First check what you’re watching: channels from an antenna or coax cable are usually tuned by the TV, while channels from a cable or satellite box connected over HDMI are selected on that box. Then use the remote and input that match the source. This distinction resolves many “TV won’t change channels” problems without resetting the TV or replacing equipment.
Identify where the channels come from
Look at the TV’s current screen and how the service is connected. If you watch through a cable or satellite box, the TV is displaying the box’s output over HDMI; the box, not the TV’s tuner, selects channels. If an antenna or coax cable runs directly to the TV, the TV’s tuner selects channels.
| What you’re watching | Where to change channels | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Cable or satellite box connected by HDMI | The provider’s box remote, or a TV/smart remote configured to control that box | TV is set to the HDMI input used by the box |
| Antenna or cable connected directly to the TV’s tuner | TV remote or the TV’s physical channel controls | TV/Live TV tuner source and available channel lineup |
LG’s guidance is explicit: “When you watch TV through the HDMI input on the settop box, you can change the channels only using the remote control provided by the settop box service provider.” (LG USA Support, July 9, 2025.) A TV remote may be set up to operate some boxes, but that capability depends on the model and setup.
If you watch through a cable or satellite box
Choose the box’s HDMI input
Use the TV’s Input or Source control and select the HDMI port where the box is connected. Samsung and Roku both direct viewers to select the matching HDMI input for a connected box (Samsung Support; Roku Support). If the TV is on a different input, its channel buttons may not control what you see.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Compatible Devices】Universal replacement remote control is compatible with TV brands for Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony, Hisense, Onn, Sharp, RCA, Element, Westinghouse, Sanyo, Emerson, Philips, JVC, Sceptre, Sansui, Panasonic, Magnavox, Skyworth TV and More Brand Smart TVs. Compatible with of devices, including DVD/Blu-ray players, Media Streaming Players and more!
- 【NOT Compatible Devices】Universal remote is Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks, Roku Sound Bar, TLC Sound Bar, Hisense Sound Bar, Anker Sound Bar, Klipsch Sound Bar, All Fire TV, All TV Sticks, All TV Cube, Apple TV, Google Chromecast TV(This product can only be connected and paired via infrared) If you are unsure if our remote control is compatible with your device, please contact us.
- 【Simple Setup】Step 1: Find the device type you need in the code list. Then find and circle all the codes for the brand. Step 2: Press and hold down the (SETUP) button for 3 seconds until the red light on the remote turns on. Step 3: Press and release the (TV/STR/AUD) button on the remote, the red light will blink once and remain on. Step 4: Enter the first 4-digit code from code list. Step 5: Point the remote at the TV, and test the buttons on the remote to see if the TV responds as you would expect. If the buttons don't control the TV, repeat steps 2-4 and enter different code to test. Note:If all the code in the program fails, please check the instructions on page 7 "Automatic Code Search.
- 【Package Included】Package includes 1* Remote Control, 1* User Manual, and 1* Code list. The universal remote control is to use 2 * AAA alkaline batteries(Batteries are not included). Note: Please do not mix old and new batteries or mix different batteries together.
- 【After-Sales Service】We attach great importance to the customer's experience of using remote controls. If you have any questions about your order or product, please contact us and we will get back to you within 24 hours on working days.
Use the remote that controls the box
Try the cable or satellite provider’s remote to change channels. A Roku remote controls Roku functions; Roku advises using the provider’s remote to change channels on a cable or satellite box. A TV remote only changes those channels if it has been configured for box control.
Separate a picture problem from a channel-command problem
If the box’s picture is missing or intermittent, check that its HDMI cable is firmly connected at both ends and that the correct TV input is selected. Roku also suggests trying another HDMI port or cable if necessary. Those checks address the picture connection; they do not make the TV remote control the box.
Rank #2
- 【All In One Remote】 Universal remote control for most TV: It works with most major TV: Samsung, Vizio, LG, Hisense, TCL, Philips, Sony Smart TV and Roku TV, allowing you to conveniently control different TVs with just one remote.
- 【Please note】 This universal remote is NOT compatible with the following devices: Roku Streaming Sticks Any TV Sticks (all brands) All TV Cubes Roku, TCL, Hisense, Anker, or Klipsch Sound Bars All Fi TV Devices This remote connects and pairs via infrared only. If you're unsure whether this remote works with your device, please contact us before purchasing.
- 【One-Click Streaming Access】 Get instant access to your favorite streaming apps like NFLX, Video, Dis+, and Hulu with dedicated hot keys—no more scrolling through menus.
- 【Quick & Easy Setup】 Start using your new remote right away. Designed for most major TVs, setup is a breeze: simply add two AAA batteries (not included), then press and hold the two setup buttons. The included manual will walk you through the rest—no fuss.
- 【Worry-Free 90-Day Warranty】 Your satisfaction is our priority. To ensure a great experience, we stand behind our products with a 90-day return warranty. If you have any questions, please contact us directly. We guarantee a response within 12 hours.
If an antenna or coax cable connects directly to the TV
Check whether the TV’s own buttons work
Try changing channels with the physical buttons on the TV, if it has them. Sony says that when the TV changes channels with its own buttons but not with the remote, the remote may be in the wrong mode. Its instructions concern a direct cable or antenna connection to the TV’s UHF/VHF input. Sony advises: “Press the TV FUNCTION button on the remote control prior to changing channels.” Use that instruction only if it applies to your Sony remote and direct-tuner setup; button labels and behavior vary by model. Sony Support
Rescan if channels are missing
If the TV changes channels but some expected antenna channels are absent, scan for channels again. On supported Roku TVs, the path is Home > Live TV > Scan for channels. Roku notes that repositioning the antenna and scanning again may help when no channels are found; exact menu steps vary by model. A channel scan applies to the TV’s tuner, not to channels supplied by an HDMI-connected box. Roku Support
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- 【Package lncluded】 Pack of 2 remote. Two-pack remote control can solve your home backup remote control needs. Infrared remote no pairing or programming needed. Just Insert 2 Pcs*AAA batteries to get it work(Batteries and manual are not included)
- 【Applicable Type】This infrared replacement remote works with all Samsung Smart TV, LED, LCD, HDTV, 3D, Series TV,Compatible with All Samsung Series TVs. We offer you an authentic details same as we advertised.
- 【Key Features】The universal infrared TV remote features 3 shortcut buttons. It is perfect to replace your old or damaged Samsung TV Remote with the Loutoc remote.
- 【Quick Response】This is the updated infrared remote control for Samsung TVs. An outstanding response between TV and remotes, it will respond quickly in 0.5 seconds, available directly use within 10 meters (32 feet).
- 【After-sale Service】We provide 30 days warranty with no condition return or exchange. If you have any query, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible within 24 hours.
Use the symptom to choose the next step
- Only the provider’s remote changes channels: That points to the box as the channel source. Continue using its remote, or check the TV’s instructions for whether it can be configured to control the box.
- The TV’s buttons work, but its remote does not: For a direct tuner setup, check the remote mode and consult the instructions for the exact TV and remote model.
- No picture from the box: Verify the selected HDMI input and cable connections; consider another HDMI port or cable if the picture path still fails.
- Antenna channels are missing: Run the TV’s channel scan and, if needed, reposition the antenna before scanning again.
- Neither the TV buttons nor the intended remote works: Note the TV model, source type, box/provider model, and which controls you tested, then contact the TV manufacturer or service provider for model-specific help.
When replacement equipment makes sense
Consider replacing a TV remote only after confirming that you need the TV remote, checking its mode, and following the model’s troubleshooting guidance. Match any replacement to the exact TV model; a TV remote and a cable/satellite box remote are not interchangeable by default. Replace or test an HDMI cable only when symptoms indicate a box-to-TV picture connection problem—not simply because channel commands are going to the wrong device.
Menu names and remote setup differ by TV model, provider equipment, region, and software. Avoid a factory reset as an early troubleshooting step; if these checks do not resolve the problem, contact the relevant TV manufacturer or TV service provider with the model and symptom details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PACKAGE INCLUDED: Pack of 2 remote. Two-pack remote control can solve your home backup remote control needs. Infrared remote no pairing or programming needed. Just Insert 2 Pcs*AAA batteries to get it work (Batteries and manual are not included)
- EXACT COMPATIBILITY: Acoyer universal remote control only for Roku Series TVs, Compatible with TCL Roku TVs, Hisense Roku TVs, Onn Roku TVs, Sharp Roku TVs, Element Roku TVs, Westinghouse Roku TVs, Philips Roku TVs, Insignia Roku TVs, JVC Roku TVs, RCA Roku TVs, Hitachi Roku TVs and Sanyo Roku TVs Series.
- NOT APPLICABLE: TV Remote is NOT Compatible with Roku Stick/Streaming Stick/ Box(1/2/3/4(HD/LT/XS/XD))/ Ultra/ Express/ Premiere/ Player. NOT Compatible with TCL TV, Hisense TV, Onn TV, Sharp TV, Element TV, Westinghouse TV, Philips TV, Insignia TV, JVC TV, RCA TV, Hitachi TV and Sanyo TVs.
- SHORTCUT BUTTONS: Get to favorite apps quickly with shortcut buttons and it have 4 shortcuts buttons. Precisely control far from 10 meters/30 feet and it supports over total 160,000 clicks for all buttons via approved tests.
- AFTER SALE SERVICE: Acoyer remote controls with an unlimited return and refund service in 1-year warranty. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your order, please feel to reach out to us.
Rank #4
- Compatible TV Brands: Replacement Universal Smart TV Remote Control for TV brands including Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL, Vizio, Sony, Onn, Toshiba, Philips, Element, Westinghouse, Sharp, Emerson, Sanyo, and RCA
- Compatible Other Devices: Universal Remote Control compatible with DVD, Blu ray Player, Soundbar, Streaming Media Player, Set Top Boxes, DVR, VCR, and Audio Devices including brands such as Sony, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Bose, and Vizio
- Setup Methods: Find your TV code in the CODE LIST, press and hold down the SETUP button until the remote's red light turns on, press and release the chosen device button on the remote (TV/STR/AUD Button), enter the first 4-digit code for your device, point the remote at the device and test the buttons. If the buttons do not work as expected, repeat steps for the next code of the device until each button is working properly (Automatic pairing method on pages 8-9 of the manual)
- Package Includes: 1 Universal TV Remote Control, 1 User Manual, 1 Code List (batteries not included)
- Design Features: 26 feet long-distance remote control with 0.2 seconds fast response time, 50,000 times presses for durability, and requires 2 AAA batteries (batteries not included in package)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
