TV without remote · Settings guide
How to turn on a TV without the remote
Sources checked · how we check
Most TVs still have a physical button, and some can be controlled from a phone app. The steps below are Samsung's and Roku's; button positions differ by model, so check your TV's manual if yours isn't listed.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- Samsung says the Controller button's position and shape vary by model.
- Look along the bottom of the TV's frame first: bottom center or bottom right.
Source: Samsung: turn your Samsung Smart TV on or off using the TV's Controller buttons
02 · Change the setting
Step by step, by device
Samsung TV: the Controller button
Press the Controller button at the bottom of the frame
- Find the Controller button at the bottom of the TV's frame, at the bottom center or bottom right.
- Press it to turn the TV on.
- With the TV on, pressing it opens the Control menu. To turn the TV off, move to Power off and press and hold the Controller button to confirm.
Source: Samsung: turn your Samsung Smart TV on or off using the TV's Controller buttons
Roku TV or player: the Roku mobile app
Roku app → sign in → connect to your Roku → Remote → Power
- Install the Roku mobile app and sign in.
- Connect the app to your Roku device, then open Remote.
- Use the Power button in the app to turn the Roku device on or off.
Roku says you may not be able to turn the TV on from the app if you use a Roku streaming device powered by USB.
Source: Roku: use the Roku remote app to control your Roku device without a remote
TCL TV: the button under the screen
Press the multi-function button under the TV once
- Find the multi-function button underneath the TV, facing down. It's usually centered, but can be slightly to one side depending on the series.
- Press it once to turn the TV on from standby.
TCL says to check your Quick Start Guide for the exact location on your model.
Hisense TV: buttons or the Hisense app
Power and side buttons on the TV, or the Hisense Remote NOW app
- Use the power button and side buttons on the TV to turn it on and change channels and volume.
- Or download the Hisense Remote NOW app and use your phone as the remote.
Hisense says Hisense Android TV and Hisense Roku TV models can also be controlled from those platforms' apps.
Source: Hisense: how to use your Hisense TV without a remote?
If the setting doesn't change
The Roku app needs the Roku device to be online: Roku says that if the device isn't connected to the internet, for example after a reset or during setup, the app can't detect it and won't work as a remote. For Samsung TVs, the Controller button's position and shape vary by model, so check the user manual if you can't find it.
Source: Roku: use the Roku remote app to control your Roku device without a remote
Frequently asked questions
Where is the power button on a Samsung TV?
Samsung says the Controller button is at the bottom of the TV's frame, at the bottom center or bottom right, though its position and shape vary by model.
Can I use my phone as a Roku remote?
Yes. Install the Roku mobile app, sign in, connect it to your Roku device and use Remote. The Roku device must be connected to the internet.