Table of contents(14)+
- 01The 30-second test: is it really the batteries?
- 02What batteries different TV remotes use
- 03Step 1: Check which battery your remote needs
- 04Step 2: Replace both batteries the right way
- 05Step 3: Pick the right battery chemistry
- 06Fix 1: New batteries but the remote still won't work
- 07How to make remote batteries last longer
- 08Frequently Asked Questions
- 09What batteries does a Hisense TV remote use?
- 10Can I use rechargeable batteries in a TV remote?
- 11Why does my remote go through batteries so fast?
- 12Are TV remote batteries AA or AAA?
- 13Do I need to replace both remote batteries at once?
- 14Related guides
I've swapped the batteries in my Hisense remotes more times than I can count. My U8K's voice remote drains AAAs in a few months, while the plain remote on my bedroom R6 Roku TV runs almost a year. So I keep a pack of AAAs in the TV-stand drawer. This guide covers exactly what to buy and why.
The 30-second test: is it really the batteries?
Before you buy anything, confirm the batteries are the problem. Swap in two fresh AAAs first. If the remote still won't respond, grab your phone.
Point your phone camera at the front tip of the remote. Press any button and watch the screen. A working remote shows a faint purple or white flash from the infrared LED. No flash usually means the remote itself is dead, not the batteries.
Out of spare batteries right now? You don't have to sit in silence. The free HiRemote app turns your iPhone into a Hisense remote over Wi-Fi — download it, put your phone and TV on the same network, pick your model, and you're in control in about 30 seconds. Here's the full walkthrough on setting up your phone as a TV remote.
What batteries different TV remotes use
Almost every modern TV remote takes two AAA batteries. That covers nearly all Hisense VIDAA and Roku TV remotes, plus most Samsung, LG, TCL, and Sony remotes. Older or bulkier remotes sometimes use two AA instead.
Two exceptions are worth knowing. Bluetooth voice remotes still use AAA, but they drain faster. And a few slim streaming remotes use a flat CR2032 coin cell.
| Battery type | Where you'll find it | Typical life | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2× AAA alkaline | Most Hisense, Samsung, LG, and Roku TV remotes | 6–12 months | Everyday infrared remotes |
| 2× AAA lithium | Same remotes, premium cells | Longer than alkaline | Voice remotes, cold rooms, leak-prone remotes |
| 2× AAA rechargeable (NiMH) | Any AAA remote | Recharge many times | Heavy users who own a charger |
| 2× AA alkaline | Older or larger remotes | Up to a year | Legacy TVs and boxy remotes |
| CR2032 coin cell | Some slim streaming remotes | Up to a year | Ultra-thin remotes only |
Step 1: Check which battery your remote needs
Flip the remote over and open the battery door. Slide it off or press the tab, depending on the model. The size is stamped inside the compartment — usually "AAA," sometimes "AA."
Look at the little diagram inside too. It shows which way the flat end and the bump end face. Loading a battery backwards is the most common reason a "new" cell seems dead.
Step 2: Replace both batteries the right way
Always swap both batteries at once, even if only one is drained. Mixing an old cell with a new one drags the fresh one down fast. Match each battery to the diagram, then click the cover back on.
Never mix brands or types either. Two alkalines from the same pack is the rule. If the old batteries left a white crust, wipe the contacts with a dry cloth or a cotton swab before loading new ones.
If your Hisense set runs Roku, you have another free option while the batteries are out. Open our browser Roku remote on any phone or laptop, type in the TV's IP address, and control it right from the web page — no app, no account. For VIDAA and Google TV Hisense models, the free HiRemote app does the same over Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Pick the right battery chemistry
For most remotes, a basic AAA alkaline is all you need. They're cheap and easy to find. But two upgrades are worth considering.
- Lithium AAA (like Energizer Ultimate Lithium) last longer and rarely leak. They're my pick for voice remotes and TVs in cold rooms.
- Rechargeable NiMH AAA save money over time. One catch: they output 1.2 volts instead of 1.5. Some remotes read that as "low battery" or lose a little range.
Whatever you choose, don't leave dead batteries in a remote you rarely use. Pull them out to prevent leaks that corrode the contacts.
Fix 1: New batteries but the remote still won't work
Fresh batteries in and still nothing? Run the phone-camera test above to confirm the remote sends an infrared signal. If there's no flash, the remote is the problem, not the power. See where to buy a replacement, or order one through Hisense support.
Voice remotes are different. On Hisense Bluetooth models like the U7K, U8K, and U9K, hold Home + Back together for about 5 seconds to re-pair. On a Hisense Roku TV, press the pairing button inside the battery compartment for 5 seconds — Wi-Fi remotes often lose pairing after a firmware update.
How to make remote batteries last longer
- Use lithium AAAs in voice remotes — Bluetooth and the mic drain alkalines quickly.
- Keep the remote off hot surfaces and out of direct sun.
- Take the batteries out before storing a spare remote for months.
- Skip cheap no-name cells; they leak more and die sooner.
Recycle old batteries the right way. Rechargeable and lithium cells shouldn't go in the trash — drop them at a store bin or a Call2Recycle location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What batteries does a Hisense TV remote use?
Nearly all Hisense TV remotes use two AAA batteries. That includes VIDAA, Google TV, and Roku TV models, plus the Bluetooth voice remotes on the U7K, U8K, and U9K. Older or larger remotes may take two AA. Check the compartment for the stamped size before buying.
Can I use rechargeable batteries in a TV remote?
Yes, rechargeable NiMH AAA batteries work in most remotes. Just know they put out 1.2 volts instead of 1.5. Some remotes show a low-battery warning or lose a little range as a result. For voice remotes, lithium AAAs are a more reliable upgrade.
Why does my remote go through batteries so fast?
Voice and Bluetooth remotes drain batteries fastest because the microphone and radio draw more power. A stuck button also runs cells down overnight. Cheap alkalines and cold rooms shorten life too. Switch to lithium AAAs and check that no button is jammed.
Are TV remote batteries AA or AAA?
Most TV remotes use AAA, the thinner size. AA batteries are wider and show up mainly in older or bulky remotes. The only way to be sure is to open the battery door and read the size printed inside.
Do I need to replace both remote batteries at once?
Yes, always change both together. A fresh cell paired with a half-dead one drains quickly and can weaken the signal. Use two of the same brand and type from the same pack, and never mix alkaline with lithium or rechargeable cells.
