How to Stop TV Remote From Controlling Two TVs 2025

Key Takeaways

TV remotes controlling two TVs simultaneously can be frustrating due to shared functionality and universal remote features.
Ways to resolve the issue include disabling universal remote options, buying different remotes, using blocking tapes, or changing the TV position.
These solutions can help users to stop TV remotes from controlling more than one TV at a time, enhancing their viewing experience.

Have you ever tried to control one TV with your remote, only to find that it’s mysteriously controlling another TV in your home at the same time? This can happen even if the TVs are from different brands, and honestly, it’s one of the most frustrating tech quirks out there.

If you’re facing this problem, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through why this happens and provide step-by-step solutions to stop your TV remote from controlling two TVs at once. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned gadget guru, these fixes are simple and effective.

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Why Is One Remote Controlling Two TVs?

Before jumping into the solutions, let’s understand the root cause.

Most modern TVs and remotes are designed to work with universal remote features. This makes it convenient for users who lose their original remotes or want to control multiple devices with one remote. However, this same functionality can backfire when two TVs pick up the same signal.

Here are the main reasons for this issue:

Universal Remote Signals: Many remotes emit infrared (IR) signals that can work across multiple devices.
Similar Frequency Ranges: TVs of different brands may operate on overlapping signal frequencies.
Proximity of TVs: If the TVs are in the same room or close to each other, they may both receive and respond to the remote’s commands.

Understanding the cause is the first step to solving the problem. Now, let’s dive into the fixes!

How to Stop TV Remote From Controlling Two TVs

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There are various ways through which you will be able to stop TV Remote from Controlling Two TVs. We are going to list them below; make sure to check them below.

Disable The Universal Remotes Options

Many TVs come with a universal remote feature enabled by default. While it’s meant to make life easier, it can be the reason why one remote is controlling multiple TVs. Disabling this feature is a quick fix.

Steps to Disable the Universal Remote Feature:

Turn on your TV.
Use the remote to access the Menu or Settings.
Navigate to Remotes or Controls in the settings menu.
Look for an option labeled Universal Remote or something similar.
Disable the feature by selecting it and following any on-screen prompts.
If prompted, enter the last four digits of the universal remote code to confirm.

After completing these steps, test the remote to ensure it only controls the intended TV.

Buy Different Remote Controls

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If disabling the universal remote feature isn’t an option (or if it doesn’t work), consider buying dedicated remotes for each TV.

Why This Works:

Dedicated remotes are designed to work exclusively with specific TVs. By pairing each remote with its corresponding TV, you eliminate the possibility of overlapping signals.

Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Remote:

Look for remotes labeled as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for your TV brand.
Avoid universal remotes unless they allow you to pair them specifically to one device.

Once you’ve paired the remotes with their respective TVs, test them to ensure the issue is resolved.

Use Infrared (IR) Signal Blocking Tape

For a budget-friendly and creative fix, you can use opaque tape to block the infrared signal on one TV. This prevents it from responding to the remote while still allowing the other TV to function.

How to Use Blocking Tape:

Identify the infrared receiver on the TV (usually a small black sensor near the bottom of the screen).
Cut a small piece of opaque or electrical tape.
Cover the infrared receiver on the TV you don’t want to control.
Test the remote to ensure it only controls the desired TV.

Things to Keep in Mind:

You’ll need to remove and replace the tape if you want to use the other TV.
While this method works, it’s not the most convenient long-term solution.

Change the Placement of Your TVs

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Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. If your TVs are placed close to each other, the infrared signals from your remote can easily reach both devices. By rearranging your TVs, you can prevent them from responding to the same remote.

Suggestions for TV Placement:

Place the TVs in different rooms if possible.
If they must be in the same room, position them at an angle where the remote’s signal won’t reach both TVs simultaneously.

This solution is especially helpful if you’re unable to disable universal remote features or invest in new remotes.

5. Switch to a Bluetooth or RF Remote

If your TVs support Bluetooth or RF (Radio Frequency) remotes, switching to these can completely eliminate the issue. Unlike infrared remotes, Bluetooth and RF remotes require pairing with a specific device and don’t rely on line-of-sight signals.

Benefits of Bluetooth/RF Remotes:

No interference with other devices.
More reliable and responsive than infrared remotes.

Check your TV’s specifications to see if it supports Bluetooth or RF remotes, and invest in one if possible.

Bonus Tip: Smart Home Integration

If you’re tired of juggling multiple remotes, consider integrating your TVs into a smart home system like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. With voice commands, you can control each TV individually without worrying about remote interference.

Wrapping Up

Having one remote control and two TVs can be incredibly frustrating, but the solutions above should help you fix the problem. Whether you disable the universal remote feature, invest in dedicated remotes, or rearrange your TVs, there’s a fix for every situation.

Remember, the key to resolving this issue is understanding your setup and choosing the solution that works best for you. If you’ve tried these methods and still have issues, feel free to share your experience in the comments, we’d love to help!

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