To use Hisense smart TV without remote, start by finding the physical button built into the television. A short press powers the TV on or off, and a long press opens an on-screen control menu for volume, input, and navigation.
How to use Hisense smart TV without remote: Find the physical button first
Every Hisense Smart TV manufactured since 2017 has at least one physical button for basic control. The button’s location varies by model, so check these common spots:
- VIDAA U-series: center-bottom under the bezel.
- Hisense Roku TV: a joystick on the bottom-right rear.
- Hisense Google TV: a single button on the side-bottom-left.
- Hisense Fire TV: bottom-left rear.
- Most models from 2021 onward: back-bottom-center, often recessed or behind a pinhole.
A short press of this button powers the TV on or off. A long press opens an on-screen control menu or the input list on VIDAA and Google TV models, letting you navigate volume, input, and other options. For Hisense Roku TVs, the rear joystick lets you navigate the entire operating system, including menus and input selection.
Connect a USB keyboard or mouse for full navigation
Most Hisense Smart TVs from 2018 onward support a wired USB keyboard or mouse plugged into a rear USB port. This gives you full navigation using arrow keys, Enter to select, and Esc to go back. A USB keyboard is especially useful for typing Wi-Fi passwords or searching for content, and it is a crucial step for getting the TV online when the remote is missing.
Get the TV online to use a smartphone remote app
To use a smartphone remote app, both the Hisense TV and the smartphone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If the TV is not yet online, you have three workarounds:
- Connect an Ethernet cable directly from your router to the TV’s Ethernet port.
- Plug in a USB keyboard or mouse to navigate to the Wi-Fi settings and enter your network password.
- Set up a mobile hotspot on your phone with the same SSID and password as a previously connected network, then turn on the TV.
Once the TV is online, you can proceed to install a remote app. Note that smartphone remote apps cannot be used for the initial setup of a Hisense TV or to connect it to Wi-Fi if the TV is completely offline; the TV must already be on the same network.
Download and pair the official Hisense remote app
Hisense offers official smartphone remote apps: RemoteNOW for VIDAA Smart TVs and some 4K Android TVs, and the Google TV app for Hisense Google TV and Android TV models. To pair:
- Install the app from your phone’s app store.
- Ensure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the TV.
- Open the app and let it scan for your TV.
- Tap your TV when it appears, then enter the 4-digit code displayed on the TV screen.
The app gives you all essential buttons, including power, volume, channel control, input selection, and settings. This method is ideal for watching live TV on a smart TV because the app provides full channel and volume control from your phone, which also solves problems like a Dish remote not controlling smart TV volume.
Control your TV with another remote via HDMI-CEC
HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) lets you control your Hisense TV using the remote of a connected HDMI-CEC compatible device, such as a streaming stick (Fire TV Stick, Apple TV), game console (PlayStation, Xbox), or soundbar. HDMI-CEC is often enabled by default. To verify or enable it:
- On VIDAA TVs: navigate to Settings → System → HDMI Control.
- On other models: go to Settings → Connection → HDMI & CEC.
Once enabled, the connected device’s remote can control the TV’s power, volume, and basic navigation. This is a fast way to regain control if you have any HDMI device already plugged in.
Program a universal remote as a permanent replacement
If you need a permanent solution, program a universal remote compatible with Hisense Smart TVs. Use the remote’s code search function or enter a direct code for your Hisense model (refer to the universal remote’s manual for the code list). After programming, the universal remote controls all standard functions: power, volume, channel, input, and menu navigation. This replaces the original remote for everyday use.
