TCL has become hugely popular in recent years for offering feature-packed smart TVs at budget prices. However, many TCL TV owners have found themselves needing to program a universal remote to regain control after losing the original TCL remote.
Programming a universal remote seems complicated on the surface, but have no fear! In this extensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to seamlessly set up nearly any major universal remote brand with your TCL television.
Overview of TCL TVs
Founded over 30 years ago, TCL is now one of the world’s best-selling TV brands. What sets TCL apart is its commitment to the latest display technologies, like QLED and mini-LED, at affordable price points. Models like the 6-Series consistently top budget TV recommendations.
But TCL TVs still use proprietary infrared (IR) signals for their remotes. So if you lose your original remote, you’ll need a universal remote capable of learning new IR signals to control your TCL television.
How Do Universal Remotes Work?
A universal remote controls multiple devices by imitating their unique infrared signals. To "speak" the right dialect for your TCL TV, the universal remote needs to be programmed with the correct IR code.
Most universal remotes have a vast database of codes for various TV brands. You simply enter a code into the remote, try controlling your TV, and repeat the process until finding the correct code that operates your TCL television.
Some remotes also have an automatic code search feature that cycles through potential codes without needing manual code entry. We’ll cover both programming methods later on.
Why Program a Universal Remote for TCL TVs
There are a few reasons why you might need to set up a universal remote with your TCL television:
- You lost the original TCL remote: It‘s easy to misplace TV remotes. Programming a replacement universal remote lets you regain control of your TCL TV.
- You want to consolidate devices: Universal remotes can control TVs, streaming players, soundbars and more. Reduce remote clutter by programming one remote for multiple devices.
- Existing universal remote stopped working: If batteries die or remotes start failing, getting a fresh universal remote programmed with TCL codes gets you up and running again seamlessly.
Next, let’s look at TCL TV universal remote code lists across popular brands.
Universal Remote Code Lists for TCL TVs
Use the tables below to find TCL universal remote codes based on your remote brand and code type:
3-Digit TCL Universal Remote Codes
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| Remote Brand | 3-Digit TCL Codes |
|---|---|
| Dish | 165, 333, 334, 387, 503, 522, 523, 533, 535, 551, 556, 601, 627, 645, 650, 651, 666, 749, 751, 805, 824, 831, 863, 864, 888, 902 |
| GE | 020, 081, 135 |
| Spectrum | 031, 081, 096, 251, 268, 387, 705, 749 |
4-Digit TCL Universal Remote Codes
| Remote Brand | 4-Digit TCL Codes |
|---|---|
| Comcast | 1756 |
| Dish | 0178, 0706, 0885, 1756, 2049, 2434, 3183, 4398 |
| GE | 0020, 0091, 0135, 1171, 1181, 1421, 1691, 1741, 1851, 2011, 2061, 2111, 2301, 2851, 2891, 3421, 3431, 3571, 4921, 5139, 5165, 5771, 5961, 6031, 6171, 6201, 6651 |
| OneForAll | 0412, 0587, 0625, 0698, 0706, 0806, 0826, 0885, 0898, 1588, 1617, 1756, 1916, 2049, 2403, 2414, 2429, 2434, 2530, 2675, 2714, 2715, 2958, 3047, 3183, 3327, 3426, 3649, 3779, 3847, 3879, 3971, 4176, 4177, 4178, 4259, 4398 |
| RCA | 0706, 0885, 0898, 1756, 2049, 2414, 2429, 2434, 3183, 3426, 3847, 4178, 4398 |
| Philips | 0091, 0115, 0709, 0733, 1421, 1564, 1691, 1718, 1741, 1851, 2011, 2061, 2111, 2301, 2851, 2891, 3421, 3431, 3571, 4921, 5771, 5961, 6031, 6171, 6201, 6651 |
| Spectrum | 0178, 0701, 0706, 0861, 0885, 1098, 1228, 1411, 1423, 1756, 2049, 2183, 2360, 2403, 2434, 2511, 2721, 4201 |
5-Digit TCL Universal Remote Codes
| Remote Brand | 5-Digit TCL Codes |
|---|---|
| Comcast | 10037, 10047, 10625, 10706, 10842, 10885, 11454, 11756, 11953, 12049, 12253, 12290, 12291, 12292, 12293, 12434, 14398 |
| DirecTV | 10178, 10706, 10818, 10885, 11756, 12049, 12293, 12360, 12403, 12414, 12429, 12434 |
| OneForAll | 10047, 10885, 11756, 12049, 12183, 12434 |
| RCA | 10047, 10885, 11756, 12049, 12293, 12434, 13183, 14398 |
| Philips | 10369, 11764, 12153, 12251, 12270, 12359, 12457, 12555, 12963, 14558, 14849, 14972, 15466, 15564, 16646, 16665, 17415, 17646, 17750, 18522, 18924, 19655 |
| Spectrum | 10178, 10885, 11423, 11447, 11756, 12049, 12183, 12360, 12434, 13938, 14398 |
Now that you have the right TCL TV codes for your universal remote brand, let‘s walk through the programming process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Programming a Universal Remote for TCL TVs
The overall process for programming a universal remote is straightforward. But first, you need to:
- Determine your remote‘s code type: This is typically 3-digit, 4-digit or 5-digit. Check the remote programming manual or printed underneath the battery cover.
- Find the correct TCL code: Use the universal remote code tables above to locate TCL codes that match your remote brand and code type.
Once you have your code list ready, follow these steps to program your TCL universal remote:
Step 1: Initiate Programming Mode
Begin by manually turning on your TCL television. Locate the “Setup” or “Code Search” button on your universal remote, often near the top. Press this key to put the remote into programming mode. An LED light may turn on as indication.
If your remote lacks a dedicated setup button, you may have a “TV” or “Device” key instead. Press this until the “TV” LED illuminates to program TV device codes.
Step 2: Enter a TCL Code
Next, use your remote‘s number pad to carefully enter one of the TCL codes from your brand‘s code list earlier. The LED may flash a few times after entering the code.
Does the LED stop flashing and TV turn off? If yes, great news – that code works for your TCL TV! Skip ahead to finish programming.
Is the LED still lit and TV still on? This code did not work. No worries, just try the next TCL code from your list.
Step 3: Repeat Code Entry Until Success
Cycle through all the TCL codes for your universal remote brand from the earlier tables.
Carefully enter each code one by one on your remote‘s keypad and check if the LED stops flashing and TV power shuts off.
As soon as one code successfully triggers these responses – congratulations, you have found the operational TCL code for your universal remote!
Note: Between each code attempt, you may need to turn your TCL TV back on manually at the power button.
Step 4: Finish Programming Mode
Once you have the working TCL code for your remote, press the “Setup” button again to lock in programming and exit this mode. Your universal remote for TCL TV should now be ready!
Test changing channels, adjusting volume and other functions to validate full control. Enjoy simplified operation from a single, unified clicker!
For tips resolving any programming issues, skip down to the troubleshooting section next.
Faster Way to Program TCL Codes
Many modern universal remotes also have a handy auto code search feature that automatically cycles through potential codes. Here is how it works to program your TCL TV even quicker:
Enter Programming Mode
Initiate setup by pressing your remote‘s “Setup” button first, just like before. An LED may turn on to confirm programming mode is active.
Press and Release Power
Here is the cool trick: while in programming mode, press and quickly release the Power button on your remote.
If auto search is supported, the LED blinks rapidly through 10 internal codes for your TCL television.
Repeat Until TV Shuts Off
Did your TV stay on after the first search cycle? No problem, simply press Power again to send the next 10 codes.
As soon as your television shuts off, congratulations – your remote has found a working TCL code!
Lock in Correct TCL Code
Carefully turn on the TCL TV manually again at the set. Now go back to the remote and press Volume Up instead.
The remote sends each prior code one-by-one until the TV powers back off. Leave the last code that turned it off – that‘s your correct TCL code!
Finally, press “Setup” again to exit programming mode. Enjoy using your newly programmed remote.
Troubleshooting Tips
Hopefully programming your replacement universal remote for TCL TV control went smooth. But issues can pop up occasionally:
Problem: Remote doesn‘t work properly or only some functions control TV
- Check batteries – replacing dead batteries fixes many remote problems
- Try pointing remote directly at TV sensor from 5-6 feet away
- Press appropriate Device key to ensure TV mode is active
Problem: No codes work or turn TV off
- Manually toggle TV from another device like streaming stick
- Re-initiate programming mode on remote and re-enter setup process
- Call TCL support to confirm IR remote compatibility
Problem: After code setup, remote stops controlling TV later
- Programming can get accidentally cleared sometimes
- Repeat programming step process to redo code setup
- For consistent issues, might need to replace remote
Problem: HDMI-connected devices interfering with remote
- HDMI-CEC signal overlap can disrupt IR remotes
- Check TV‘s Settings menu and turn HDMI-CEC setting Off
- Alternatively, connect hardware without HDMI ARC/CEC
Still having trouble? Don‘t panic! Just contact the expert tech support team for your universal remote manufacturer. Provide your detailed issue, remote model name/number and TV brand. They can best advise on additional solutions tailored for your specific universal remote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some other common questions people have about programming a TCL universal TV remote:
What’s the easiest universal remote to program?
Top-rated, easy-to-program universal remotes include Logitech Harmony and Sofabaton models. Models with automatic code search or remote apps make setup effortless.
Why does my TCL TV remote need reprogrammed?
TCL remote programming can accidentally clear if batteries fully drain, hardware failures occur or conflicting codes are entered. Revisiting programming ensures proper code is set.
Do smart TVs need universal remotes?
Modern smart TVs like TCL Roku models still utilize infrared signals. So if you lose the included remote, a universal remote is necessary for control.
Can one remote work for multiple TCL TVs?
Actually, yes – once programmed, most universal remotes can operate multiple TCL TVs. The sets likely use the same infrared codes, allowing simultaneous control.
Why does my remote not work close up?
IR remotes need a clear path for their signal to reach a TV’s sensor. From up-close, the transmission gets obstructed. For reliable functionality, allow 5-6 feet distance.
Conclusion
I hope this guide gave you confidence for getting a replacement universal remote programmed seamlessly with your TCL television.
Finding the right remote codes seemed tricky at first. But now search tables, step-by-step setup instructions, troubleshooting tips and additional Q&A prepared you through the full process start to finish.
Now combo clickers can handily operate both your TCL entertainment center and other home theater gadgets. As your needs evolve down the road, remember that reprogramming universal remotes to add or change devices takes only minutes when you follow these steps.
Here‘s to happily simplified living rooms and fewer missing remote headaches! Feel free to contact me or discuss in the comments if any other universal remote or TCL questions pop up. Thanks for reading!
