Replacement Remotes for Receivers, Sound Bars, Streaming Players and Blu-ray: How to Find the Right One

A lost or broken remote can make a receiver, sound bar or streaming player frustrating to use, especially when settings like inputs, surround modes or menus are only available from the remote. The good news is that most remotes can be replaced with an exact substitute or a universal remote. This guide explains how to find the right one and how to get it working.

Looking for a TV remote? See our guide on how to find the right replacement TV remote.

Step 1: Identify your device and remote

1. Remote model number: inside the battery compartment or on the back. Formats include RC-1217 (Denon), RM-AMU209 or RMT-VB100U (Sony) and RC-GR4 (Roku).
2. Device model number: on the back or bottom of the receiver, sound bar, player or projector.
3. Remote technology: check whether the original was infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Understand how the remote talks to the device

Infrared (IR)

Most receivers, sound bars, Blu-ray players and projectors use IR. The remote must point at the device with a clear line of sight. IR substitutes usually work right out of the box.

RF, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Many streaming players and some newer sound bars use RF or Bluetooth remotes that do not need line of sight. These must be paired with the device and generally cannot be replaced by an IR-only remote. Some streaming devices accept both.

Step 3: Choose the type of replacement

Original remotes

An original remote from the device brand matches every button and feature.

Substitute remotes

Substitute remotes are made to replace a specific original remote. They use the same codes and a similar button layout, often for less money. Read the listing for differences, such as missing voice search, game keys or backlighting.

Universal remotes

Universal remotes control several devices and are great for consolidating a home theater. They require code setup, and advanced features like receiver sound modes may be limited.

Remotes by device type

A/V receivers

Receiver remotes have many buttons for inputs, zones, sound modes and setup menus. An exact substitute is usually best, because universal remotes often lack less common receiver functions needed for setup.

Sound bars

Sound bar remotes control volume, input, sound modes and subwoofer level. Many sound bars can also learn your TV remote's volume commands or respond through HDMI-CEC, so a TV remote may handle everyday volume.

Streaming players

Check whether your player uses an IR "simple" remote or a "voice" or "enhanced" remote that pairs over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. An IR replacement will work only with players that have an IR receiver.

Blu-ray and DVD players

These remotes are almost always IR. Substitutes and universal remotes work well, though disc menu and setup buttons vary by model.

Projectors

Projector remotes often control keystone, lens, lamp mode and input settings. Some projectors have limited front-panel buttons, so a matching remote is important.

Setup and pairing tips

• Use fresh batteries and check polarity.
• Remove protective film from the IR window.
• For paired remotes, follow the device's pairing steps, which often require holding a button near the device.
• For universal remotes, try codes in order and test power, volume and input.

Caring for a remote

Remove batteries from remotes you will not use for months, since leaking batteries can corrode the contacts. Clean the buttons with a slightly damp cloth rather than spraying cleaner directly on the remote, and keep it away from drinks. If buttons stop responding after a spill, remove the batteries right away and let the remote dry completely before testing it.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Ordering by device brand only instead of the remote or device model number.
• Buying an IR remote for a device that only accepts RF or Bluetooth.
• Expecting a universal remote to replicate every advanced function.
• Overlooking HDMI-CEC, which can let one remote control several devices.

Remotes are listed by the original remote model number they match. Substitute remotes are made to replace a specific original remote; read each listing for any buttons or features that differ.