How to Use Insignia TV Without Remote? (Insignia TV Buttons)

As an owner of an Insignia TV, you may be wondering if there is a way to use it without the remote – like when you lose, or break the remote.

Believe it or not, there are several proven methods you can try.

I’ll discuss some of these methods below, and provide actionable tips for making them work, regardless of whether you use Insignia TV, Insignia Roku TV, or Insignia Fire TV.

We’ve got you covered.

How to Use Insignia TV Without Remote?

The easiest way to use Insignia TV without a remote is by using the buttons directly on the TV. You can use them to control volume, change channels, turn off the TV, and change input. Another alternative is to use the iOS or Android app, or a universal remote.

Use buttons on the TV

Usually, you can find hardware buttons directly on Insignia TV, which you can use to control the TV without a remote.

The buttons you can find on your Insignia TV are volume up, volume down, input, channel buttons, and power.

That panel looks like this:

There are usually two places where you can find this panel:

On the bottom of the TV

Some Insignia TVs have these buttons at the bottom, either right in the middle or side.

Like this:

On the side of the TV

Some Insignia TVs have these buttons located on the back of the TV on the side.

This way:

Note: It is also possible that some models have these buttons hidden under the flip cover. In this case, the flip cover needs to be removed carefully (the plastic handles are prone to damage) to access the buttons.

There are no buttons on the TV

On some new Insignia TV models, there are no longer any buttons directly on the TV. In that case, you need to try one of the other methods…

Use an app on your smartphone

You can also use an app for your iOS or Android smartphone to control your Insignia TV without needing a remote.

The phones use either a connection over the same WiFi network, or an infrared blaster (IR) to control the TV.

Simply download the app from the app store, launch it, make sure you’re on the same WiFi network as your TV, and follow the instructions in the app.

Here are links to download the apps:

This app solution is probably the easiest one, and it’s free!

Use a universal remote

If the previous methods did not work, you will probably need to buy a new universal remote.

Fortunately, they are quite cheap, you can get them on Amazon for as low as $8-20.

Use a keyboard

You can also use the USB keyboard to control Insignia TV.

Insignia TVs support USB keyboards and even wireless ones. 

Just plug the keyboard into the USB port, wait for the device to finish installing, and then you should be able to control your TV using the arrow keys and enter key.

Try to fix your remote

HOWEVER, the first thing I would recommend is to try to fix your remote (if you haven’t lost it, of course).

Occasionally a remote doesn’t work because of some minor issue, and it’s very easy to fix without having to buy a new one.

Here are the steps to take (or you can check my article where I explain how to fix Insignia TV remote):

Reset your remote

A good old-fashioned reset. A simple solution to most IT problems.

1. Remove the back cover from the remote controller
2. Remove the batteries
3. Wait for 3 minutes
4. Reinsert the batteries

Now try the remote again.

Check batteries in your remote

I know, I know.

I’m almost embarrassed even to suggest it, but it happens even to the best of us…

Have you tried checking the batteries?

If you have had your controller for a long time (more than one year), it is possible that the batteries may already be dead.

In that case, simply try putting in some new batteries and see if that does it.

Reset your Insignia TV

Sometimes there is simply a misunderstanding between the controller and the TV. Try resetting the TV.

1. Unplug the TV from the wall
2. Wait at least 60 seconds
3. While waiting, press the power button on the TV for 30 seconds
4. Plug the TV back into the socket

It’s crucial to be patient and wait the full 60 seconds. It is necessary to discharge any residual electricity that remains in the capacitors so that a so-called “soft reset” can happen.

Power cycle the remote

The power cycle is basically an advanced version of the classic reset. A fancy phrase for taking out the batteries and pushing all the buttons like crazy.

1. Remove the back cover from the remote
2. Remove the batteries
3. Press the power button for 30 seconds
4. Press all other buttons multiple times
5. Lightly hit your hand with the controller a few times
6. Put batteries back in

And now try if your remote is fixed.

Reboot your remote

If the previous procedure did not work, try a 3-button reboot.

Press the left button, back button, and home button at the same time and hold them for 30 seconds.

Then try your remote again.

Re-pair your remote

The last thing you can try to repair your remote is to re-pair it (nice pun).

Here’s how to do it:

1. Remove the back cover from your remote
2. Press the Pair button

If you don’t have a button there, try the second method:

1. Point your remote to the TV
2. Press the Home button on the remote and hold for 30 seconds

Try the remote and if it still doesn’t work, try the third method:

1. Point your remote to the TV
2. Press the back button, left button, and menu button at once for 30 seconds

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are your most frequently asked questions about using Insignia TV without a remote.

How to Factory Reset Insignia TV Without Remote?

Here is how to factory reset your Insignia TV without a remote:

1. Unplug the TV
2. Press and hold the power button on the TV and plug the TV back in
3. Once the TV is on, stop holding the power button
4. Wait until you see the control menu
5. Press the power button on your TV twice and select “wipe data/factory reset”
6. Press the power button and hold it until the line is green
7. On the confirmation screen, press the power button once to select “Yes”
8. Press the power button and hold it until the line is green
9. Wait until you see “Data wipe complete”
10. Now make sure the “reboot system now” option is selected
11. Press the power button and hold it until the line is green

And that’s it. Your Insignia TV should now reboot and be factory new.

How to Turn On Insignia TV Without a Remote?

You can turn on your Insignia TV without a remote by pressing the power button, which is usually at the bottom of the TV on the left, right, or center, or on the left or right side or back.

Does Insignia TV Not Have Buttons?

Some new Insignia TV models actually have no buttons. In this case, you need to use a smartphone app or universal remote.

Where Is the Manual Power Button on Insignia TV?

The power button on Insignia TVs is either underneath the logo, down the side, or possibly on the back of one of the sides. And some Insignia TV models have no power button at all.

Can I Use My Phone as a Remote for My Insignia TV?

Yes, you can use your phone as a remote for your Insignia TV. There are several apps that you can use. And you can download them from here.

Will a Universal Remote Work on an Insignia TV?

Yes, most universal remotes should be compatible with Insignia TV.

Conclusion

There are four main ways how you can use Insignia TV without a remote:

• Use buttons on the TV
• Use a smartphone app
• Use a universal remote controller
• Use a USB keyboard

But remember, try to fix your remote first before buying a new one!

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