How to Find the Right Replacement TV Remote

A lost or worn-out remote does not have to mean a new TV. The reliable way to buy a replacement is to match the model number on your current remote or on the TV itself, then confirm the listing names that model. This guide covers how to find those numbers, how original, replacement and universal remotes differ, and what to check for infrared (IR) versus Bluetooth or voice remotes.

Find the model numbers first

1. The remote's model number. Open the battery compartment and look on the back of the remote. Common examples include Samsung numbers that start with AA59 or BN59, LG Magic remotes marked AN-MR..., Sony remotes marked RM-YD... or RMT-..., Vizio remotes marked XRT..., and Roku-style remotes marked RC-.... Write down every letter and number.
2. The TV's model number. Read the label on the back or side of the TV, or open the TV's settings menu and look under support or about. A description such as "55-inch 4K" is not enough, because one size can cover many hardware versions.
3. Search by the remote model first, then confirm the listing also names your TV model or the same remote number. Compare the button layout with your original remote, including app shortcut keys.

If the original remote is lost, use the TV model number and the maker's support site or manual to identify the original remote model, then search for that number.

Original, replacement and universal remotes

• Original remotes are made by or for the TV brand. They usually match the original button layout and features, including voice or a pointer when those were part of the original remote. A listing should be treated as original only if the product data says so.
• Replacement or compatible remotes are made by another company to work with the remote or TV models named in the listing. Many remotes in our Remotes collection are this type; the product title and description state which models they are sold as a substitute for. Button layouts can differ, and some features (voice, a pointer, or a 3D key) may be omitted even when the remote otherwise fits.
• Universal remotes can be programmed or taught to control one or more devices. They are useful when you cannot find an exact match or want one remote for a TV plus a soundbar or player. Follow the programming steps on the product page. A universal remote is not a substitute for matching a specific model unless the listing says it is.

IR versus Bluetooth and voice remotes

Infrared (IR) remotes send a beam of light to a sensor on the front of the TV. You need a clear line of sight, and they usually start working after you insert batteries if the codes match. They do not need to be paired.

Bluetooth, RF and voice remotes (including many Samsung Smart remotes and LG Magic remotes) communicate by radio with the TV. They can work without pointing at the set, but they have to be paired. Pairing steps vary by brand and are listed on the product page or the TV maker's support site. Until the remote is paired, power and volume might still work over IR while voice, a pointer, or some smart buttons do not.

If your original remote had a microphone or acted as a pointer, confirm that the replacement listing includes those functions. Some replacements for LG Magic remotes, for example, are IR-only and state that they do not include voice or mouse control.

Notes by TV brand

These are general patterns, not a guarantee for every model. Always match the remote or TV model on the listing.

• Samsung: Older and many mid-range remotes are IR only, with model numbers often beginning AA59 or BN59. Newer Smart remotes may use Bluetooth and voice and need pairing. Check the battery compartment for notes such as an RF type; some voice remotes are not interchangeable with every Samsung Smart remote.
• LG: Standard IR remotes and Magic remotes (often marked AN-MR...) are different. Magic remotes typically use a pointer and may include a voice button. A listing that says "no voice" or "no mouse" will not restore those features, even if basic TV controls work.
• Sony: Remote models are often printed as RM-... or RMT-.... Older Bravia remotes are usually IR. Many Android TV and Google TV remotes use Bluetooth for voice and need pairing. Match the exact remote model rather than only the TV size or series name.
• Vizio: Remote models often start with XRT or VR. Many replacements are IR-only and intended for Vizio TVs, not other brands or streaming players. Voice remotes, when used, may need pairing.
• TCL, Roku and similar Roku TVs: A simple IR Roku TV remote often works after batteries are installed, but only if the listing includes your set. TCL, Hisense, ONN and similar Roku TVs are commonly listed together. Voice remotes are a different design. A remote sold for Roku TVs may not work with Roku streaming sticks or Express players, so check the listing.

Batteries and troubleshooting

Before you assume the remote is broken, work through these checks:

• Install fresh batteries of the type shown in the compartment, facing the marked direction. Weak batteries are a common cause of a remote that works only at close range, or not at all.
• For an IR remote, confirm nothing is blocking the sensor on the front of the TV, and try the remote from a few feet away, pointed at the set. On some phones, the camera can show the IR emitter flashing when you press a button, though this does not work on every camera.
• For a Bluetooth or voice remote, complete pairing using the instructions on the product page or the TV maker's support site. Re-pairing after you change the batteries is sometimes required.
• Confirm the listing names your remote model or TV model, and that you are not using a remote meant for a different device. A soundbar, cable box or air conditioner remote will not control the TV.
• If only some buttons work, compare the key layout. App shortcut keys and extra functions may differ even when power, volume and input work.

When to buy a replacement

Buy a replacement when the original is lost, physically damaged, or still unreliable after fresh batteries and, if needed, pairing. If you still have the original, photograph the model number and the button layout before you order, and choose a listing that names that model. If you need voice or a pointer, only buy a remote whose listing includes those features. If no exact match is listed, a universal remote is the next option to consider.

Shop replacement remotes

Browse the Remotes collection and search by the model number on your remote. Examples of in-stock replacement remotes, all sold as compatible substitutes rather than original-brand remotes, include:

• Anderic RR580A, an IR replacement listed for Samsung remotes such as AA59-00580A
• Anderic RR1298A, a voice remote listed for many Samsung Smart remotes (pairing required; check the listing for RF-type notes)
• Anderic RR22GA, a replacement listed for LG Magic remotes such as AN-MR22GA and AN-MR21GA, without voice or mouse functions
• Anderic RRYD023, a substitute listed for the Sony RM-YD005 Bravia remote
• Anderic RRXRT303, an IR substitute listed for Vizio remotes such as XRT112
• Anderic RRLF26, a replacement listed for many Roku TVs, including TCL, Hisense, ONN and Philips

Each listing shows the models it is sold for and the vendor. Questions about a specific remote? Contact us with the model number on your remote and the model number of your TV.