How To Stop TV Remote From Controlling Two TVs?

Don’t know how to stop TV remote from controlling two TVs? Well, everybody knows how annoying it is when remotes control multiple TVs especially when you’ve got more than 1 TV in the same room.

This is why in this post you’re going to learn why is that happening and how to solve the problem in no time.

If your remote is controlling several remote units, disable its function from the TV’s menu and enter the 4 digit code. That would “unpair” the remote from the chosen TV and no longer be able to interact with it.

Let’s first review the possible circumstances in which your all-for-one remote would be controlling multiple TV units.

Why Are My Remote Controlling Multiple TVs?

In most cases, universal remotes are bound to work with any TV you point them towards.

This, however, can create unpleasant interference, since, with one action, both TVs will repeat the function you’ve input to the remote.

Here are some occasions in which this could happen:

TVs are in the Same Room

Having both of your TVs in the same room, especially close to each other, can produce this issue.

Remote is Programmed

In case you’ve programmed the remote to both of the units, manually, you will control them both with a single remote.

Remote Not Reset

Some remotes can control more than 1 TV of the same brand. So, if that’s the case you might need to reset and unpair the remote.

Note: Keep in mind that a universal remote could automatically pair with TVs as long as you point towards them and press the power button.

If that happens, you will have more than one remotes that are actively controlling your TV.

These are the occasions in which 1 remote can control more than 1 TV. Next, we’ll envelop some proven ways to prevent this problem from appearing any further.

How To Stop A Remote From Controlling Two TVs?

Before we proceed, ensure both of your TVs are turned ON, so you will be able to test out the function after each of the solutions below.

Grab your remote and proceed with the first solution:

Solution #1 Disable The Universal Remote Function

An easy workaround to avoid the issue is to disable the universal remote function on the TV you wish to stop controlling.

Nowadays almost every TV would have a menu with interactable settings & features and one of them will prevent other remotes than the original one to interact with the TV.

Stop the universal remote function by following the steps down below:

1. Open the menu of your TV.
2. Head to the settings and find a tab named “Remotes” or “Control”.
3. Open the tab and find the “Universal remote” option.
4. Tap the “OK” button to disable the feature.

Easy as that, your TV will now communicate only with the original remote that is already programmed.

In case the TV you would like to prevent from being controlled does not have universal remote settings, proceed with the next solution.

Solution #2 Use Insulating Tape

Another great way to prevent your TV from accepting long-ranged signals is to use insulating tape. The workaround behind this solution is to actually apply the tape at the TV’s magic eye.

Note: The TV’s magic eye is the infrared sensor that accepts the signal sent from the remote and executes the corresponding input.

Apply a small piece of insulating tape on the TV’s receiver and that should block the signal and prevent your TV from being controlled.

You can also apply some insulating tape on the remote IR emitter and enhance the signal block even further.

In order to communicate with the taped TV using the original remote, you must move closer in order for the magic eye to read the signal.

Solution #3 Rotate Your TV

The remote practically doesn’t pair with the given television unit, but the TV simply reacts to the infrared signal sent from the remote.

You can easily bypass both TVs reading the same signal by rotating one of the TVs so they won’t be able to receive the signal from the spot your remote usually interacts from.

If your TV is on a rotatable stand, push it slightly towards the wall so you can prevent the remote’ signal from reaching your device.

Interacting with your TV with its default remote will be possible when you’re pointing directly into the infrared.

Solution #4 Get A Universal Remote

A smart workaround against this issue is to get yourself a universal remote that is capable of programming with each TV individually.

This will put an end to the signal conflict between both of your TV since each TV is going to have its own remote.

It is important that the remote has functions for two individual programs. This will allow you to either use the remote with a single device or with two TVs separately.

Note: Programming a universal unit is done by inserting the batteries, pointing the remote towards the desired device for programming, and holding the power button.

Solution #5 Use The Mike McKinney Two-Handed Technique

One of the easiest ways to prevent controlling two TVs of the same brand that are in the same room is to use a two-handed “tunnel” technique.

This technique is by far the simplest workaround that will teach you how to stop the TV remote from controlling two TVs.

Simply grip the rear top of your remote with your left or right hand.

You will notice that your pinky and ring fingers will start forming a tunnel around the remote’s infrared sensors, so the signal goes only in the direction you wish it to.

This “hand tunnel” will allow you to control each TV individually, as long as you’re pointing the remote and your hand toward its direction.

Solution #6 Use An App

A great solution to your remote problem is to simply use a mobile app.

There are plenty of applications out there that once paired with your TV, will remain intact only for the given TV.

Tip: Some of the platforms and apps that can provide you with these mobile remotes can be found on both AppStore and Google Play.

Download the application, set it up by following the on-screen instructions and start using your TVs separately.

Solution #7 Move TV Or Use Different One

If nothing worked so far, you can either move your TV away from your other one or simply use a different TV that uses a separate infrared signal.

Even if it’s hard to come by a TV that uses other than the regular infrared signal, it is still a solution for most of the users that are having similar problems.

Simply position one of your TVs in a manner that won’t be targeted by the remote when you’re aiming at the other one.

Check out our next helpful guides:

1. Do Universal Remotes Work on All TVs?
2. How Do You Find Out Your TV Code?
3. Can Roku Remote Control TV Volume?

Bottom Line:

Thus, to prevent a single remote from controlling multiple TVs, try rotating one of the TVs, or use the hand tunnel technique to prevent the signal from spreading. Furthermore, you can get a remote app or use a universal remote to create separate programming for your TVs.

Now when you know how to stop TV remote from controlling two TVs, we hope you have already resolved your TV setup problem.

There is quite a lot of users struggling with the same issue so here in our guide, you have found all possible solutions at your disposal.