Table of contents(12)+
- 01The 30-second test: is your remote really dead?
- 02Method 1: Buy the exact replacement remote for your TV
- 03Method 2: Buy and program a universal remote
- 04Method 3: Use your phone as a free remote (no purchase)
- 05Which option is right for you
- 06Frequently Asked Questions
- 07Where can I buy a replacement TV remote?
- 08How much does a replacement TV remote cost?
- 09Can I use my phone as a TV remote if mine broke?
- 10Do universal remotes work with any TV?
- 11Is there a free Hisense TV remote app?
- 12Related guides
My own Hisense U7K remote died last winter after a glass of water tipped onto the couch. Half the buttons worked, the rest were dead, and the volume key was stuck. I spent a week hunting for a replacement, so I've tested every route below on my own TVs — the good, the slow, and the ones that cost more than they should.
Here's the honest rundown of where to buy a new remote, what you'll pay, and the two free options that got my TV working again the same afternoon.
The 30-second test: is your remote really dead?
Before you buy anything, rule out a cheap fix. This takes under a minute.
- Swap the batteries. Use two fresh AAAs from the same pack. Mismatched cells are the top cause of a "dead" remote.
- Run the camera test. Point your phone camera at the front of the remote and press any button. A faint light in the preview means it still sends a signal. No light means it's dead.
- Clean the contacts. Pop it open and wipe the rubber pads and board with a dry cloth. Sticky buttons often just need this.
If the camera shows no light and fresh batteries change nothing, the remote is done. If it's a Philips set and only some keys fail, our Philips remote fixes may bring it back. Otherwise you have a choice: buy a new one, or skip the purchase.
Got a Hisense TV? You don't have to wait for a delivery. The free HiRemote app (Remote for Hisense Smart TV) turns your iPhone into a working remote over your home Wi-Fi in about 30 seconds — power, volume, D-pad, and a full keyboard for app logins. It's a solid stopgap while you decide whether to buy at all.
Method 1: Buy the exact replacement remote for your TV
The safest buy is the original remote for your model. It matches every button and needs no setup — drop in batteries and it works.
Where to look, roughly cheapest to priciest:
- The TV maker's parts store. Most brands sell official replacements. For Hisense, start at Hisense's official support site and search your model number. It's on a sticker on the back of the TV.
- Amazon or eBay. Search the exact remote model code printed inside the battery door. Sellers list both OEM and clone versions — check the photo matches your button layout before you buy.
- The retailer you bought the TV from. Big-box stores can often order a factory remote to the store for pickup.
When this won't work: older or regional models sometimes go out of stock. If you can't find your exact code, jump to a universal remote or a phone app.
Method 2: Buy and program a universal remote
A universal remote is the cheapest physical option and works when your exact remote is sold out. You buy one remote and enter your TV brand's code.
Steps to set one up:
- Buy one that lists your brand. Check the box or listing for your TV maker by name.
- Find your code. The code list comes in the box or on the maker's site. Look up your brand.
- Enter setup mode. Hold the remote's setup button until the light stays on, type the code, then test power and volume.
- Try auto-search if the code fails. Most universals can cycle through codes until the TV responds.
When this won't work: cheap universals often miss smart-TV keys like app-launch or voice buttons. You get power, volume, and channels, but not much else.
Have a Roku-powered TV? Skip the store entirely. Our free browser Roku remote runs on any phone or laptop — no app, no account. Type your TV's IP address (Settings → Network → About) and the buttons work in about 30 seconds. It controls Hisense, TCL, Insignia, Onn, and other Roku TVs over your Wi-Fi.
Method 3: Use your phone as a free remote (no purchase)
If your TV is on Wi-Fi, your phone can replace the remote for free — no waiting for a delivery. This is my go-to when a remote dies. For a full walkthrough on any brand, see our phone remote guide.
For a Hisense TV, here's the path:
- Get the TV and phone on the same Wi-Fi. Guest networks or work VLANs won't see the TV.
- Install the app. Download the free HiRemote app and pick your Hisense model from the list.
- Allow phone control on the TV. On VIDAA models: Home → Settings → Network → Mobile Phone Remote Control → toggle on. It's on by default on most builds.
- Pair and test. Follow the in-app steps; power and volume respond right away.
It supports VIDAA U6–U9, Android TV A6/A7/H8/H9/H10, and Roku R-series Hisense sets. You get the full D-pad, volume, number pad, app shortcuts, and a real keyboard for Netflix logins.
When this won't work: the TV must be on your local Wi-Fi — the control protocol is LAN-only. Very old sets (VIDAA 3.0 or earlier) never exposed network control, so you'll still need a physical remote. And HiRemote is Hisense-only — for other brands, use a universal remote or that brand's own app.
Which option is right for you
Here's how the four routes stack up on cost, speed, and what they control.
| Option | Cost | How fast | Controls | Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exact OEM remote | $$ | 1–5 days shipping | Everything | Your model code |
| Universal remote | $ | 1–5 days shipping | Power, volume, channels | Brand code entry |
| Phone app (Hisense) | Free | ~30 seconds | Full remote + keyboard | TV on Wi-Fi |
| Browser remote (Roku TVs) | Free | ~30 seconds | Full remote | TV's IP address |
My honest take: try the free phone route first. If it covers your TV, you may never need to buy at all. If not, an exact OEM remote beats a universal for smart-TV keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy a replacement TV remote?
You can buy a replacement TV remote from the TV maker's official parts store, from Amazon or eBay by searching your exact remote model code, or from the retailer that sold you the TV. For a Hisense TV, start at Hisense's support site and search your model number, printed on a sticker on the back of the set.
How much does a replacement TV remote cost?
A replacement TV remote typically costs from around $10 for a basic universal to $30 or more for an official voice remote. Universal remotes sit at the low end and OEM voice remotes with a mic cost the most. Prices vary by brand and model, so check the exact listing before you buy.
Can I use my phone as a TV remote if mine broke?
Yes, you can use your phone as a TV remote if the TV is on Wi-Fi. For Hisense TVs, the free HiRemote app pairs over your home network in about 30 seconds and replaces every button. For Roku-powered TVs, a browser remote works with no app. Older TVs without network control still need a physical remote.
Do universal remotes work with any TV?
Universal remotes work with most TVs but not every feature. They reliably cover power, volume, and channel changes once you enter your brand's code. Smart-TV extras — app-launch buttons, voice, and some menu keys — often don't map. Check that the remote lists your TV brand before buying.
Is there a free Hisense TV remote app?
Yes, HiRemote is a free Hisense TV remote app for iPhone and iPad. It controls VIDAA, Android TV, and Roku-based Hisense models over Wi-Fi with no account. The app is free to download; an optional $9.99-a-year plan unlocks touchpad and playback extras. Hisense's own RemoteNOW app is free too.
