Buzz
Has your TV remote gone missing? It’s likely somewhere near the sofa or TV! Have you checked between the couch cushions? Search all possible spots and ask family members if they have any clues.
Steps
Finding the Remote
Check likely spots. The remote is probably somewhere in the room where you watch TV. Many people tend to leave it near the TV or where they were sitting. It’s often found on the sofa or nearby.
Search in less obvious places. Look under books, magazines, blankets, and jackets – anything that might be covering the remote. Check the crevices between sofa cushions and chairs. Inspect both the top and bottom of furniture.
- Check near the kettle, bookshelves in the hallway, bathroom drawers, and anywhere else you might have taken the remote.
Recall where you’ve been. You might have taken the remote out of the room, set it down while distracted, and accidentally left it in an unusual spot. Think back to whether you might have left it somewhere while heading to the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, or front door.
- Check the fridge. If you’ve eaten or had a drink recently, the remote might have been left there while grabbing food.
- Perhaps you were on the phone while watching TV and absentmindedly set the remote down. It’s also possible that someone visited while you were watching your favorite show, and you carried the remote out of the room to answer the door.
Look under the bedsheets. This method is particularly effective if you watch TV in bed. The remote often gets buried under sheets or blankets, and the best way to find it is to run your hand along the bedding until you feel something box-shaped. If you still can’t find it, check under the bed and around the bed frame.
Ask Around
Ask other family members. If someone recently used the remote, they might have a clue about its location. They might have placed it somewhere you wouldn’t normally look. It’s also possible they absentmindedly left it in an unusual spot. Even if you don’t find the remote immediately, asking others can help narrow down where not to search.
Figure out who last had the remote. Maybe your sister took it into her room and forgot to bring it back. It’s also possible she hid it as a prank, or perhaps the dog carried it off to chew on. Think about who might have done it and why.
- Check the kids’ toy box. You might be surprised to find your son or daughter took the remote!
Ask for help. There’s no reason you have to search for the remote alone! Enlist friends or family to help find the missing remote. It’s easier if you give them a good reason, like watching a movie together or catching a show starting in 20 minutes.
Prevent It from Happening Again
Pay more attention to the remote. If you keep a closer eye on it, you’ll rarely have to search for it. Make a conscious effort to notice where you place it. Take a mental picture of the device and its surroundings so you can remember its location.
Designate a specific spot for the remote. Never leave it anywhere other than its assigned place. You might choose the coffee table, next to the TV, or in a dedicated remote holder attached to the sofa or table.
- If you frequently lose the remote, consider buying a remote holder to create a fixed spot for it.
- Attach a piece of hook-and-loop tape to the back of the remote and the corresponding piece to the TV. Stick the remote to the TV when not in use.
Make the remote more visible. Apply bright-colored, reflective, or fluffy tape to the remote. You can also attach ribbons, create wings, or stick plastic feet onto the device. Add any details that you think can make the remote look more impressive and stand out, but ensure they do not hinder the device's functionality.
Consider purchasing a universal remote control. These devices work with most TV brands and help you avoid the confusion of managing multiple remotes. If you're using separate remotes for your TV, DVD player, sound system, and other devices, managing a single remote for all devices is far more convenient than juggling four.
Attach a GPS tracker to your remote. Many companies now sell small (but somewhat expensive) tracking devices that link to smartphone apps. Attach a tracker to your TV remote in case you misplace it again. You can set up your smartphone to beep when it gets close to the remote. Some apps even have the ability to locate the remote from a distance.
Advice
- If you have siblings, they might have taken the remote. Ask around to see if anyone is holding it.
- Certain brands (like DISH) offer a 'Locate Remote' feature. Look for this option on your remote or control box (Hopper) and follow the beeping sound to find your remote.
- You might not find the remote on your first try. Keep searching! Try to remember where you last saw or used it. Don’t forget to check behind the TV.
- It’s helpful to buy a 'universal remote control': this device can operate most TV brands. This way, you can reduce the number of remotes you need. Store the universal remote in a safe place as a backup.
- Consider sewing or buying a remote pouch for your sofa armrest to prevent losing it again.
- Ask others to help you search for the remote. The more people looking, the quicker it will be found.
- Some TV service providers (like Dish Network in the U.S.) have a button on the receiver that makes the remote beep and flash, making it easier to locate.
Warning
- If you still can’t find it, you might need to purchase a new remote. Opt for a universal remote that works with all TVs, or buy a universal remote to use while you continue searching for the original one.
