Ways to unlock the remote control

All modern TVs are so smart that they can lock and unlock themselves by just pressing a random key combination. It often happens that leaning on the control panel turns on the locking mode, which cannot be removed in any way, because the owner of the device does not even understand how this could happen and what to do next with all this.

Naturally, Smart TV from Philips has options for solving such difficulties. But in order to proceed with them, you need, first of all, to make sure that the TV is really blocked, because other malfunctions may also be the cause of the problems. So, here is a small list of signs:

• The screen shows a key and there is no image or sound;
• The screen shows a field where it is recommended to enter a PIN code;
• There is only one channel on the TV.

Signs and reasons for TV blocking

Unintentional blocking of any TV is most often caused by children's pranks with the remote control, as well as careless handling . An incident is possible if someone accidentally sits down on the remote control lying in the chair. Pressing a large number of buttons on the remote control at the same time can cause the device to lock, channel settings to fail, and other troubles. There are also other, more serious reasons for blocking viewing: memory failure or TV receiver settings.

You can understand that viewing is blocked by the following signs:

• the device screen displays a static, monochromatic blue image with a lock or key icon;
• it is possible that a window will appear on the display asking you to enter a PIN code;
• channels are not played, the device screen is blue, the message “Viewing blocked” may appear;
• TV turns off immediately after turning on;
• the TV does not respond to commands from the remote control and control panel;
• shows only one channel.

Solutions to the problem

It is worth noting that unlocking a TV without a remote control is almost impossible in many models. This is due to the lack of necessary keys on the panel. To do this, you will need to purchase a new remote control, which has the exact TV modification; a universal model will not be suitable for this case. Therefore, in order to choose the right control device, you need to know the exact model of your TV.

The first thing you can do is find the instructions and familiarize yourself with the possibility of unlocking the TV without a remote control. Reconfiguring channels is possible through the menu key, which is always present on the TV panel. For older models this may be sufficient.

By the way, if only one channel works, then the reason is most likely due to a settings failure; here you will need information on how to properly configure digital channels.

In new generation models, you won’t be able to retune the TV without a remote control. It is necessary to call a qualified technician. If the TV was not blocked accidentally through the remote control, it may be necessary to reflash the system, but it is better not to experiment on your own, without knowledge.

When a window appears on the screen requiring you to enter a certain code, you must try to enter it using the TV panel buttons. Such information is rarely remembered, so you will have to use the instructions. The User's Guide contains information about whether you can enter numbers through the on-screen menu or you will still need to order a new remote control.

If you forgot your unlock password

Typically, TVs have a standard password installed, then remembering it will not be a problem, since it consists of the combination “0000”, and if this combination does not work, then you can use another standard set of characters “1234”. But since the device can be hacked, many users change the factory settings for their own security. But due to imprudence, they do not save the innovations and forget what password was set.

If the user has forgotten his new password, the solution may be to reset to factory settings. Depending on the TV model, the following instructions are used:

1. Open the “Settings” menu, enter the “Security” subsection, select “Reset PIN code”.
2. Enter the wrong password, but do not click “OK”.
3. Press the sequence of buttons designed to switch channels: “up-up-down-up”, then enter code 0313 and confirm the action.

On most TVs, including models from Philips, such manipulations will lead to the restoration of the standard password. Then, to remove the lock, you need to go to the “Parental Control Code” and enter a password consisting of a standard combination.

Another option for removing the lock is to press the “DISP” button on the remote control and hold it for at least ten seconds. How to remove the blocking if this does not help? Request help on the official Philips website. As a rule, consultants will provide information that is relevant specifically for your TV model, you just need to leave a request.

How to unlock the Samsung TV remote control

The Samsung company is one of the leaders in the TV market, so it is not surprising that the inconvenience associated with blocking its television equipment is a fairly common problem for equipment owners. But there are several ways to solve it.

Method one.

This brand of TV has a useful function called “HOTEL MODE”. It is used for hotels, which is why it got its name. An indication that this mode is enabled is limited signal transmission capability. For example, the user can change channels, but other settings are not available to him.

To unlock the universal remote control, you need to enter the service menu. To do this, you can use the following key combinations:

Press the “DISPLAY”, “MENU”, “POWER” buttons in turn. It is important to maintain a minimum time interval between each click;

If the first combination did not work, you need to click on “MUTE”, “1”, “8”, “2”, “POWER”;

Read also:  How to set up an LG TV to receive digital television channels of the DVB-T2 standard: find it by auto-search or manually

If the Smart TV in question has a European assembly, then the following combination is suitable to unlock it: “STANDBY”, “DISPLAY”, “MENU”, “MUTE”, “POWER”.

After following the instructions correctly, the block will partially subside, and at this time you need to exit the hotel mode.

Method two.

If the device remains locked and no manipulations help, we can assume that the protective mode was turned on, which is found on almost all “native” Samsung remotes.

How does this mode work? For example, the device has been dropped or damaged. Then it stops working. To restore it, you need to remove the batteries and, pressing the “POWER” button, insert them back without releasing the key.

Expert advice

No one is immune from loss or damage to the remote control. In order not to be left with a locked TV and without a remote control, you should download an application to your smartphone that allows you to control the TV from it. You can find such programs on Play Market/AppStore.

Attention! Not all TV models have official applications. In this case, you can download one of the universal ones and test it for compatibility with your TV.

If the remote control included in the delivery package malfunctions, it is advisable to buy a new original remote control designed to work with this particular TV model. In a copy or universal remote control, at best, several keys will be inoperative; at worst, it will not work at all with this TV. You should not reprogram the internal TV board for a new remote control on your own. If necessary, it is better to contact the service.

Universal unlocking methods

First, check to see if the batteries are dead. To do this, take them out and try them on another device. If this is not the case, then press the power key and then insert them back. This is the main way to unlock the TV remote control.

If it didn't help, there are others:

1. Press and hold any button for 10-20 seconds;
2. While holding “P” and “+”, use a combination of four numbers: “1111”, “2222”, “1234” or others. Then click on “+” again. Do not forget that the time intervals between these actions should be minimal;
3. Simultaneously press first “P” and “+”, then “Menu” and the key responsible for increasing the volume or scrolling up channels;
4. “Exit”, “9”, “1” - press them simultaneously or one by one, in the sequence shown here.

All this, however, may not work. Then it’s better to look for instructions for the corresponding brand.

Methods for unlocking TV remotes of various brands

In modern models, a special button is often installed for this; in older models, you can also unlock the TV remote control by pressing a special key combination.

Samsung

There are two options for blocking a Samsung device. With the first one, nothing works; it is made to protect children from switching to unauthorized gears. You can correct the situation in the following way:

1. Take out the batteries;
2. Press and hold “On/Off”;
3. Insert the battery back and release the button.

With the second blocking option, only switching channels and adjusting the volume works on the device. This is a mode for hotels. It was created so that guests do not change the settings without permission. You can also remove it using one of the following combinations, which will open a menu in front of you:

• “MUTE”, “1”, “8”, “2”, “POWER”;
• “DISPLAY”, “MENU”, “POWER;
• “STANDBY”, “DISPLAY”, “MENU”, “MUTE”, “POWER” (for European assembled equipment).

The main thing is that the combinations are played in the order given here. If everything is done correctly, a menu with the inscription “Hotel” will appear on the screen, and a slider next to it. Move it from “On” to “Off” position.

All these methods are suitable for most Samsung TVs. But if it doesn’t work, then you are dealing with a special model and you need to contact technical support. They will tell you how to unlock the TV remote control.

Philips and Sharp TVs

For “Sharps” there are two ways to unlock:

• Simultaneously press and hold the “On/Off” buttons on the remote control and the “Volume Down” buttons on the TV body.
• Simultaneous use of the “Volume Down” and “Switch to Next Channel” keys on the TV. After that, you need to go to the menu and remove the parental control mode.

But what to do if you are the owner of a Philips and a person who is not accustomed to keeping instructions for using equipment:

• When switching channels remotely, everyone probably noticed a row of absolutely useless multi-colored buttons on the top of the device. It's time to use them. You need to bring the remote control to the TV - to the Philips inscription. And then, holding down the red and blue buttons at the same time, wait 10 seconds. If everything goes well, a corresponding notification will appear on the screen.
• And if not, then repeat these steps, first turning off the power to both the remote control (remove the batteries) and the TV (unplug the wire from the socket).

And again, a lot depends on the model, so you need to ask specialists. However, before doing this, you definitely need to try all the universal methods.

Plus, failure to work may be due to a large amount of dust in the case. Therefore, it is advisable to remove the cover from the remote control and rub a damp cotton pad inside.

Sony

In order to set up a television remote control for Sony, you will need to work with the TV itself. There will be a button on its body that opens the menu. By clicking on it, look for “STANDARD SET” (“general settings”). There will be a “REMOTE CTRL” option. Select the value ON.

Another problem is that the functions you need may be blocked in the remote control due to the fact that the device is not initially programmed to work with the TV. To resolve the issue, you need to find the SYNC MENU button on it, and then the “Select HDMI device” option. You will be offered a list of models, and there will definitely be a suitable one there.

But the LG TV remote control can be unlocked using the round arrow button. Alternately, you need to click on the top, bottom, left and right arrows, and then shake the gadget.

For some brands (for example, Supra), finding reliable information is not so easy, even on the Internet. You should call the contact center and clarify the method of action.

But sometimes the problem is not in the remote control, but in the TV itself, and you have to think about how to unlock the TV. The table will help you solve the problem.

The best way to avoid similar problems in the future is to be more careful with things and not to use the random method in their operation. Then they will last longer.

Alternative methods

There are a large number of options for unlocking the remote control that Internet users offer:

1. Press the “P” and “+” buttons simultaneously. After this, a combination of identical numbers is dialed, for example 2222 or 5555. Common and standard codes include 1234 or 1111. After dialing the combination, press “+” again. Perhaps it will be a completely different combination of numbers. There are numerous options to try.
2. After the initial numbers from the first method are pressed, the LED should remain lit without interruption. In this case, instead of a combination, you can try simultaneously pressing: “Menu” and “+Channel”, “Menu” and “+Volume”.
3. Sometimes it is enough to hold down one button for about 5-10 seconds. But this method is suitable for a few TV models.

Remember the combinations of numbers that you press! After all, rash actions can only aggravate the situation.

Some remote control models can be unlocked by simultaneously pressing the “Exit” button and the numbers 9 and 1. The option of removing the batteries is also suitable, and while inserting them, the power button must be held. It is these methods that help return the remote control to full operation.

hotel mode may turn on instead of locking

. In order for the remote control to start working fully, the mode should be disabled by simply pressing the buttons: the “Hotel” service is located in the Display-Menu-Mute-Power section, the label from the “On” position must be moved to “Off”.

It happens that the TV is accidentally locked from children, and there is no way to remove it. It can easily happen that someone sat down, lay down, leaned on the remote control, or children, while playing with the remote control, accidentally pressed an incomprehensible combination of keys. Possible signs that the TV is blocked:

• A blue screen with an image of a key is displayed;
• The TV shows a field for entering a PIN code (password);
• Shows only one channel.