Misplaced your TV remote? Here’s how to find it

TV remotes are easy to misplace. You might set it down while watching something, then forget exactly where it went. TV remotes are one of the most commonly lost items in the living room, often slipping between cushions, falling behind furniture, or resting on a nearby table.

Most of the time, it is still close by, just out of sight. And while losing it can be annoying, finding it does not have to be. Many TVs now support mobile apps, voice control, or built-in buttons that allow you to keep watching without the remote. But if you are trying to get it back quickly, here are a few smart ways to track down and find your lost TV remote.

Smart tips on how to easily find your lost TV remote

1. Check the usual spots

Start with the basics. Look around the couch, under the cushions, behind the furniture, or on nearby tables. Most remotes go missing right where they were last used. 

ALSO READ: How does a TV remote control work?

Be sure to check under magazines, blankets, or anything else that might be covering it from view.

2. Scan eye-level surfaces

Sometimes the remote is not hidden at all and might just be sitting somewhere unexpected. Take a slow walk around the room and scan shelves, side tables, counters, and window sills. It might be resting next to a plant, beside a lamp, or on top of a book you placed down earlier.

3. Ask your voice assistant to help

If you have a smart speaker connected to your TV, like Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri, you may be able to use voice commands to control the TV in the meantime. Some assistants can even help you locate compatible remotes or tell you which device was used last.

4. Use built-in remote-finding features

If you have a Google TV Voice Remote, there is a built-in feature that makes it easier to find. With the launch of the Google TV Streamer, a new feature was added to the Google Home app that helps locate the Google TV Voice Remote. 

Here’s how you can locate the remote with just a few taps:

– Open the Google Home app

– Tap the Google TV Streamer device

-Tap the settings icon in the top corner

– Choose Find my remote

– Select Play sound

ALSO READ: How to use your smartphone as a TV remote

The remote will start making a sound, similar to the way phones ring when located through the Find My Device feature. If you use an Apple TV Remote, and it goes missing, you can use your iPhone to help track it down:

– Open the Remote app using Spotlight search or through the Control Centre

– Tap your Apple TV device

– Choose the Find option

As you move around, your phone will show if you are getting closer or farther away using indicators like “Far,” “Near,” or “Here.”

5. Use a Bluetooth tracker to make it easy to find

To avoid losing the remote in the future, attach a small tracker like a Tile or an AirTag. These devices connect to your phone and can help you locate the remote with sound alerts or a location map. Some even show how close you are with signals like “Far” or “Near,” so you can find it faster next time.