how to control lg tv without remote

Wondering how to control LG TV without remote? Well, it’s easy as long as you know all possible methods and check which one will help you.

Let’s unwrap the most essential first!

In order to control LG TV without a remote, you need a digital remote that you can get by downloading the Smartify app or using an IR blaster.

Next, we can enable the HDMI-CEC, or connect an external controller such as a keyboard.

Let’s dive deeper and answer some of the most frequently asked questions!

How To Control LG TV Without Remote?

Yes, it’s entirely possible. In fact, there are quite a few different ways and we’ll inspect each of them in depth.

Let’s first take a quick peek at what is to come further in this guide!

How to Press OK on LG TV Without Remote?

press ok on lg tv

There are various ways to regain control over your LG TV and press the “OK”.

Therefore, here are all possible ways to navigate through LG TV menus without a remote:

  1. Control LG TV via HDMI-CEC.
  2. Use the LG TV Physical buttons.
  3. Control LG TV via LG TV App.
  4. Control TV via universal remote.
  5. Utilize an IR blaster + smartphone.
  6. Control TV via gaming controller.
  7. Control LG TV via USB keyboard.
Note: Not all of these methods would work with your LG TV model, but certainly one of them will help you regain control.

How to Change Input on LG TV Without Remote?

In order to change the input on your LG TV without a remote you need to find a working way to navigate through the menus of the television.

Then, you need to use this opportunity to connect the TV to the WiFi so you can change the input via the LG TV app.

Tip: In the LG TV app, there is a digital remote, hence the “Input” button will be available!

How to Manually Control LG TV Without Remote? – 7 Ways!

manually control lg tv

Yes, there are quite a lot of different ways to control LG TV without a remote but some of the first steps are essential in order for all of them to work.

Thus, it’s strongly recommended to follow the guide in chronological order to avoid some of the steps not working!

1. Use the Physical Set of Buttons!

A large number of LG TV models have a physical set of buttons that typically provides control over the features of the television.

In those cases, the remote is not necessary since once adapted using the in-built controller buttons, navigating through the menus is easy!

  • Not all LG TV models support an inbuilt physical controller!

Here are the 6-button controller on the LG TVs:

  • Power button – turns on and off the TV and resets the device.
  • Volume Up/Down – these buttons regulate the audio volume 
  • Channel Up/Down – these buttons navigate up and down in the menu
  • Menu button – used to bring up the menu and select when held
Info: The buttons are typically located underneath the front panel, below the central screen!

2. Control LG TV via “Smartify”

The best and proven way to control your LG TV without a remote is by downloading the LG TV application, available for both iOS and Android.

The app is called “Smartify – LG TV Remote”, and provides the user with a digital remote that you can use to control anything on the LG TV.

control lg tv with smartify app

Important:

Upon opening the application, the Smartify app will ask you whether you allow access to the local network, and it’s important to press “Allow”.

Then the app will start searching for your LG TV on the local network, hence the TV has to be connected to the same WiFi as your phone.

Info: Once connected to the LG TV, the digital remote would appear allowing you to access each and every button such as the actual remote.

3. Control LG TV via HDMI-CEC

Any LG TV that supports HDMI inputs should have the HDMI-CEC feature, which basically allows interaction with the LG TV with the remotes of connected devices.

Such devices are cable boxes, soundbars, Firestick, Roku sticks, and more!

control lg tv with hdmi-cec
  • To enable HDMI-CEC to go to All Settings > General > SIMPLINK – Set to ON!

Feel free to use the Smartify LG TV app to reach into the settings and enable the HDMI-CEC to be able to control the television with the remote of connected devices.

In case you’re still unable to reach the settings, try more of the following methods!

4. Connect a USB Keyboard

In case you didn’t know, you can control your smart LG TV, by connecting a USB keyboard to the USB port of the television.

Note that this functionality is available on LG TVs released after 2012, so if your LG TV is older, jump to the next method!

The LG TV should be equipped with at least 2 USB ports, one of which should be on the side panel, next to the (side) HDMI.

Hence, it’s worth taking your time to disconnect your computer keyboard just to test whether this will work. If yes, we’ve got a couple of recommendations.

Note: Keyboards with a touchpad also work with smart LG TVs.

5. Control LG TV via Gaming Controller!

control lg tv with game controller

This method is suitable for those of you with consoles laying underneath your TV rack, only to gather dust.

In case you didn’t know, your LG TV supports Bluetooth, hence any PlayStation, Xbox, or other (Bluetooth controller) will be able to pair and control your LG television.

  • Prevent interference by unplugging your console from the power!

You need to enable the setting through so here’s how:

  1. On your LG TV go to Settings.
  2. Reach into the Advanced Settings.
  3. Go to the General Menu tab.
  4. Tap Connect Bluetooth Controller.
  5. Select “Connect” and remain patient.
Info: Don’t forget to put your controller in “pairing mode” by holding, for example, the PS button on the DualShock 4 and 5 controllers. 

Alternatively, connect the controller to the LG TV by using a microUSB to a USB cable for a wired connection.

6. Use an IR Blaster to Control LG TV

Another way to control an LG TV without a remote is by using an IR blaster device, which sends IR signals and imitates a true remote.

In combination with the blaster, you would need your smartphone, which would be the primary source of the IR commands.

control lg tv with ir blaster app

How to set up an IR blaster and smartphone with LG TV:

  1. Acquire the IR transmitter and a receiver (IR Blaster).
  2. Connect the microUSB transmitter to your smartphone.
  3. Position the IR receiver in front of the LG TV IR “eye”.
  4. Download the IR blaster app (as per the brand).
  5. Tip: Find the app by scanning the QR code on the box.
  6. Use the digital remote to control your LG TV.

Choosing an IR Blaster?

Note: The distance for a steady signal when using an IR blaster is 32 feet!

7. Control LG TV with Universal Remote!

The final possible way to control LG TV without a remote is by purchasing a universal remote that is compatible with your LG television.

In case you’ve already got a universal remote you should know that the pairing process requires remote codes, for the LG TV.

control lg tv with universal remote

Universal Remote LG TV Pairing:

There is nothing too complex for preparation, so you only need to insert the batteries into the universal remote and point the remote towards the LG TV.

Then you need to enter the correct LG TV code in order for the remote to pair. Try the codes from the following table:

3-Digit LG Codes4-Digit LG Codes5-Digit LG CodesRCA LG Codes
5122065104421002
5534086108561004
6271663114231005
7731305123581014
7761859133971025
6781637128641078
4200644126121081
6150606128671095
6531840100171096
5061423112651097
Tip: In case none of the codes in the table work, check the LG TV user’s manual!

Have More Questions?

In case you couldn’t find all of the answers in this guide, you can always contact LG TV Customer Service for additional assistance. Good luck!

Quick Recap:

Now that we’ve learned how to control LG TV without remote, we know that there are a lot of different methods.

Some of them involve, downloading the Smartify app, and using the remote of other devices via the HDMI-CEC option.

Read Next: Why Does LG TV Disconnects From WiFi? – Quick Fix Guide

Nicole B