Losing or breaking your TV remote is a frustratingly common experience. When you just want to relax and watch your favorite shows, being unable to turn on your LG TV can be a real inconvenience. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to power on your LG television even without its dedicated remote. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various techniques, ranging from simple button presses to utilizing smart devices, ensuring you can get your entertainment back on track. We’ll cover methods for different LG TV models, provide detailed, step-by-step instructions, and address potential troubleshooting issues.
**Understanding the Basics: Physical Buttons on Your LG TV**
Before diving into more advanced solutions, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental methods of controlling your LG TV – the physical buttons located directly on the device itself. Most, if not all, LG TVs have a physical power button and, in many cases, additional buttons for volume and channel control. The placement and appearance of these buttons may vary slightly depending on your specific TV model. However, they are generally found in one of these locations:
* **On the Bottom Edge:** Many LG TVs have a small, typically single, button or a group of buttons located on the lower edge of the TV, often towards the center or the right side, but sometimes on the left. The power button might be a small circular button, a raised bump, or a subtle indentation.
* **On the Back of the TV:** Older or less common models sometimes have physical buttons located on the rear of the TV. These are often arranged along the side of the TV or near the connectivity ports. Look for a button marked with a power icon or a symbol that indicates it controls various TV functions.
* **On the Bottom Right Corner (When Facing the TV):** For newer models, the controls are often a tiny joystick-style button located in the bottom right corner as you face the screen.
**Method 1: Using the Physical Power Button**
The most straightforward method is using the physical power button. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. **Locate the Power Button:** Carefully examine your LG TV based on the locations we described above. Feel around the edges and the back of the TV to find the button or buttons.
2. **Press the Power Button:** Once you have located the power button, press it once firmly. In most cases, this will turn on the TV. If your TV is in standby mode, the screen should light up, and you’ll see the LG logo or the channel that was last viewed.
3. **Troubleshooting:** If pressing the power button doesn’t turn on your TV, ensure it is plugged into a functioning power outlet. Also, check if the power cable is properly connected at both the TV and the outlet. If you are sure the TV is plugged in, and still won’t turn on, move to the advanced steps.
**Method 2: Using the Multi-Function Joystick (If Applicable)**
Many modern LG TVs utilize a small joystick-like button that controls various functions. It may be a singular button capable of movement in different directions. This single button acts like a mini joystick or a small button that responds to multiple pressing positions. If your TV has this type of button, follow these steps:
1. **Locate the Joystick Button:** The joystick button is typically on the bottom right side of the TV, as you’re looking at the screen. It’s typically a small, round button that you can also push in.
2. **Power On:** To turn the TV on, press the joystick button once, firmly. It should mimic the standard power button press and activate the TV.
3. **Navigating Menus:** If you push the button, it can also function as a navigation tool if you need to do more. Pushing the joystick up, down, left, or right usually allows you to access and move through on-screen menus, adjust the volume, and change channels (although navigation will differ depending on the TV model). A single firm press will typically act as the “Enter” button on a normal remote.
4. **Adjusting Volume:** If the joystick is pressed up or down, it may adjust the volume. This method of adjustment is model-dependent, so experiment with the movement directions on your TV model.
5. **Changing Channels:** Similarly, if you press the joystick left or right, you might change the channels. Again, this will depend on your specific model, and may not be available through the physical controls.
6. **Turning off the TV:** Often, a long press of the joystick will power off the TV.
**Method 3: Using the LG ThinQ Mobile App**
If you own a smart LG TV, you can use the LG ThinQ app (previously known as LG TV Plus app) to control your TV. This requires that your TV and your phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Here’s how to set it up and use it:
1. **Download the LG ThinQ App:** Go to the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS) and download the LG ThinQ app. It is a free app that is available for most modern smartphones.
2. **Connect to the Same Wi-Fi:** Make sure both your smartphone and your LG TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. **Open the LG ThinQ App:** Launch the app on your smartphone. If you haven’t done so yet, follow the prompts to create an account or log in if you have an existing one.
4. **Add Your TV:** The app will automatically search for compatible LG TVs on your network. If your TV isn’t detected right away, you might have to select “Add Device” or a similar option, and the app will lead you through the process. You might be required to verify the connection by entering a PIN code that appears on your TV screen using the TV’s physical buttons, a process that needs to be done only during the initial setup.
5. **Use the App as a Remote:** Once the TV is connected, the app interface will look like a virtual remote. You’ll find buttons for power, volume control, channel selection, and navigation.
6. **Powering On/Off:** Use the power button in the app to turn your TV on or off. The functionality mimics that of the normal remote. This method is effective only if your TV was on the same network and in ‘standby’ mode prior.
**Method 4: Using Smart Home Devices (Google Home/Alexa)**
If you have smart home devices like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, you can use voice commands to control your LG TV. However, this method requires some prior setup and that your TV has voice control functionality enabled. Here’s a guide on how to use these devices:
**A. Google Home:**
1. **Set Up Google Home:** Make sure your Google Home device is set up and connected to your Wi-Fi network. If you haven’t already done so, follow the instructions provided with your Google Home device. It should be on the same network as your LG TV.
2. **Link Your LG Account:** Open the Google Home app on your smartphone. Navigate to settings, then find “Works with Google” or similar options. Select to link your LG account to the Google Home ecosystem.
3. **Add Your TV:** You’ll be prompted to log into your LG account (the same one used for the LG ThinQ app) and will be prompted to authorize Google Home to access and control your LG devices. Ensure your TV is listed and selected in the list of devices available in the Google Home App
4. **Voice Commands:** After linking your accounts, you can use voice commands like, “Hey Google, turn on the TV” or “Hey Google, turn off the TV.” If you have multiple LG TVs, you can specify the name of the TV (as it is registered in your Google Home settings).
**B. Amazon Alexa:**
1. **Set Up Amazon Alexa:** Ensure your Alexa-enabled device is set up and connected to your Wi-Fi network. The device should be on the same network as your LG TV. Follow the instructions provided with your Alexa device.
2. **Enable the LG ThinQ Skill:** Open the Alexa app on your smartphone. Navigate to “Skills & Games” and search for the “LG ThinQ” skill. Enable the skill and log into your LG account.
3. **Add Your TV:** As part of this process, the skill will attempt to find any registered devices on your LG account. Select the LG TV you want to control through Alexa.
4. **Voice Commands:** You can now use voice commands like, “Alexa, turn on the TV” or “Alexa, turn off the TV.” If you have multiple LG TVs, you can specify the name of the TV (as it is registered in your Alexa settings).
**Method 5: Using a Universal Remote Control**
Another practical solution is to buy a universal remote control. These remotes can be programmed to work with various devices, including TVs from different brands. Here’s how to use a universal remote:
1. **Purchase a Universal Remote:** Buy a universal remote that is compatible with LG TVs. Many popular brands like Logitech, GE, or Philips offer universal remotes.
2. **Follow the Instructions:** Follow the instructions that come with your universal remote. These often involve entering specific codes for your TV brand (LG) or going through a guided setup process.
3. **Power On Your TV:** Once properly set up, the universal remote should be able to power on your LG TV using the power button, which will typically mimic that of the LG remote.
**Troubleshooting Common Issues**
* **TV Doesn’t Turn On with Physical Buttons:**
* **Power Supply:** Double-check that the TV is properly plugged into a functioning power outlet. Ensure the power cable is securely connected at both the TV and the outlet.
* **Power Button Failure:** If the TV still does not power up using the physical buttons, it may be an issue with the buttons themselves or the internal electronics, requiring professional repair.
* **LG ThinQ App Doesn’t Connect:**
* **Wi-Fi Network:** Make sure both your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
* **Account:** Ensure that you are logged into the same LG account on your TV and smartphone app.
* **App Updates:** Make sure that your phone has the most current version of the LG ThinQ app installed. You should also verify that your TV is running the latest software version, accessible in the TV settings menu using a physical control on the TV, or the on screen menu using physical controls.
* **TV Reset**: It may sometimes be helpful to perform a reset of the TV and the app connection. A power-cycle of the TV should be done by removing it from the wall power for a few minutes. In the app, try deleting the TV device connection, and adding it again.
* **Smart Home Devices Aren’t Working:**
* **Device Connection:** Make sure the Smart Home device is connected to your Wi-Fi network and that the device is working correctly.
* **LG Skill or Account:** Verify that the LG skill or account is properly linked to the smart home device ecosystem and that all required permissions are set correctly.
* **Naming Convention**: Check the names given to your devices, and verify that you are using the correct name when speaking your commands. Ensure there are no naming conflicts or misunderstandings.
* **Universal Remote Doesn’t Work:**
* **Proper Code:** Ensure you are using the correct code for LG TVs that came with your universal remote, or that it is configured using auto-search and recognition processes.
* **Battery Life:** Make sure the remote has functioning batteries and the remote sensor is not obstructed.
* **Compatibility:** Confirm the universal remote is compatible with your model of LG TV. Check the manual or documentation that came with the remote to ensure it supports LG TVs.
**Conclusion**
While a lost or broken remote can initially feel like a major problem, you can use several ways to turn on your LG TV. Whether you are using the physical buttons on the TV itself, the LG ThinQ app, smart home devices, or a universal remote, these options offer a path to getting your television up and running. Remember to consult the specific user manual for your TV model if the methods described are not working exactly as expected. With the right steps and troubleshooting, you can continue to enjoy your favorite shows without missing a beat!