a power reset, this action may help resolve the issue with your Panasonic TV remote control:
- Disconnect your TV from the power outlet.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds.
- Plug the cable back in and turn on your TV.
This operation helps drain any residual electrical charge from your TV.
Once you have plugged in the TV again, after waiting for 60 seconds, it should turn on without any problems.
If your remote control still doesn’t work, try the following.
6. Press All the Buttons on Your Panasonic Remote Control Firmly
Sometimes, one or more buttons on your remote control may be stuck, preventing all the buttons on the remote control from working.
This problem is usually caused by dirt that has gotten inside the remote control, and it is quite easy to fix.
Press all the buttons on your Panasonic remote control and tap the remote control against the palm of your hand several times.
This may be enough to unstick your remote control.
7. Restart Your Internet Router
The operation of your Panasonic Smart TV can be disrupted by an unstable internet connection.
This can also affect your remote control.
One of the quickest ways to check your internet connection is to restart your internet router.
First, turn off your router and your TV.
Wait a few seconds, then turn on your router again.
Once the internet connection is restored, turn on your Smart TV.
Finally, check if your Panasonic remote control and Smart TV are working again.
8. Update Your Panasonic TV
Smart TVs need to be regularly updated to function properly.
Your remote control may malfunction if your Panasonic TV is not up to date.
To perform an update, visit the Panasonic website, where you can search for available updates for your TV.
Install the update via USB
Follow these steps to update your TV via USB:
- Insert the USB drive into your computer. Format it as FAT32 (right-click with your mouse, then select “Format”).
- Open your web browser and go to the Panasonic website’s homepage (link provided in the Sources section below).
- Look for the model number of your TV (located on a label on the back of your TV).
- Check the current software version on your TV and only update the software if the version mentioned on the website is higher than the software version installed on your TV. Then, download the software file and extract it.
- Turn off your TV and insert the USB drive into your TV.
- Turn on your TV. The software update screen will appear on your TV.
- Follow the instructions and remove the USB drive.
The software update is now complete!
Install the update via the Internet
To update the TV software via the internet, go to the menu and follow this path: Settings > All Settings > Software Update > Check for Updates > Internet > Start > Accept > OK.
The software update will begin, and it takes between 5 to 15 minutes. The message “System update installation” will appear. Once the TV is fully loaded, turn it off and then turn it back on.
The TV software is now up to date.
9. Remote Control Accidentally Dropped in Liquid
If a liquid, such as a carbonated beverage, has entered your remote control, it can leave residues that prevent normal button contact and proper functioning of your remote control.
You will need to open the casing of your Panasonic remote control and clean its various components.
Open the casing of your Panasonic remote control
First, remove the cover and the batteries from the back of your remote control.
Then, check if there are any screws to be removed. If so, remove them with a small screwdriver.
Next, separate the two parts of your remote control. After inserting a flat screwdriver into the gap between the two panels of your remote control, gently move it back and forth to slide the screwdriver. The different sections of your remote control will detach.
This operation must be done with care to avoid damaging your remote control.
Clean your remote control
First, remove any large debris.
Then, use clean water and a toothbrush to clean the rubber and plastic parts of your remote control (do not clean the circuit board with water). Dry them thoroughly.
Finally, use cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol to clean the board and the inner surface of the buttons that make contact with the circuit board.
Sometimes, the circuit board at the button contacts or the cushions on the back of the rubber buttons may be slightly damaged.
You can rub over them multiple times with a pencil. The graphite in the pencil will improve connectivity and solve the problem.
Once all these steps have been completed, you can reassemble your remote control. Gentle pressure between the two plastic parts of the remote control will allow them to fit back together easily.
Finally, insert the batteries and test your Panasonic remote control again.
10. When to Buy a New Remote Control for Your Panasonic TV
If you don’t feel comfortable dismantling and cleaning your remote control.
If you have tried all the solutions listed above and haven’t noticed any positive results.
Then, you have no choice but to purchase a new one.
While waiting for your new Panasonic remote control to arrive, you can use the “Panasonic TV Remote 2” app from Panasonic, available for Android, iPhone, and iPad. It allows you to control your Panasonic Smart TV with your smartphone.
In Summary
As you may have noticed, most of the solutions to troubleshooting your Panasonic TV remote control are simple to implement and can be tested quickly before deciding to purchase a new one. Here’s a summary:
- Remove and reinsert the batteries.
- Change the batteries.
- Avoid obstacles.
- Check the infrared sensor of your remote control.
- Restart your TV.
- Pair your TV and remote control again.
- Tap on your remote control.
- Restart your internet router.
- Update your Smart TV.
- Clean your remote control thoroughly.
