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Article ID : 00025284 / Last Modified : 05/25/2022

Test if your remote control sends an infrared (IR) signal

    IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

    An IR remote control sends out infrared light signals. You can't see infrared lights with your eyes, however, it may be visible with the use of a digital camera, some mobile phone cameras, or a camcorder.

    Note: An IR remote control will have an (IR) symbol on it, except for the IR remote controls of Android TV™ devices released in 2016.

    Before you start

    You'll need one of the following devices to test if your remote control sends infrared signals:

    • Digital still camera
    • Camcorder
    • Mobile phone with camera

    Note: Some mobile phones and certain models of iPhone® can't be used because its built-in cameras have a filter that removes IR light. Use a different device or contact the manufacturer to determine if you can disable the IR filter.

    Check if the IR remote control sends an infrared signal

    IMPORTANT: If your TV comes with one of the newer Bluetooth® remote controls, such as the RMF-TX500U, RMF-TX600U, or RMF-TX611U, use only the green Power button to test for an IR signal.

    1. Turn on your camera/camcorder or the camera on your mobile phone.
    2. Point the end of the remote control with the IR emitter to the viewfinder or screen of your camera/camcorder or mobile phone.
    3. Press and hold one of the remote control buttons (green power button for certain newer Bluetooth remotes) .
    4. Look at the viewfinder or screen of your camera/camcorder or mobile phone.
      • If the remote control sends a signal, you should see a light in the viewfinder or screen of your camera/camcorder or mobile phone when you press a button on the remote control.

    Notes:

    • If you see the infrared light even when you don't press a button, one of the buttons on the remote may be stuck and other buttons may no longer work. If this is the case:
      1. Remove the batteries.
      2. Press and release each button a couple of times to see if you can free the stuck button.
      3. Reinsert the batteries and test the remote again.
    • Use fresh batteries on the remote.
      • If you don't see the infrared light or it's dim when you press a button, the battery power may be low.
    • If you continue to see a light even when don't press a button, or if you can't see the infrared light when pressing a specific button, replace the remote control.