Voice commands don't work on my remote control

Before you start

• Make sure that your remote control supports voice recognition. Look for the microphone icon or button on your remote. This icon indicates that the remote control supports voice recognition.
• For Google TV™ models: The TV must be set up as Google TV for voice recognition to work via the remote control.  If you selected Set up basic TV at the initial setup, go to the Home or Settings menu. and select Set up Google TV.
• If your remote control supports the voice recognition function, proceed with the troubleshooting instructions as needed.

Troubleshooting instructions

Note: If model-specific information is needed to complete any step, check your product manual for details. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

Check if the voice command works after each step:

• Remove and reinsert the remote control batteries to ensure a good connection, or replace them with new batteries.
  Note: The remote uses a Bluetooth® connection for voice operation. Try doing a quick battery test with the TV off by pressing and holding VOL down (-) button and then pressing the Microphone button. The light at the top of the remote should flash, if it doesn't, the batteries are too low and need replacing.

• Check if your specific display or setup screen supports voice recognition. The voice recognition function doesn't work in some situations.
• Make sure that your TV is connected to the internet.

  1. Open the Settings screen. How to access Settings
     • Using the Quick Settings button (For models released in 2019 or later)
       1. On the remote control, press the (Quick Settings) button.
       2. Select Settings.
     • Using the HOME button
       1. On the remote control, press the HOME button.
       2. Select Settings.
  2. The next steps vary, depending on your TV menu options:
     • Select Network & Internet → Network status → Check Connection.
     • Select Network → Advanced settings → Network status → Check Connection.

• Speak directly into the microphone on the remote control.

  Note: The microphone is usually located at the top of the remote or just above the center of the remote (location may differ depending on your remote control).

  • For Google TV models: On the remote control, press and hold the Microphone button, and then speak into the microphone.
  • For Android TV™ models: On the remote control, press and release the Microphone button, and then speak into the microphone.

• Make sure that the remote control is paired with the TV.

  The pairing method depends on the remote control type:

  • Touchpad remote controls

    Refer to the article Pair the Touchpad Remote Control.

    Note: These remotes only have a few buttons. Most of the surface is smooth, similar to a touch screen on a phone.

  • IR remote controls

    Note: If your model was released in 2020 (except for X74xxH_X75xxH Series), skip forward to the steps to pair your remote.

    1. Open the Settings screen. How to access Settings
       • Using the Quick Settings button (For models released in 2019 or later)
         1. Press the (Quick Settings) button on the remote control.
         2. Select Settings.
       • Using the HOME button
         1. Press the HOME button on the remote control.
         2. Select Settings.
    2. The next steps vary, depending on your TV menu options:
       • Select Remotes & Accessories → Bluetooth Settings.
       • Select Remotes & Accessories.
       • Select Bluetooth settings.
    3. Check if SONY TV RC MIC 001 or SONY TV VRC 001 is registered.

       If the remote is registered, first unpair the remote and then pair it again. If it's not registered, just pair your remote.

       • Unpair your remote:
         1. Open the Settings screen. How to access Settings
            • Using the Quick Settings button (For models released in 2019 or later)
              1. Press the (Quick Settings) button on the remote control.
              2. Select Settings.
            • Using the HOME button
              1. Press the HOME button on the remote control.
              2. Select Settings.
         2. The next steps vary, depending on your TV menu options:
            • Select Remotes & Accessories → Bluetooth Settings → SONY TV RC MIC 001 or SONY TV VRC 001 → Unpair → OK.
            • Select BRAVIA Settings — Voice Remote Control, then select Yes to unpair.
            • Select Bluetooth setting → SONY TV RC MIC 001 or SONY TV VRC 001 → Unpair → OK.
       • Pair your remote:
         1. Open the Settings screen. How to access Settings
            • Using the Quick Settings button (For models released in 2019 or later)
              1. Press the (Quick Settings) button on the remote control.
              2. Select Settings.
            • Using the HOME button
              1. Press the HOME button on the remote control.
              2. Select Settings.
         2. The next steps vary, depending on your TV menu options:
            • Select Remotes & Accessories → Remote control → Connect via Bluetooth or Activate the mic button.
            • Select BRAVIA Settings → Voice Remote Control.
            • Select Remote control → Connect via Bluetooth.
            • Select Voice Remote Control → Activate the mic button.
         3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
            Notes:

            • If you're unable to complete the activation or pairing of your remote, perform a power reset of your TV and then try again.
            • Pairing may also fail if the battery level is low. If you haven't already, try replacing the batteries with new ones before pairing again.

• Make sure that the remote control software is updated.

  Follow the steps below to perform a software update for your remote control:

  1. Open the Settings screen. How to access Settings
     • Using the Quick Settings button (For models released in 2019 or later)
       1. Press the (Quick Settings) button on the remote control.
       2. Select Settings.
     • Using the HOME button
       1. Press the HOME button on the remote control.
       2. Select Settings.
  2. The next steps vary, depending on your TV menu options:
     • Select Remotes & Accessories → Remote control → Software update.
     • Select Remote control or Voice Remote Control → Software update.

  Notes:

  • If you're unable to select Software update, try performing a power reset of your TV and then try again.
  • If the message Would you like to update the remote control software now? is displayed, follow the on-screen instructions to update your remote control software.
  • If you proceed with the remote control software update and it fails each time, the battery power may be low. Replace the batteries, and then try updating the remote control software again.
  • If the message Please use a Voice Remote Control to select this item is displayed, the Bluetooth® feature may have frozen temporarily. Remove and reinsert the batteries or reset the TV, and then try updating the remote control software again.
  • If the message Your software is up to date appears on the TV screen, you don't need to update the software.

What if my remote control doesn't have a Mic button?

There are two alternatives to using the voice recognition function of the TV.

• Use a software keyboard.
• Use the Android TV Remote Control application on your mobile device or tablet.
  
  Note: It's necessary to connect your smartphone or tablet to the same network as the TV.
• For details about OS versions that support the Android TV Remote Control application, select the appropriate page link below:
  • Android™ operating system
  • iOS™ operating system