Turn On LG TV Without Remote: 5 Ways

Yes, you can turn on an LG TV without a remote using the physical power button on the TV itself, the LG ThinQ app on your smartphone, or a universal remote. The exact method depends on your TV model and how it’s set up, but these options cover nearly every LG TV made in the last decade. Below we walk through each method step by step, along with troubleshooting tips for when the TV won’t respond.

Physical Power Button on the TV

Most LG TVs have a physical power button, but its location and design vary. On many modern LG models (2020 and later), the button is a small joystick-style control on the bottom center or bottom left of the screen. Press it once to turn the TV on; pressing it again turns it off. If you press and hold it, a small menu appears on screen that lets you adjust volume, change input, and access settings.

On older LG TVs, you might find a dedicated power button (often with a red or white indicator light) on the front bezel, the side, or the bottom edge. It may be labeled with a power icon (a circle with a line) or simply say “POWER.” If your TV has a row of buttons, the power button is typically the leftmost or the one with the power symbol.

If you can’t find a button, check the TV’s manual (search online for your model number) or look for a small joystick that might be hidden behind a flap. Some ultra-slim models have no physical button at all, relying entirely on the remote or app—see the next sections for those.

Using the LG ThinQ App

The LG ThinQ app (available for iOS and Android) can turn your TV on and off, change channels, adjust volume, and even launch apps. It works over Wi-Fi, so your phone and TV must be on the same network. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Download the LG ThinQ app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Open the app and sign in with your LG account (create one if needed).
3. Tap the “+” or “Add Device” button and select “LG TV.”
4. Follow the on-screen prompts. If your TV is already connected to Wi-Fi, the app should find it automatically. If not, you may need to use the TV’s on-screen menu (accessed via the physical button) to connect it to your network.
5. Once paired, you’ll see your TV listed in the app. Tap the power icon to turn it on.

Note: The app requires the TV to be in standby mode (plugged in and not completely unplugged). If the TV is unplugged or the power strip is off, the app can’t wake it.

Universal Remote or Replacement Remote

If you have a universal remote (like a Logitech Harmony or a cheap replacement from Amazon), you can program it to control your LG TV. Most universal remotes have a code list for LG; common codes include 10178, 1001, 1193, and 10180, but check your remote’s manual for the correct list.

To program a universal remote:

1. Turn on your TV manually (using the physical button).
2. Press and hold the “Setup” or “Code Search” button on the remote until the LED blinks.
3. Enter the code for LG using the number pad.
4. Test the power button. If it works, you’re done. If not, try the next code.

Alternatively, you can buy an official LG replacement remote (search for your TV model + “remote”)—these don’t require programming and will work out of the box. Many are available for under $20.

Using an HDMI-CEC Device

If you have a streaming stick (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV), a game console, or a soundbar connected to your LG TV via HDMI, you can often turn the TV on by turning on that device. This works because of HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), a feature that lets devices control each other over HDMI.

On LG TVs, this feature is called “Simplink.” To enable it:

1. Turn on your TV manually.
2. Press the physical button to open the menu (or use the app).
3. Navigate to Settings → General → Simplink (or HDMI CEC) and turn it on.
4. Now, when you turn on your streaming stick or console, the TV should automatically wake and switch to the correct input.

If it doesn’t work, make sure the device is plugged into an HDMI port that supports CEC (usually HDMI 1 or the port labeled “ARC”).

Common Problems and Fixes

If your LG TV won’t turn on without a remote, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Check the power source: Ensure the TV is plugged into a working outlet and the power strip is on. Try a different outlet if possible.
• Unplug and wait: Unplug the TV from the wall, wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. This resets the internal power supply and can fix minor glitches.
• Check the physical button: If the button feels stuck or unresponsive, it might be dirty or broken. Try pressing it firmly or cleaning around it with a dry cloth.
• Use the app as a diagnostic: If the app can turn the TV on but the physical button can’t, the button is likely faulty.
• Check for a child lock: Some LG TVs have a “Key Lock” feature that disables the physical buttons. If you’ve accidentally enabled it, you’ll need the remote to disable it—but you can also try the app.
• If the TV shows a red light but won’t turn on: This often indicates a power supply issue. Try unplugging for 30 minutes to let the capacitors discharge, then plug back in. If it still doesn’t work, you may need professional repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn on my LG TV with my phone if it’s not a smartphone?

No, the LG ThinQ app requires a smartphone (iOS or Android). If you have an older phone with IR blaster (like some Samsung Galaxy models), you could use a universal remote app that mimics IR signals, but those are rare now. Your best bet is a universal remote or the physical button.

Does the LG ThinQ app work if the TV is in standby mode?

Yes, as long as the TV is plugged in and not fully powered off (unplugged). Standby mode is the default when you turn off the TV with the remote—it still draws a small amount of power to listen for signals. The app sends a network signal that wakes the TV.

Why won’t my LG TV turn on with the app even though it’s on Wi-Fi?

Make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Also, check that the TV’s “Mobile Care” or “Wi-Fi” setting is enabled. If you recently changed your router or password, you may need to reconnect the TV via the physical button and the on-screen menu.

Can I use a universal remote without programming it?

No, a universal remote must be programmed with the correct code for your LG TV. However, some universal remotes come pre-programmed for LG, or they have a “search” function that scans through codes automatically. Check the remote’s manual for instructions.

Is it safe to leave my LG TV in standby mode all the time?

Yes, it’s safe and normal. Standby mode uses very little power (usually less than 1 watt) and allows the TV to receive signals from the remote, app, or CEC devices. If you’re concerned about energy use, you can unplug the TV when you’re away for long periods, but then you’ll need to use the physical button to turn it on.

What if my LG TV has no physical button at all?

Some ultra-thin LG models (like certain OLEDs) have removed the physical button to achieve a slimmer design. In that case, your only options are the LG ThinQ app, a universal remote, or an HDMI-CEC device. If you have none of those, you can purchase a replacement remote or use a smartphone with an IR blaster.

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