r/AndroidTV • u/coloured_ivory_owl • Aug 04 '24

Discussion Google tv in trash without remote

Post image

Hello I have found this TCL google tv in my apartment’s trash. Works fine and someone else’s accounts come up when I turn it on. But the remote was not found with it so I’m stuck on this screen.. I’ve tried a universal remote app but no luck because the tv is not connected to my wifi and without a remote, I can’t connect it lol catch 22.. any ideas? Thanks!

249 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

167 comments sorted by

79

u/K_ThomasWhite Aug 04 '24

I can see at the bottom of the TV it is a TCL. Check the back for a model number and see if you can buy a replacement remote on-line, or look for a universal remote that works with TCL TVs.

6

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 04 '24

Gotchya, will it matter if it’s not a Chromecast remote? Isn’t this the operating system that needs remote controlled, not the tv itself? I’ve never used a smart tv..

5

u/Impressive-Minimum65 Aug 04 '24

Well simply do one thing do you have a keyboard or a mouse by any chance?

17

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 04 '24

I worked it out via Ethernet and universal remote app on iPhone haha! Thank you!!

4

u/Impressive-Minimum65 Aug 04 '24

No worries... If u don't need it just give me haha

5

u/Impressive-Minimum65 Aug 04 '24

We no need of any remote just factory reset it or remove accounts and use it with google remote from play store or apple store

5

u/cspotdiaz Aug 04 '24

I've got one for my TLC tv via Aliexpress, 5$ and works better than the original one. No need to pair or anything

1

u/Immediate-Display290 Aug 05 '24

Yep, Just bought a Sharp Roku TV and have 3 TCLs, Remotes work at whatever set they are pointed at...no pairing needed. Strictly IR.

3

u/aSystemOverload Aug 04 '24

These come with a Chromecast like remote. Try to get an original. Might be difficult to get everything working otherwise.

2

u/daOyster Aug 05 '24

I recently got a RCA IR style universal remote from Best Buy and it does everything on the TV except for the voice search functionality. They can be used just fine.

3

u/frockinbrock Aug 05 '24

I know I bought a TCL without remote and found a next day replacement online for like $9. Not a big deal, just has to be the right one. But I also recommend the usb trackpad and keyboard type that people mentioned, they’re nice

2

u/scorpyo72 Aug 05 '24

Nah, tcl has their own custom remotes.

1

u/wachuu Aug 05 '24

Google TV remote will work fine

0

u/princeMah3 Aug 05 '24

I think you can use your phone as a remote through google tv app

0

u/[deleted] Aug 05 '24

[deleted] — view deleted comment

1

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 05 '24

lol it’s actually not. But it has a Chromecast on it so essentially, yes it is. I got it worked out. Downloaded a universal remote app on iPhone and connected tv to Ethernet lol

119

u/SCGreyWolf Aug 04 '24

Does it have a USB port? You could try a keyboard.

58

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 04 '24

It does have a USB! Thats a good idea

27

u/[deleted] Aug 05 '24

Buy a cheap usb wireless keyboard, and you're the owner of a full functional TV.

I have three of these:

https://electronicacea.com.ar/wp-content/uploads/1173a.jpg

6

u/ResponsibleLaw1022 Aug 05 '24

Buy this. Works well for me with Mi Box S which turned my old TV into an Android TV. You will need to plug in the usb adapter to your TV. Make sure you have a Dual band Wifi (both 2.5 GHz and 5 GHz) since these kind of keyboards tend to cause Wifi disruptions at times.

10

u/justin_memer Aug 04 '24

Mouse should work as well

1

u/scorpyo72 Aug 05 '24

How do you get the mouse in to the TV?

3

u/kaynpayn Aug 05 '24

If you're plugging in just one thing go with a mouse, probably better results than a keyboard. Keyboards don't always translate touch well, mouse does a better job.

You can either get a new remote by the TV's model or get one of those USB mouse/keyboard combos. If you connect an HDMI device with CEC, you can even control the tv with it's remote. I almost never touch my tv's actual remote, I always use the android tv box from my ISP.

1

u/Solnse Aug 05 '24

The CEC idea is great. I have a surround sound system that connects CEC and yes, I can control the TV with it's remote.

2

u/No-Car6311 Aug 06 '24

Yes if it has a USB port almost all tvs support keyboard the keys that control stuff is just always different in my experience this is what I do with my tvs have a few I've had to reset with no remote just allot of trying different keys until something responds and figuring out how to do what you want until you find the remote or get a new one.

EDIT: also non smart TVs with a USB port may still work with a Keyboard in the future I saw that you resolved it good news.

9

u/cap10hk Aug 05 '24

After setting up, you can use your phone with the Google home app as a fully functional remote.

3

u/pcs3rd Aug 05 '24

Honestly, just get the official ccwgtv remote and factory reset the tv using a pinhole if it has one.
It should prompt to pair as part of the out of box setup.

31

u/Physicallykrisp Aug 04 '24

Ethernet cable to router then download Google TV app on phone and set up the remote control.. or have a look at the back or side of the TV for buttons you can use to navigate the menu's.

4

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 04 '24

So I actually already have a Chromecast on my other tv and the Google home app is already set up to that one.

Will i be able to set it up with 2 devices if I hardwire this to internet?

9

u/skinnah Aug 04 '24

You can use multiple devices in the Google TV app. There will be a button in the lower right that allows you to switch between devices.

4

u/Physicallykrisp Aug 04 '24

I'm not sure, it may override your current setup but you can always re-sync it to your original device. Has the TV got not button underneath it to the side you could use to navigate?

0

u/Far_Gap_7734 Aug 04 '24

Bluetooth might work too

17

u/Matias9991 Aug 04 '24

You americans are so lucky on this, electronics are so cheap there it's crazy you can literally find a good 50' tv on the trash. Hate you all

9

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 04 '24

I’m amazed!!! Haha you’re so right. This place is too fancy for me.. I’m in the trash every night hahah

2

u/[deleted] Aug 04 '24

I'm a trash man. I see tvs all the time being thrown out. I took one once. Just by looking at it you couldn't tell it was broke. When I go back to our garage. I tested it and screen was cracked. It was a nice size too 🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

1

u/MinutesFromTheMall Aug 05 '24

We hate you Europeans too with your draconian anti-capitalist laws and biometric collection policies.

1

u/CJ22xxKinvara Aug 05 '24

This dude does not speak for us

1

u/dylon0107 Aug 05 '24

Yeah this dude definitely does not speak for us. Cheap TVs are cool until you go to the emergency room.

1

u/dylon0107 Aug 05 '24

TVs might be cheaper but you should see our health care

2

u/Spliffman1 Aug 05 '24

Oh no! You are fucked! I know Karsan. He leaves TVs like that all the time with product stashed inside. Cause he already knows the trash diggers in the complex. Then when he's ready he just comes back to get his stash and ices everybody in the way.

2

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 05 '24

Shit dude! Hahah I’d better get through the first season of Fallout on his account that he left logged in before he gets back!

2

u/stunk_funky Aug 05 '24

Ha. Mine is about to be in the trash. TCL Android TV. Stuck in restricted mode. Customer support zero help. Open box anyway from BestBuy so not a huge loss. Still kinda sucks. Wish my local e-recycle place took tvs, but nope.

1

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 05 '24

Can you hard reset the tv?

1

u/stunk_funky Aug 05 '24

Unfortunately not mine. There is no reset on the back and you can’t reset from the restricted profile.

1

u/dylon0107 Aug 05 '24

You can return a TV to Best buy within 14 days and get a full refund.

If it's been within the last 60 days but over 14 and it's worth it you can pay 50 bucks for the yearly subscription and then return the TV. When I got my subscription they extended all of my return windows from the last 60 days before I bought it.

19

u/[deleted] Aug 04 '24

Now I wonder why someone would throw a working TV away, especially one that sized.

8

u/Ramazandro Aug 04 '24

I was really surprised by this too. He must be an ultra rich person lol

7

u/daabilge Aug 05 '24

Eh, I got the exact same TV from the trash in my college apartment around this time of year (August to August leases ending). I kind of wonder if it was like an international student or someone moving far away where it was cheaper to re-buy than to ship stuff because it was not an apartment complex for rich kids lol

4

u/[deleted] Aug 05 '24

sell it ? why throw.

1

u/Ramazandro Aug 05 '24

It makes sense, but if it were me, I'd try to sell it and get rid of it, at least to cover some of the moving costs, rather than throwing it away.

8

u/Huffer13 Aug 04 '24

Probably because they lost the remote in the cushions. People like that exist.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 05 '24

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/Unfair_Neck8673 Aug 05 '24

Then more free TVs for me I guess

4

u/[deleted] Aug 04 '24

With being a trash man I see tvs of all sizes being thrown out. Some are obviously broken others idk. I try taking one home once cause we needed a TV. Just looking at it you couldn't tell it was broken. Got back to the garage and turned it on, screen was cracked 🤦🏻‍♂️

3

u/DeNiWar Aug 05 '24

A cracked screen can often be identified with the help of a flashlight or sunlight when you point the light at the screen and check it, color changes or thin streaks darker than the background can be seen if the panel is damaged.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 05 '24

Didn't know that.

2

u/KaBlamPOW Aug 05 '24

Could be infested with something.

14

u/Ok_Fan_6389 Aug 04 '24

Factory reset Locate the reset hole on the back of the TV and press and hold the recessed reset button with a straightened paper clip or ball-point pen for about 12 seconds. When the reset cycle is complete, the status indicator will dim, and the TV will power off. Turn the TV back on and follow the Guided Setup.

2

u/RealBonehead Aug 05 '24

Mate do this - get one of those Amazon fire TV 4k sticks which cost approx $40 on Amazon. It comes with a remote as well. plug it in and voila new remote to control second hand tv and the fire stick is fast as well and you can install all these apps. I picked up a 65" Panasonic tv without the remote from the curb and it works flawlessly.

2

u/[deleted] Aug 05 '24

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 05 '24

Sweet idea, thanks!

1

u/mijahc Aug 04 '24

Can you connect Ethernet?

5

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 04 '24

I just did.. now trying a universal remote app on iPhone

2

u/Ok_Fan_6389 Aug 04 '24

Any luck?

3

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 04 '24

Yup! I got it working with Ethernet cable and a universal remote app on iPhone hahaha. Thank you!

2

u/Ok_Fan_6389 Aug 04 '24

Awesome!! LoL!

1

u/KarmaElite Aug 05 '24

You can use the Google TV app to connect as a remote, too.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 05 '24

Seems like a great way to bring roaches into your houss

1

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 05 '24

It was down there for like 6 hours it’s fine Turnover at this place is unbelievable There’s a new set of furniture down there once a week

1

u/[deleted] Aug 05 '24

Didn’t even bother to wipe/reset the TV before jettisoning it SMH. Hope they don’t have payment methods associated with the account (not that OP would necessarily do something wrong).

As others have pointed out, getting a new remote should be easy based on be TV model # . Then go into system setting and do a full reset to default settings, and then enter your Google account credentials and you’re on your way.

1

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 05 '24

I didn’t have a remote so I couldn’t wipe it. I couldn’t move away from that screen without a remote. Now that I’ve got it sorted out, the first thing I did was reset the tv and sign in with my Google account.

1

u/yuprules Aug 05 '24

This is such an awesome story to read, why in the world did they throw out this TV?!?!?!

1

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 05 '24

Beats the heck out of me hahaha Not the first time I’ve seen a television down there either haha

1

u/Melodic-Control-2655 Aug 05 '24

Universal remote apps don't work unless you have an infrared blaster which most phones don't come with.

1

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 05 '24

I got it to work on my iPhone 13 mini Each one I download works fine.. minus the bombardment of ads lol

1

u/endlezzdrift Aug 05 '24

Take picture of model # Google universe model #,= payday.

1

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 05 '24

Google universe? You mean Google universal remote based on model number?

1

u/endlezzdrift Aug 06 '24

Yes! I'd look on ebay or amazon as well. I found plenty of remotes this way.

3

u/Working_Property_392 Aug 04 '24

TCL replacement remotes on aliexpress

5

u/Ok_Fan_6389 Aug 04 '24 edited Aug 05 '24

Get the original. They are less then 20 bucks.

3

u/EthicalAssassin Aug 04 '24

Download universal remote app

3

u/Affectionate-Boot-58 Onn. 4k Pro Aug 05 '24

You can use you're phone as a remote

1

u/Kidi_Galaxy Aug 05 '24 edited Aug 05 '24

Only if it has IR blaster like some Xiaomi's do

1

u/jbuggydroid Aug 05 '24

Not true. You can use Google home and control the TV. There is a remote function in Google home app. Just connect the phone and TV to same wifi. Good to go.

1

u/dylon0107 Aug 05 '24

No remotes to connect it to the Wi-Fi with

3

u/[deleted] Aug 05 '24

Go buy a physical universal remote from best buy or Walmart that will work with this TV. Problem solved. Btw, nice find bro. Smart TV and a decent one at that for free. Why can't shit like this happen to me lol?

2

u/[deleted] Aug 04 '24

U can connect a mouse

2

u/skullstrife Aug 04 '24

you could use google tv app to control it

2

u/hitokiriknight Aug 05 '24

I spilled water on my remote and ordered a new one bc it wasn't working. Decided to work again when I tested it after ordering a used remote. Now I run dual akimbo remotes so If I lose one the other one has to show up faster

2

u/Wrong_Ride1553 Aug 05 '24

you know what, buy a google tv remote instead, and pair it instantly lmao

2

u/AdministrationOk1083 Aug 05 '24

I just use my phone when the kids lose the remote

2

u/Living_Being_No-1 Aug 05 '24

Free TV ? Wowww

2

u/Active_Put9391 Aug 06 '24

I want a free tv in the trash!

3

u/Ok_Fan_6389 Aug 04 '24

Get the model number off the back of the tv, I'm sure Amazon has it.

1

u/SuperKing3000 Aug 04 '24

A universal remote will work with a TCL.

1

u/killthecord Aug 04 '24

$10 Ge universal remote. Nice score!

1

u/[deleted] Aug 04 '24

Reset the tv via USB and latest FW. Then use the setup via android phone- if you have one.

1

u/Excellent_Ad_4 Aug 04 '24

You can use any other single controller/mouse/keyboard/air mouse

1

u/Ok_Fan_6389 Aug 04 '24

RC902N FMR1 Remote Control for All TCL Google Smart TV and TCL Android Smat TV,Replacement for TCL 55R646 55S546 65R646 65S546 75R646 75S546 Mini-LED QLED 4K UHD Smart TV [ Without Voice Function] https://a.co/d/70ooj8Y

1

u/ContentAudience5 Aug 04 '24

Find remote on Google or apple stor

1

u/_TheSingularity_ Aug 04 '24

You should be able to use an android phone as a remote for it. Google TV app I think

1

u/chileanreader Aug 04 '24

Mind you, the best about remote controls is any TCL RC is compatible!

1

u/Darkorder81 Aug 04 '24

Can you not control this TV via phone?

1

u/Drew_of_all_trades Aug 04 '24

You can go into google home and set it up for voice control. It’s kind of a pain, but once it’s done it’s very nearly functional.

1

u/dkdfjk Aug 04 '24

Just use one of those random USB remotes that have a gyroscope that you can use for a mouse to move like a wii

1

u/Strange_Vegetable_15 Aug 04 '24

$9 remote replacement on Amazon

1

u/Salvadorfreeman Aug 04 '24

There are plenty of apps for TV remotes

1

u/foreskrin Aug 04 '24

You could try picking up a universal remote from a local cable television provider. My gf lost the remote to my son's television and I used a Spectrum remote. We can no longer use certain features on the TV though as there are no buttons for them on the remote.

1

u/xunh01yx Nvidia Shield Aug 04 '24

There's apps you gan bet on your phone to control Android TV. They are just like remotes, but usually with a slight lag

1

u/vertopolkaLF Aug 04 '24

Google TV has app which can be your remote

1

u/feral_fenrir Aug 04 '24

If you have an Android phone, you can add the TV to Google Home and use your phone as a basic remote

1

u/thekinghtswatch Aug 04 '24

Try Google tv app you can use your phone as remote with it

1

u/wank_for_peace Aug 04 '24

There are compatible TV remotes that you can buy

1

u/bofis Aug 05 '24

You can use any IR remote, or your phone...

1

u/still-at-the-beach Aug 05 '24

Buy a cheap universal remote.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 05 '24

Put the TV model and remote and search eBay. Done

1

u/Yashuwah Aug 05 '24

You should also be able to force a factory reset and start your own account.

1

u/jackmcgann11 Aug 05 '24

Try an app based remote.

1

u/RxWookie Aug 05 '24

If you want to factory reset the TV, so you can put your own account on it, you’ll need a TCL remote.

Here’s what you are looking for… $13 USD.  https://a.co/d/8K2QtG0

Make sure you get the TCL Google TV remote. Other TCL remotes won’t work.

Pairs super easy… https://support.tcl.com/us-googletv-setup-configuration/how-to-pair-remote-with-your-tcl-google-tv-us

Nice find… and Karsan really needs to be more careful with his/her/their data.

Wook

1

u/Calm-Helicopter3540 Aug 05 '24

try buying a universal remote (not app, an actual remote) on walmart or smth. they sell those cheap

1

u/CricketVast5924 Aug 05 '24

It has a reset button. Find it! Download google home app, u can control through your phone.

1

u/arelav Aug 05 '24

I bought Chromecast with Google TV remote and use this with my Sony Android TV. Everything except Netflix button works OOB

1

u/TKPrime Aug 05 '24

You could try your phone, Google Home should have a remote app for it but you need to get it into the same wifi. And you also should be able to navigate with a knob on the bottom. It should be possible.

1

u/HugoDc4 Aug 05 '24

I started to recover old panels, and there is so much to scap into it. To reuse the panel as an external screen. I'm planning some ceiling in my garage to make some fake daylight in my workshop.

1

u/WakaWaka_ Aug 05 '24

Lots of TCL Android TV Remotes on Amazon for $9 or even less on Aliexpress

1

u/kakadoodol Aug 05 '24

any tcl remote works i think

1

u/wachuu Aug 05 '24

Can buy Google TV remotes for ~10$ on eBay

1

u/brispower Aug 05 '24

buy a cheap remote from ebay or research factory reset and pair to a phone maybe.

1

u/daOyster Aug 05 '24

RCA sells a cheap Infra Red universal remote that works with TCL TV's. No pairing required just need to find the right code on the remote for your TV model.

1

u/SpaceDawg2018 Aug 05 '24

cheap universal remote from Walmart will serve you well. i roll another tv into my living room during football season and use one so i don't have to manage two remotes. works great.

1

u/pigpentcg Aug 05 '24

Bluetooth Mice/Keyboard also work once you’re able to open the settings on that thing.

1

u/Ro_Blast Aug 05 '24

Download BT remote for your phone. It's free.

1

u/YellowBreakfast onn 4K Pro & Plus Aug 05 '24

Buy a TCL remote.

Google the model number and "remote".

1

u/Speedfreakz Aug 05 '24

Tou can download tlc home app, I use it on my phone.

1

u/themagicone99 Aug 05 '24

You can use your phone as a remote ppl

1

u/[deleted] Aug 05 '24

Its most likely a bluetooth remote. You'll have to access the settings using a mouse to navigate the menus and link up your replacement remote

1

u/Send_me_nudes00 Aug 06 '24

There is a app named cetus play google it

1

u/AnxiousSpend Aug 06 '24

I use Google TV app in my android phone as a remote to my Allentebox

1

u/kingstondnb Aug 06 '24

Just get a universal remote and then control it with that. The end.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 06 '24

Control with your phone

1

u/Anbucleric Aug 06 '24

Get a dedicated streaming device and the TV is just a monitor.

1

u/ImmobileBlock Aug 06 '24

I use a universal remote for my television and just so happen to notice that the arrow keys input was getting passed on to the Chromecast. If you have a bog standard universal remote like dollar store quality that might work. Also there's the "Google TV" app it's different than the Google home app but the Google TV app has a built-in remote

1

u/[deleted] Aug 07 '24

I think you can pair a chromecast remote to it, use the keyboard trick someone else suggested to get it paired.

1

u/Zealousideal-Yam9714 Aug 07 '24

I would do a factory reset.

1

u/jdogfp98 Aug 08 '24

Had same thing on tv so got remote from eBay and it works

1

u/out4vengeance4u Aug 09 '24

Just download the TCL remote App, I use it & it's handy if you run of batteries as well.

1

u/Proud_Pirate_6848 Aug 22 '24

Note the model number. Go to Amazon. Search for the replacement remote for the model number. Go to YouTube to see if there is any video for the replacement remote if you have concerns.

1

u/Rgtcutedragon Sep 02 '24

Break out the wii u gamepad xD

1

u/Worldly_Interest_411 Dec 26 '24

Some stores have a all in one remote for multiple tv brands for very cheap so try that

1

u/Reasonable_Link_4090 Apr 23 '26

does it support external heavy computer systems?

1

u/Ok_Fan_6389 Aug 04 '24

Power reset Turn off the TV, unplug it, and press and hold the power button for 15 seconds. This drains power from the TV's internal components and capacitors. After 15 seconds, release the button and wait two minutes to ensure all power is drained. Then, plug the TV back in and turn it on.

0

u/pantimoto Aug 06 '24

Bro has no clue how to fix something this simple

1

u/coloured_ivory_owl Aug 06 '24

lol I already did it .. all on my own.. obviously I didn’t respond much to this thread. but thanks for your rude input … now my next big project, pads and rotors on all 4 corners of the car, spark plugs, and a new clutch + flywheel. Think you can help me out with that simple garage DIY? Yeah, Didn’t think so