How to Use a TCL TV Without a Remote

How to turn on a TCL TV without the remote

TCL smart TVs are mostly TCL Roku TVs or TCL Google TVs. The Home screen shows which.

The button is under the TCL logo in the middle of the bottom edge on most models; some have it on the back. Press it to turn the TV on.

How to change the input on a TCL TV without the remote

Press the button with the TV on. A small menu appears: short presses move through the inputs and power, and pausing or holding selects. This is the usual way out of a “no signal” screen.

How to change the volume on a TCL TV without the remote

Some TCL models have volume buttons either side of the middle button. Many have only the one button, with no volume in its menu. For those, use a phone on the same Wi‑Fi: on a TCL Roku TV the app changes the TV’s volume directly.

Use your phone as the TCL remote

1. Install Kliky from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Connect the phone to the same Wi‑Fi as the TV.
3. Pick the TV in the list. Type the six-digit code if it is a Google TV (a Roku TV connects with no code).

How to connect a TCL TV to Wi‑Fi without the remote

• TCL Roku TV: the button gives power and inputs only, and a Roku TV needs a remote to join Wi‑Fi. Use Ethernet if there is a port, or the hotspot method in connect a Roku to Wi‑Fi without a remote.
• TCL Google TV: plug in a USB keyboard or mouse. Arrow keys move, Enter selects and Esc goes back, which is enough to reach the network settings.

How to reset a TCL TV without the remote

TCL Roku TVs have a recessed Reset button on the back near the ports. With the TV on, hold it with a paperclip for about 12 to 15 seconds until the TV restarts.

Getting a remote again

For real buttons again, see TCL TV remote not working for which replacement fits a TCL TV, and the TCL TV remote page for the software it runs.

Sources

• Roku Support: Use the Roku remote app without a remote
• Google: Use your phone as the remote for your Android TV
• Tom’s Guide forum: TCL without remote, set up Wi‑Fi after reset