How to Turn On LG TV Without Remote: 7 Proven Methods That Work in 2026

You've settled into the couch, ready to watch something, and your LG remote is nowhere to be found. Maybe the batteries died. Maybe your dog hid it under a cushion. Whatever the reason, you need to turn on your LG TV right now — and you need to do it without that remote.

The good news is that there are multiple reliable ways to power on and control an LG TV without using the original remote. Some methods work for any LG TV ever made, while others are specific to LG smart TVs running webOS. In this guide, we'll walk through every option from simplest to most convenient, so you can pick the one that works best for your situation.

Method 1: Use the Physical Power Button on Your LG TV

Every LG TV has a manual power button built into the television itself. This is the most straightforward way to turn on your TV without any remote at all, and it works regardless of whether your TV is a smart TV or not.

Where to find the power button

LG has moved the physical button location across different model years, so here's where to look:

• 2018–2026 models: A small joystick-style button on the bottom center of the back panel, near the bottom edge of the screen
• 2015–2017 models: A single button underneath the LG logo on the front bottom bezel
• Older models: A row of physical buttons along the right or left side of the back panel

For newer LG TVs, the button is a tiny multi-directional joystick. Press it once to turn the TV on. Once the TV is powered up, you can:

• Press the joystick to open the menu
• Move it up/down to adjust volume
• Move it left/right to change channels or inputs
• Long press to turn the TV off

This method is reliable but limited. You can power on the TV and do basic navigation, but you won't have access to smart TV features, app launching, or the full settings menu without something more capable.

Method 2: Use Your iPhone as an LG TV Remote (Recommended)

If you have an iPhone and your LG TV is connected to WiFi, the fastest and most complete solution is to use a remote control app. LG Remote turns your iPhone into a fully functional LG TV remote that connects over WiFi — no IR blaster, no Bluetooth pairing, and no complex setup required.

How to set it up

1. Download LG Remote from the App Store
2. Make sure your iPhone and LG TV are connected to the same WiFi network
3. Open the app — it automatically discovers your LG TV
4. Tap your TV name to connect
5. Accept the pairing prompt on your TV screen (first time only)

Once connected, you have full control: power on/off, volume, channels, input switching, app launching, touchpad navigation, and more. It's genuinely faster than using the physical LG Magic Remote because you can launch Netflix or YouTube with a single tap instead of navigating through menus.

Method 3: Use the LG ThinQ App

LG's official companion app, LG ThinQ, includes basic remote functionality for LG smart TVs. It's available for both iPhone and Android.

Steps to connect

1. Download LG ThinQ from the App Store or Google Play
2. Create an LG account (required)
3. Connect your phone to the same WiFi as your TV
4. Add your TV through the app
5. Use the built-in remote feature

ThinQ works, but it requires account creation and the remote control feature is just one part of a larger smart home app. If all you need is a remote for your TV, a dedicated app like LG Remote provides a more focused and responsive experience.

Method 4: Use HDMI-CEC to Power On Your LG TV

HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is a feature that allows HDMI-connected devices to control each other. LG calls their implementation "SimpLink." If you have a device like an Apple TV, Roku, PlayStation, or Xbox connected to your LG TV via HDMI, turning on that device can automatically turn on the TV.

How to enable it

1. Access your LG TV settings (use the physical button or a temporary remote app)
2. Navigate to General → HDMI Settings → or Connection → HDMI Device Settings
3. Enable SimpLink (HDMI-CEC)
4. Enable Auto Power Sync

Now whenever you turn on your Apple TV, game console, or streaming stick, your LG TV powers on automatically and switches to the correct input. This is particularly useful if you always use the same HDMI device.

Method 5: Use a Voice Assistant (Alexa or Google Home)

If your LG smart TV is connected to Amazon Alexa or Google Home, you can use voice commands to turn it on and off. This requires initial setup through the LG ThinQ app, but once configured, it's completely hands-free.

Voice commands that work

• "Hey Google, turn on the TV"
• "Alexa, turn on the living room TV"
• "Hey Google, set volume to 20 on the TV"
• "Alexa, switch to HDMI 1 on the TV"

For this to work, your LG TV needs to stay connected to WiFi even in standby mode. Go to Settings → General → Additional Settings → Quick Start+ and make sure it's enabled.

Method 6: Use a Universal Remote

A universal remote is a good option if you want a dedicated physical device. Modern universal remotes like the SofaBaton or Logitech replacements can be programmed to work with LG TVs using IR codes.

What to look for

• Make sure it supports LG TV IR codes
• Look for one with pre-programmed LG codes for easier setup
• Consider a WiFi-enabled universal remote for smart features

A universal remote is a solid backup but requires a purchase. If you're looking for an immediate free solution, using your phone as a remote is faster and more capable.

Method 7: Use a USB Keyboard or Mouse

LG webOS smart TVs support USB peripherals. If you have a USB keyboard or mouse available, you can plug it into one of the TV's USB ports to navigate the interface.

A USB mouse will give you a cursor on screen similar to the Magic Remote pointer. A keyboard lets you type in search fields and use arrow keys for navigation. Neither can turn the TV on from a fully powered-off state, but if the TV is already on or in standby with Quick Start+ enabled, they provide functional navigation.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Here's a quick decision guide based on your situation:

• TV is completely off and you have no devices: Use the physical button (Method 1)
• You have an iPhone and the TV is on WiFi: Use LG Remote (Method 2) — this gives you the most complete control
• You have a smart speaker set up: Use voice commands (Method 5)
• You always use an Apple TV or game console: Enable HDMI-CEC (Method 4) for automatic power-on
• You want a permanent physical backup: Buy a universal remote (Method 6)

For most people, the best long-term solution is using a phone-based remote app like LG Remote. You always have your phone with you, it connects in seconds, and it gives you more features than the original LG remote. Plus, you'll never have to deal with dead batteries again.

How to Prevent This Problem in the Future

Once you've regained control of your LG TV, here are some steps to make sure you're never stuck again:

1. Install LG Remote on your phone — it's free and takes 10 seconds to set up. Even if you find your physical remote later, having a backup app is invaluable.
2. Enable Quick Start+ — this keeps your TV's WiFi active in standby mode, allowing app-based and voice control to power it on.
3. Set up HDMI-CEC — so your streaming devices can automatically wake the TV.
4. Connect to a voice assistant — for truly hands-free operation.

Frequently Asked Questions