How do I keep track of my TV remote?

It’s a common frustration – you sit down on the couch, ready to watch some TV, and then spend way too long searching for the remote. Where did it go this time? Trying to find a lost remote can quickly put a damper on your plans to relax and unwind. But with some simple strategies, you can make sure your remote stays easy to find so you don’t waste time searching for it.

Why Do TV Remotes Get Lost So Easily?

There are a few reasons why TV remotes have a tendency to go missing:

They’re small and portable – Remotes are designed to be picked up and carried around easily, so they can end up in lots of different places.

You use them without paying attention – When you’re focused on the TV, you may set down or drop the remote without realizing it.
They blend in – Modern remotes are often black and nondescript, so they disappear into couches and shelves.
Kids and pets move them – Curious little hands and paws sometimes relocate remotes to hidden nooks and crannies.

Knowing why remotes disappear so often can help you come up with effective strategies to prevent it from happening.

Create a Designated Remote Storage Spot

This is one of the simplest ways to cut down on remote-losing time. Choose a specific place by your TV where you’ll always store the remote when not in use. A few good options:

Remote caddy – Plastic or wire caddies attach right to your coffee table or couch arm to hold the remote within easy reach.

Basket – A decorative basket or catch-all tray works nicely for stashing the remote.
Wall mount – Mounts affix right to the wall and give your remote its own dedicated parking space.

Get in the habit of putting the remote directly back in its home spot after you’re done using the TV. Train kids and other family members to do the same. This takes the guesswork out of where the remote should be.

Tips for an Effective Remote Storage Spot

Choose a visible location near the TV so the remote is easy to grab and return.
If kids use the remote, place it out of reach so they can’t play with it unsupervised.
Select a container that won’t scratch or damage the remote.

Consider secure mounts for especially determined pets who may knock over open baskets.

Use Locator Devices

Remote locators use wireless technology to help you find a misplaced remote in seconds. They work one of two ways:

Remote locator buttons: Many cable and satellite remotes have small rectangular buttons near the top that say “Locator.” Press this button and the remote will beep loudly for up to a minute, allowing you to track down its location. Just be sure to keep the remote’s batteries fresh.

Bluetooth trackers: These small devices pair with your smartphone via Bluetooth to locate items. Attach a tracker like a Tile Mate to your remote, then use the smartphone app to make the remote ring when it goes missing.

Locator buttons and trackers remove the frustration of searching under couch cushions and digging through clutter. With just a tap on your phone, you can zero in on the remote’s location.

Tips for Using Locators Effectively

Place the locator in a conspicuous spot on the remote so it’s easy to find and press.

For trackers, choose a thin, flat style that adheres well to the remote.
Make sure to charge Bluetooth trackers regularly so the battery stays fresh.
If you have large furniture, multiple locators placed around the room will help triangulate the remote’s location.

Use Your Phone as a Remote

Nowadays, many cable and streaming boxes come with companion apps that allow you to use your smartphone as a remote. Plus, universal smartphone remotes like Peel and Sure can control nearly any device.

The benefit is clear – it’s much harder to lose your smartphone than a small remote control. You’ll spend less time searching and have a remote handy at all times.

Smartphone remotes are especially convenient if you stream most of your TV through services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc. You can seamlessly switch between controlling the streaming box and accessing media apps.

Tips for Effectively Using Your Phone as a Remote

Download the appropriate app for your smart TV, cable box, or streaming device.
Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same wireless network.
Check for app features like voice commands and keyboards for easy text entry.

Keep your phone charged so you don’t lose remote functionality.

Use a Remote Finder

If your remote does disappear, a flashlight can help illuminate its hiding spot. But for even easier locating, consider a dedicated remote finder.

These handy devices use infrared sensors to detect IR signals from a TV remote up to 25 feet away. Simply sweep and scan a room, and the remote finder will light up and beep when it detects the IR signal.

Remote finders are inexpensive, compact, and powered by small batteries, so you can easily store one by the TV or carry it around the house. It will pinpoint a remote buried deep in a couch, in another room, or somewhere unexpected.

Tips for Using a Remote Finder

Press buttons on the remote periodically so the finder can detect the fresh signals.
Methodically scan areas at multiple angles to cover all possible hiding spots.

Look behind and under furniture since remotes can slide way back.
Keep batteries fresh so the finder has ample range to locate the remote.

Use a Universal Remote

If you have multiple devices like a TV, DVD player, cable box, etc., all those individual remotes can be difficult to keep organized. Universal remotes combine all functions into one unit.

This simplifies your setup so there’s only one primary remote to keep track of. You can even program macros to perform complex sequences like turning on the complete home theater system.

Universal remotes have gotten very advanced, with options like touchscreens, smartphone control apps, and voice commands for easy navigation.

Benefit	How it Helps
All devices in one	Reduces clutter and confusion
Programmable macros	Lets you control multiple devices seamlessly
Backlit keys	Makes the remote easy to see in the dark
Rechargeable batteries	No more hunting for AAAs

Tips for Choosing a Universal Remote

Make sure it’s compatible with all your devices.

Look for a simple, intuitive button layout.
Consider smartphone control for flexibility.
Get a protective silicone case to prevent damage.

Reduce Remote Clutter

Even with plenty of storage options, too many remotes lying around can still make it hard to keep track of the one you need. Here are some tips to limit remote clutter:

Eliminate extras: If you have old devices that came with remotes you no longer use, put those remotes away in a drawer to clean up the space.
Consolidate devices: If you have multiple streaming boxes or smart TVs, reduce duplication by designating just one primary device for each TV.

Box up old remotes: Keep remotes for older devices you rarely use in a storage box in the closet, only taking them out when needed.
Mount shelf organizers: Install mounted racks or clips near the TV to neatly store multiple necessary remotes.

Less visual clutter makes it easier to grab the remote you actually want instead of sorting through a pile.

Teach Kids Responsible Remote Habits

Kids can inadvertently be one of the top reasons remotes go missing in family households. Little hands love to grab and play with remotes. And remote buttons are just so much fun to push!

Take some time to instill good remote habits in your kids when they’re young. Some tips:

Explain proper care for electronics.

Demonstrate how to gently put the remote back in its storage spot.
Allow kids to hold the remote only when supervised.
Consider removable knob covers to discourage button pushing.

Have a box of old remotes for pretend play instead of real ones.

Positive reinforcement like rewards and praise goes a long way in training kids where (and where not) to keep the remote control.

Use Velcro, Tape or Stickers

Placing distinctive Velcro strips, colored tape or fun stickers on your remote can make it instantly recognizable. This helps it stand out instead of getting lost in plain sight. Here are some great options:

Velcro: Stick matching Velcro strips on the remote and your remote storage spot.
Washi tape: Use strips of this removable, colorful tape to decorate the remote.
Paint pens: Draw patterns or label the remote for easy ID.

Stickers: Let kids customize their remotes with fun stickers.
Skins: Pre-made decal skins add personality and stick securely.

This makes the remote stand out from its surroundings. Just don’t cover any critical buttons and sensing areas.

Tips for Personalizing Your Remote

Place Velcro or tape where it won’t interfere with button pressing.
Test paint pens on an inconspicuous spot first to check if they stick.
Change up the decorations occasionally to keep the remote looking fresh.

For kids’ remotes, use colors and designs they find fun and engaging.

Consider Costly Consequences

Some people are content to search for a lost remote only when they urgently need it and not a moment before. But considering these costly consequences may motivate you to stay on top of your remotes at all times:

You miss out on time watching your favorite shows when you’re blindly searching for the remote.

You waste money if you break down and buy replacements when the old ones turn up later.
You risk damaging expensive TVs by pressing buttons manually or accessing risky settings without a remote.
You appear unorganized and incompetent when guests come over and you can’t find the remote.

A few minutes spent proactively storing remotes pays off by letting you actually enjoy your entertainment time and protecting your equipment.

Leverage Voice Assistants

Voice assistant technology like Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri can control many TV and streaming functions. This lets you ditch the remote for common commands like:

Turning the TV on/off

Changing volume
Switching inputs like HDMI and AV
Selecting streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube

Playing, pausing, forwarding within apps

Voice control likely won’t completely replace remotes yet, especially for text entry and navigation. But it does reduce reliance on the physical remote for basic control.

Tips for Enhancing Voice Control

Place smart speakers strategically for best TV voice reception.

Add an Alexa microphone dongle directly to the TV for optimal input switching.
Map custom multi-step routines to operate devices sequentially.
Make sure the smart assistant is linked to the right TV and input.

Remotes Aren’t So Easily Replaced

With technology so advanced these days, you might think you can replace a lost remote quickly and cheaply. But it’s not always that simple. Here are some obstacles you may face:

Missing original remote model numbers and codes.
Outdated devices may have discontinued replacement remotes.

Universal remotes don’t exist for some legacy technology.
New replacement remotes can be surprisingly expensive.
Complex setup is required to sync a new remote.

Determining compatibility, finding device codes, configuring settings… it can end up being a significant hassle and cost. Taking steps to not lose your original remote in the first place avoids the replacemen t headache down the road.

Get Creative with Unconventional Storage Spots

Once you commit to actively storing your remote properly when not in use, get creative with where you choose to place it. Beyond common spots like coffee tables and side tables, consider these unexpected but effective storage ideas:

Mounted to the wall with Velcro or magnets

Inside a decorative pillow or slipcover
In a wall caddy or wall-mounted rack
On a lanyard or carabiner hooked by the TV

In a storage ottoman right next to the couch
On a shelf or ledge directly under the TV

Sometimes the problem isn’t remembering to put the remote away, it’s figuring out the best spot that’s convenient, visible, and safe. Get innovative with your space to find the ideal home base.

Tips for Unconventional Remote Storage

Make sure the remote is easily accessible from your normal seating area.
Choose durable mounting adhesives that won’t damage walls or furniture.
Consider locations away from edges where the remote could get knocked off and fall.

Attach lanyards securely using strong adhesive that won’t rip off drywall.

Conclusion

A lost TV remote can temporarily disrupt an otherwise relaxing evening at home. But with a mix of preparation, organization, technology, and training, you can ensure your remotes stay easily accessible at all times. Dedicate a consistently used storage spot, leverage locator devices and apps, reduce clutter, and incorporate creative locations. Making the small effort to actively stow your remotes will pay off tremendously in reduced frustration and wasted time hunting. Reclaim your TV watching leisure by taking steps today to never lose sight of your remote again!