The Magic Remote supplied with the LG C5 uses Bluetooth for the pointer and infrared for the buttons, and when it fails there is a short sequence to follow. Replace both AA batteries with fresh ones, since weak cells make the pointer jump, the buttons lag and the wheel stop responding. Point the remote at the TV, within a few meters, and press a button. If the buttons work but the pointer does not, the Bluetooth link has dropped, so re-pair by pointing the remote at the TV and pressing the wheel button for a few seconds, and the TV confirms.
The checks in more detail
If that fails, reset the remote by holding Home and Back for five seconds and pair it again. A soundbar or object in front of the TV's infrared sensor on the lower front edge blocks the signal, so clear the area. Bright light behind the TV, such as sun through a window, can confuse infrared. Other Bluetooth devices nearby, such as a wireless mouse, earbuds or a gaming controller, can interfere, so turn them off to test. Unplug the TV for a minute to clear its Bluetooth state. After a webOS update, a remote may need pairing again.
Use the LG ThinQ app on your phone as a temporary remote, on the same Wi-Fi network, which lets you reach settings and the TV's remote options. A remote with a stuck or sticky button, from spills, can send constant signals or none, so wipe it and test each button. If the pointer works but jumps around, a magnetic or metal surface under the remote, or a low battery, can cause it, and the pointer speed can be adjusted in Settings, General, Devices, Pointer. If the remote works close up and not far away, the batteries or the infrared are weak.
A new Magic Remote is inexpensive and pairs in the same way, with the wheel button. If a fresh remote also fails, the TV's receiver may be at fault, and LG should check it. If you have more than one LG TV or a remote left from an old set, make sure you are not using the wrong remote; an LG remote for another model can control some functions but not pair with the pointer. Check the model number on the back of the remote against the TV's manual. Store spare batteries in the remote's drawer, since a flat remote is the commonest cause of a call to support.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG C5 OLED evo TV remote will not control the TV”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Weak batteries
What separates it Pointer jumps or buttons lag
How to confirm Fit fresh batteries
- 2
A lost Bluetooth link
What separates it The pointer does not work
How to confirm Re-pair with the wheel button
- 3
A blocked sensor
What separates it The remote works only close
How to confirm Clear the front of the TV
- 4
A sticky button
What separates it Odd input
How to confirm Clean and test each button
- 5
A failed remote or receiver
What separates it No response after a reset
How to confirm Replace the remote, then check the TV
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether buttons or pointer fail
- The batteries
- The distance it works at
- Whether the phone app works
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedFit fresh batteries
ReversibleBoth.
Point at the TV
ReversibleWithin a few meters.
Re-pair
ReversiblePress the wheel.
Reset the remote
ReversibleHold Home and Back.
Clear the sensor
ReversibleMove obstacles.
Use the ThinQ app
ReversibleAs a backup.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Two links
- Bluetooth and infrared.
- Pointer speed
- You can adjust it in Devices.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If a new remote also fails, contact LG
- !If the phone app also fails, check the TV
- !Update webOS
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is my LG C5 remote not working?+
Weak batteries or a lost Bluetooth link.
How do I re-pair it?+
Press the wheel button for a few seconds.
Can the phone control the TV?+
Yes, with ThinQ.