Unable to control the set-top box or A/V receiver when using the IR Blaster function.

If you are unable to control the set-top box or A/V receiver when using the IR Blaster function, do the following:

IMPORTANT:

• This article only applies to specific products and/or operating systems. Please check the Applicable Products and Categories section of this article.
• Any of these steps may resolve the issue. Check if you can control your devices using the IR Blaster function after completing each step.
• A9F and Z9F series TVs can't control A/V receivers through the IR Blaster function. 
• For Google TV™ models, Android TV™ models released in 2020 or later and A9G, X85G (55, 65, 75, 85), X95G, Z9G series, check the following: Unable to control the set-top box (Cable/Satellite box).
• To check the type of your TV, refer to the How to check if your BRAVIA TV is a Google TV, Android TV, or other TV article.

NOTES:

• If you didn't perform the A/V receiver control setup on 2016 Android TV models, please refer to the Failed to perform AV receiver control setup article.

• You cannot power the set-top box on or off using the TV remote control. When you use the IR Blaster feature, follow these steps:

  For A9F / Z9F series (Android™ 9):

  1. Select the set-top box (STB) with the INPUT button.
  2. Press the TV button.
  3. Select Power.
  For other models:
  1. Select the set-top box (STB) with the INPUT button.
  2. Press the ACTION MENU button.
  3. Select Menu.
  4. Select Power (STB).

1. Make sure that the connected set-top box or A/V receiver supports the IR Blaster function.
   NOTE: Contact the device manufacturer to confirm its compatibility with the IR Blaster function.

2. Make sure that the TV and the set-top box or A/V receiver are turned on.

3. Temporarily disconnect the cable for the IR Blaster, and then securely reconnect it to the TV's USB port or IR Blaster jack (socket).

4. Make sure that the IR blaster is positioned properly in front of the IR sensor on the set-top box or A/V receiver.
   NOTE: Refer to the instruction manual or contact the device manufacturer for information about the location of the IR sensor on the A/V receiver or set-top box.

5. Follow these steps to set up IR Blaster:
   1. Press the HOME button on the remote control.
   2. Select  Settings.
   3. The next steps will depend on your TV menu options:
      • Select Watching TV — External Inputs — Cable/Satellite box setup — Cable/Satellite box control setup.
      • Select Watching TV — External Inputs — IR Blaster setup — Set-top box control setup or AV receiver control setup.
      • Select External Inputs — IR Blaster setup — Set-top box control setup or AV receiver control setup.
   4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the set-up.

6. It may take several tries before you are able to control your devices.

7. Try all the possible key tests on the remote control.

NOTES:

• After all the keys on the remote control have been checked, a message will appear on the TV if the set-top box or A/V receiver is not supported.
• The IR Blaster function does not support long press or holding down buttons such as the Vol+/- or CH+/- buttons. Press these buttons repeatedly.
• The REC (STB) key on the screen will not work for set-top boxes that do not have the recording function.
• If selecting the name of the cable provider and the model number of the cable box do not work, you can manually enter the name of the cable provider and the model number of the cable box to control the cable box using the remote control of the TV.

If the steps above do not work, follow the steps below to manually enter the model number of the set-top box.

1. Press the HOME button on the remote control.

2. Select  Settings.

3. The next steps will depend on your TV menu options:
   • Select Watching TV — External Inputs — Cable/Satellite box setup — Setup by model number. 
   • Select Watching TV — External Inputs — IR Blaster setup — Setup by model number.
   • Select External Inputs — IR Blaster setup — Setup by model number, Supported model list or Supported Models.

   NOTE: Make sure the IR blaster is connected to the IR blaster port of the TV.

4. Enter the name of the cable or satellite provider.

5. Enter the model number of the set-top box.

6. Enter your zip code.

7. Select the input the set-top box is connected to.

8. Once the setup is complete, make sure the TV is set to the right input being used. If it's not set to the right input, press the INPUT button.