If you have a Thomson TV and your remote control has stopped working, you’re not alone. This is a common issue with Thomson TVs. Before considering buying a new remote control, try the following steps to troubleshoot the problem.
Why Your Thomson TV Remote Control Isn’t Working
If your Thomson TV remote control is not working, start by removing the batteries from the remote control and press the Power button for 20 seconds. Then, insert new batteries and turn on your TV. If this doesn’t solve the issue, try replacing the batteries with new ones.
How to Fix Thomson TV Remote Control If Isn’t Working
This solves remote control problems in most cases. If it doesn’t work, there are several other solutions you can try. Let’s go through them step by step.
1. Remove the Batteries from Your Thomson Remote Control
Most remote control issues are often caused by 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, reinsert the batteries.
- Turn on your TV.
Your TV should turn on normally.
2. Replace the Batteries
If your remote control still doesn’t work, replacing the batteries can help eliminate any battery-related issues.
The lifespan of batteries can depend on various factors, including the brand, operating temperature, and any damage caused by drops or accidents with your remote control.
Check the battery connectors in your remote control. If you notice powder or white crystals, it indicates oxidation of the old batteries.
Start by removing the old batteries and dispose of them properly 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.
Once the compartment is dry, after a few hours of waiting, insert new batteries into your Thomson TV remote control and check if it works again.
Note that stores selling batteries should accept them for free once they are used. You can find collection points at the entrance of supermarkets, DIY stores, or even local recycling centers and town halls.
3. Avoid Obstacles
When you press a button on your remote control, it transmits the information to your TV through two infrared (IR) receivers:
- The first receiver is located on the upper edge of your remote control and sends the infrared signal.
- The second receiver is usually located on the lower edge of your TV. It receives and translates the signal into the desired action.
Often, an obstacle, such as a decorative object, may be blocking the receiver on your TV.
I suggest removing any objects in front of or near your Thomson TV.
Also, try getting closer to your TV. If you are too far away, your remote control may have difficulty functioning properly.
4. Check If the Infrared Sensor on the Remote Control Works
Both the remote control and the TV have infrared sensors that work using an infrared beam.
One of the simplest ways to check if the infrared sensor on your remote control is working is to use the camera on your phone.
First, open the camera app on your phone and look at your remote control through the camera screen.
Then, press any button on the remote control.
A functional remote control will emit a violet or red light that flashes, as shown in the image below.
If the batteries are not the issue and you don’t see any light, your remote control is likely defective.
5. Restart Your Thomson TV
Also known as a power reset, this action may help resolve the issue with your Thomson TV remote control:
- Unplug your TV from the power outlet.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the cable back in and turn on your TV.
This operation helps discharge any residual electrical charge in your TV.
Once you’ve plugged in the TV after waiting for 60 seconds, it should turn on without any problems.
If your remote control still doesn’t work, try the following.
6. Pair Your Remote Control with Your TV
Your remote control may have become unpaired from your Thomson TV. In that case, re-pairing is necessary.
To pair your remote control and Thomson TV again, follow these steps:
- Turn on your TV using the power button on the TV itself.
- Point the remote control towards the powered-on TV.
- Press and hold the SOURCE button on your remote control for at least 3 seconds.
Once the synchronization is complete, test your remote control again.
On some Thomson TV models, you may need to press and hold the SETTINGS button instead of the SOURCE button.
7. Press the Buttons on Your Thomson Remote Control Firmly
Sometimes, one or more buttons on your remote control may be stuck, preventing all the buttons from functioning properly.
This problem is usually caused by dirt or debris inside the remote control and can be easily resolved.
Press all the buttons on your Thomson remote control firmly and tap the remote control against the palm of your hand several times.
This can be enough to unstick the buttons and restore functionality to your remote control.
8. Restart Your Internet Router
The operation of your Thomson Smart TV can be disrupted by an unstable internet connection, which 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 your router back on.
Once the internet connection is restored, turn on your Smart TV again.
Finally, check if your remote control and Thomson Smart TV are working again.
9. Update Your Thomson TV
Smart TVs need regular updates to function properly. Your remote control may malfunction if your Thomson TV is not up to date.
To perform an update, visit the Thomson website and search for available updates for your TV model.
Install the Update via USB
Follow these steps to update your TV via USB:
- Insert the USB drive into your computer.
- Open your web browser and go to the Thomson website’s Downloads page (link provided in the Sources section).
- Enter your TV’s model number and download the corresponding update.
- Download the software file and extract it.
- Insert the USB drive into your TV.
- Press the Settings button on your remote control.
- Go to the Support menu > Software Update.
- Select the “By USB” option.
- 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 Settings and follow the path: Assistance > Software Update > By Network > OK.
The software update will start and take between 5 to 15 minutes. The message “Installing system update” will appear. Once the TV is fully charged, turn it off and then turn it back on.
The TV software is now up to date.
10. Remote Control Accidentally Dropped in Liquid
If a liquid, such as a carbonated beverage, has entered your remote control, it may leave residues that prevent the buttons from making proper contact and cause malfunctions.
You will need to open the casing of your Thomson remote control and clean its various components.
Open the Casing of Your Thomson 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, use a small screwdriver to remove them.
Next, separate the two parts of your remote control. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the gap between the two panels of your remote control and gently pry them apart. The different sections of your remote control will separate.
Be careful while performing this operation to avoid damaging your remote control.
Clean Your Remote Control
First, remove any large debris.
Then, clean the rubber and plastic parts of your remote control with clean water and a toothbrush (do not clean the printed circuit board with water). Dry them thoroughly.
Finally, use cotton swabs and Isopropyl alcohol to clean the board and the internal side of the buttons that make contact with the circuit board.
Check the Rubber Button Contacts and Circuit Board
Sometimes, the circuit board at the button level or the pads at the back of the rubber buttons may be slightly damaged.
You can rub a pencil eraser over them several times. The graphite from the eraser will improve connectivity and resolve the issue.
Once all these steps have been completed, you can reassemble your remote control. Apply gentle pressure between the two plastic parts of the remote control to easily put them back together.
Finally, insert the batteries and test your Thomson remote control again.
11. When to Buy a New Remote Control for Your Thomson TV
If you don’t feel comfortable disassembling 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 remote control.
To Summarize
As you can see, most solutions to resolve issues with your Thomson TV remote control are simple to implement and can be quickly tested before deciding to buy a new one. Here’s a summary:
- Remove and reinsert the batteries.
- Change the batteries.
- Avoid obstacles.
- Check the infrared sensor on 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.
- Deep clean your remote control.
Remember to exercise caution while handling electronic devices and consider seeking professional assistance if you are unsure or uncomfortable with performing the troubleshooting steps.
