Media Remote Not Working On PS4? [SOLVED]

If you are at a standstill with your PS4 media remote, you are not the first one to face this problem. Sometimes, there may be connectivity issues between the remote and the console, or it may fail to work even when connected to the PS4. So, what should you do when your PS4 media remote is not working? Read the guide below to find out.

Key Takeaways

• You can use the PS4 media remote to navigate your way around many PS4 apps, such as Netflix.
• However, sometimes you may face hindrances with the remote’s working. It can be due to faulty batteries, connectivity errors, or incompatibility with a certain app.
• Solve the problem by replacing the batteries, restarting your PS4 console, double-checking the remote’s connection with the console, and more.

Types Of PS4 Media Remotes

There are two types of media remotes you can use to navigate apps on your PS4 console. One is a cloud media remote that works on Bluetooth technology to control the streaming of media apps on your PS4, along with the TV’s volume.

The other type is universal media remote. It is an all-in-one remote that can control up to four devices, including the PS4 console, TV, set-top box, and audio receiver. Moreover, it also works via Bluetooth connectivity.

Why Is PS4 Media Remote Not Working?

Several reasons might make your media remote not work. These causes are:

• Connectivity issues.
• Incompatibility with some PS4 apps.
• Worn-out batteries.
• Trying to connect more than one remote.

How To Fix It?

You can fix the issue by going through this list of steps in order:

• Restart your PS4.
• Check if the remote is paired with the console.
• Reinsert or replace the batteries.
• Power cycle your PS4.
• Check if the app is compatible with media remotes.
• Remove any other paired media remotes.
• Contact Sony Support if the issue persists.

Make Sure The Remote Is Paired To Your PS4

The first step is to make sure that you have a successful pairing between the remote and the console. Hence, make sure you get the steps right from the guide below:

1. Insert two “AAA batteries” in the remote.
2. Turn on your PS4 console via the “Power” button.
3. You should be on the “Main Screen.”
4. Head to “Settings” using the “Left-Analog Stick” of your DualShock Controller.
5. Click on it with the “X” button.

   

6. The settings menu will open.
7. Go to “Devices.”

   

8. Select “Bluetooth Devices.”

   

9. Now, pick up the remote.
10. You will see a “PS” button on the remote. Press it.
11. Pressing the button will activate the remote.

    

12. Now, hold the “Share” and “PS” buttons simultaneously.

    

13. Hold until you see the red LED lights flash on the remote.
14. Let go of the buttons once the signal is clear.

    

15. Bring the remote closer to the TV.
16. Wait for “PDP Universal Media Remote” to appear on the screen.
17. Choose it with your connected PS4 controller.

    

18. Next, hit “Yes.”

    

19. Red lights flashing on the remote will indicate a successful pairing.

Follow the same steps to pair the PDP cloud remote to your PS4.

Reinsert The Batteries

Check if you have inserted the batteries correctly in the remote. Remove the cover, and take out both batteries. Now, reinsert them while making sure to match the correct positive and negative terminals. Place the cover and pair the remote with the PS4 console to check its functioning.

Replace The Batteries

Most of the time, weak batteries are the culprit behind the remote’s lost functioning. Take out the batteries from the remote and put them in another device, like a TV remote. Check if the device is working fine with these batteries. If not, get a new pair of batteries for your media remote.

Power Cycle The PS4 Console

Power cycling the PS4 console can resolve many PlayStation errors, such as WS-116415-8, and VUE Error 5001. Therefore, there is no harm in trying this solution when you are unable to use the remote with the console.

1. Turn off the PS4 console by pressing the “Power” button.

   

2. Once it has shut down completely, remove the power cables connecting the console to the power switch.
3. After 1 minute, plug back the PS4 console.
4. Turn on your console.
5. Press the “Power” button to do so.
6. Try to use the media remote after your console has resumed its normal functioning.

Disconnect Other Remotes

You can only navigate your console with one remote at a time. It may not start working until you have disconnected all other remotes from the list of paired Bluetooth devices. Use these steps to disconnect any other remote devices from your PS4.

1. From the “Main Screen,” open “Settings.”

   

2. Find “Devices” in the list and select it with the “X” button on your controller.

   

3. Now, head to “Bluetooth Devices.”

   

4. You will see a list of all the paired devices.
5. Choose the old remote and press “X.”

   

6. Hit “Disconnect” on the next screen.
7. You will still see the old remote appear on the list.
8. Highlight it with your controller and press the “Options” button.
9. Click on “Forget Device.”
10. Pick “OK.
11. You have successfully unpaired your other remote.
12. Restart your console and pair the new media remote.

Check For App Compatibility

While you can control most PS4 apps smoothly with the universal media remote, you may face issues with some of them. For example, it may not always be compatible with the Hulu app. The remote may come to a freeze while you are navigating Hulu. Either use the controller or restart the app to solve the problem.

Contact Sony Support

If you cannot get the remote to work on your PS4, no matter what you try, go to Sony support. Explain your issue to the support team and see what solutions they have for you. It is also possible that you received a faulty remote, in which case, you should request a replacement.

Points To Remember

• You can only use one remote with your PS4 at a time. Make sure to disconnect any other remotes before you want to pair a new one.
• Press the “PS4” button to reactivate the remote after setting it down for a while.
• There are four buttons on the universal media remote under the “Devices” section, each for a particular device (PS4, TV, AMP, and CBL). Remember to press the button specific to the device you want to use. For example, press the blue “PS4” button to control the console, and press “TV” when you want to navigate your TV settings.

  

Wrap Up

Many reasons can cause your media remote not to work, but they are generally straightforward to fix. Ensure the remote is paired with the PS5, try re-inserting/replacing the batteries, power cycling the console, disconnecting other remotes, or checking app compatibility. If you need help with these, you may always contact Sony support to help diagnose and fix your problem.

If this helped, also check out:

• How To Solve PlayStation Error Code WS-116415-8
• 6 Quick Fixes for PlayStation Error WC-40382-7
• PlayStation Error WS-37431-8 [Fixed]