Remote controls make your TV watching life easier. With that device, you can control the sound, zoom channels, adjust color, and even check the weather if your TV has the capability.
It’s almost hard to imagine what life was like without one until the unthinkable happens. One day you have your remote control in your hands and the next day it’s gone.
Maybe the kids lost it. Or maybe his dog decided to take it to the backyard and add it to his buried treasure.
Whatever the reason, you should turn on your Sharp TV before you miss out on any great movie entertainment. Then what do you do? Well, read on to find out how to turn on your Sharp TV without a remote control.
Control your TV without a remote
It may seem like it’s the end of the world, but there are a few ways to turn on your TV without a remote control. Before you turn the sofa cushions over to search for them again, you can try one of the following methods:
Use the power button
Even if you can’t find your remote control, you can always turn on your TV manually. Typically, TVs have a power button somewhere on the screen frame. The trick is to find it.
If you still have the manual that came with your TV, it’s time to dust it off. Look at the diagram of the TV and note the location of the power button on the TV. Approach the TV and press the button to turn it on.
Even if you don’t have the owner’s manual, you can still look for the power button on the outside of the TV. Run your hand along the logo and the bottom edges of the screen and find the button. The actual location may vary depending on the Sharp TV model, but typically the button is located in the bottom left or right corner of the frame.
Use Google Home and Chromecast
You can also try using the Google Home app and a Chromecast device to turn on your TV. This method only works if you have a newer TV that has Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) and you have already enabled the feature.
But even this can be quite confusing. Not all manufacturers call the CEC function by the same name. For example, Sharp TVs have Aquos Link, which is the brand name for this feature.
However, as mentioned above, you need this option to already be enabled in your TV’s settings menu for it to work. If you haven’t already but can manually access the settings menu and turn it on, you can use the Google Home app and Chromecast to turn on your TV.
Simply choose something to watch from your phone and tap the Cast icon. If you have multiple options, choose Chromecast. Streaming a video or music stream automatically turns on your TV because it uses Chromecast as an input source.
Please note that the Chromecast device requires power to do this, and that depends on how your TV’s USB ports work. Some TVs turn on the USB port only when it is turned on. Check the status light on your Chromecast device. If it is off when your TV is off, you may need to connect the device to an AC adapter to keep it on independently. Turning on the Chromecast device independently will allow you to turn on your TV without using a remote control.
If you want to skip the phone experience entirely and just use your voice, you can power your TV with Google Home Mini or Google Hub. Just give the simple command “Ok, Google, turn on my TV” and then use the Google Home app to control your Chromecast device. When you’re done, say “Hey Google, turn off my TV” to turn it off again.
Buy a replacement remote control
In some cases, it is better to have a new remote control on hand. If you can’t find an authentic controller for your TV, there are other options on the market, such as a universal remote control.
Universal remote controls are relatively inexpensive alternatives to a manufacturer’s remote control and are easy to set up. But you do need to turn on your TV using the power button to do the initial programming of the remote control.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious long-term option, you can always opt for the Logitech Harmony remote control system. Harmony turns your home into a smart one with the click of a few buttons.
However, it takes some time to link everything to the Harmony system. So if you’re looking for a quick fix, this one probably isn’t for you.
A final word on app usage
If you have an old cell phone with infrared (IR) functionality, you can always try using it and an app to turn on your TV. Even if you don’t have an IR blaster (a plug-in device that mimics an IR TV remote control device) on your phone, you may be able to use it as a remote control if you have a Smart TV connected to Wi-Fi. or Bluetooth.
Please note that third-party remote apps are notoriously buggy. They may work as short-term solutions, but you may need to work on a long-term strategy if your remote is gone for good.
