Most TCL Smart TVs have a single multi-function button that serves as the physical control, and the TCL TV buttons location is underneath the panel, centered below the TCL logo and facing downward. This button is your primary way to operate the TV when you do not have the remote.
Where to find the TCL TV buttons location
The physical button on a TCL Smart TV is almost always located on the bottom edge of the television. To find it, look directly under the TCL logo that is printed on the lower bezel of the TV screen. The button is a single, small, circular or rectangular button that faces downward toward the floor. You may need to feel for it with your fingers, as it is recessed and not visible from the front or sides of the TV.
How to use the single multi-function button
This single button controls all basic TV functions through a combination of short presses and long presses. Follow these steps to operate your TCL TV without a remote:
- Turn on the TV: With the TV in standby mode (the small LED light is on), press the multi-function button once. The TV will power on.
- Open the on-screen menu: While the TV is on, press the multi-function button once. An on-screen menu will appear, showing options such as volume, input, and power.
- Navigate the menu: Press the multi-function button repeatedly to move the highlight through the available menu options. Each short press moves the highlight to the next option.
- Confirm a selection: When the desired option is highlighted, press and hold the multi-function button for more than 2 seconds. This will confirm your selection and either activate the chosen function or open a submenu.
Turning the TV on and off without a remote
To power the TV on from standby, press the multi-function button once. To turn the TV off on Google TV models, press and hold the multi-function button. The TV will shut down and enter standby mode. On other TCL models, the same long press action may be used to turn the TV off, or you may need to navigate to the power option in the on-screen menu and confirm it with a long press.
Other physical controls and model variations
Some TCL TV models include a hands-free voice control mic switch located near the multi-function button. This physical switch lets you enable or disable the built-in microphone for voice commands. Because the exact location and configuration of physical buttons can vary by TV model and series, consulting the specific TV's Quick Start Guide or user manual is strongly recommended. For example, if you are used to another brand's remote and wonder how to use your Samsung Smart TV remote, the TCL button layout will be completely different, your TCL TV relies on this single multi-function button, not a full array of dedicated keys, much like the button locations on a Samsung smart TV also hide physical controls along the edges. Always check your model's documentation to confirm the button's precise behavior and any additional controls that may be present.
