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Cannot control another device using the Bose remote
You can program your Bose universal remote to control a device from another brand connected to your system—like a TV, cable box or Blu-ray player. If you cannot find a code to control or fully control a device, try the following:
Verify your Bose system remote can control your Bose system.
If the remote does not control your system, see Remote is intermittent or does not control your Bose product.
To control the iPod with your remote, use the iPod music player.
Playback commands from your remote to your iPod will control the iPod music player; they will not control a 3rd party party app / music player.
Try the remote that came with the device you are trying to control.
Check if the original remote control for the device can control it. If it cannot, there may be an issue with the device.
Check for and install any available product updates.
For more info, see Checking the software or firmware version and Updating the software or firmware of your product.
Update the remote control software.
Product updates keep your system working at its best. For more info, see Updating the software or firmware of your product.
Reset your remote control by removing the batteries for about 10 seconds.
Open the battery compartment on your remote and remove the batteries. Wait a few seconds, then re-insert the batteries and try again.
Reset your control console.
A reset is used to correct occasional product issues. It is not something that a product should require repeatedly. For more information, see Resetting your product.
Reset the connected audio or video device.
Electronics may need to be reset from time to time—much like rebooting a computer. Disconnect power from the device for 30 seconds, then wait for it to start up.
Reprogram your remote control.
For more info, see Programming your remote.
Manually re-enter the remote code by performing the following steps:
- Access the System Information Screen. For information on accessing this screen, see Accessing the System Information Screen.
- Find the device you're having trouble controlling in the list and write down the "Remote Setup" code.
- Exit the System Information Screen.
- Enter the Unify menu.
- Go to the Manual Remote Code Entry screen. For information on manual remote code entry, see Programming your remote.
- Manually enter the code you recorded in step 2. You will also need to know the brand of the device as well - this information is not available in the System Information Screen and must be retrieved from the device itself.
Make sure the device is named properly
The name assigned to a device will impact which types of commands are available. For example, some cable boxes do not have specific commands associated to their remote code profile. If you need additional remote commands (to control "on-demand" content for example,) you may need to rename your device as a DVR for the commands to become available.
For Sharp TVs, check if Direct Type appears next to the code in the System Information menu.
For some Sharp TV codes, IR signal to control the TV is sent from the system console rather than the remote control. On the System Information screen, see if Direct Type appears next to the TV code. If so, the system console (or a connected IR emitter) will control the TV. For more info, see Accessing the System Information Screen.
Tip: If the console is out-of-sight (i.e. in a closed cabinet), connect an IR emitter to ensure the IR signal reaches the TV.
Tip: If the console is out-of-sight (i.e. in a closed cabinet), connect an IR emitter to ensure the IR signal reaches the TV.
Check if the device you are trying to control accepts an IR commands.
Your Bose system controls devices via IR (infrared). So, if the device cannot accept IR commands, your Bose system cannot control it. While home theater devices are commonly controlled by IR, there are a number of devices that are controlled by RF (radio frequency) or Bluetooth®. Additionally, some devices have remote control options in the device menu where you can select how you want to control the device (i.e. via IR or RF). Check if the device you want to control accepts IRs commands or has related menu settings.
Tip: Find the remote that came with the device. If there is a translucent plastic piece at the top end of the remote, it likely uses IR. However, if you cover that piece with your hand and the remote still controls the device, it might be in RF or Bluetooth mode.
Tip: Find the remote that came with the device. If there is a translucent plastic piece at the top end of the remote, it likely uses IR. However, if you cover that piece with your hand and the remote still controls the device, it might be in RF or Bluetooth mode.
Connect the included IR emitter and place it on or near the device you want to control.
Since the system console—not the remote—controls your device, console placement might prevent control of your device. However, placing an IR emitter on the device ensures the remote control signal consistently reaches the device. Plug in the emitter to the IR Emitter jack on the system console. Then, place the flat side of the IR emitter on or near the remote sensor of the device(s) to be controlled. (Tip: The remote sensor on the device is often a small translucent plastic on the front of the device.)
Functions of some devices might only be controllable by the device remote.
Universal remotes, like your Bose remote, might control all or only certain functions of the various devices they can be programmed to control. Certain device features might only be accessible using the remote that came with the device.
The Control Console may need service.
If the steps provided do not resolve your issue, the Control Console may need service. Follow the link below for more information on how to service the Control Console. Depending on your product and region, you will be provided a contact number or the ability to setup service online.
Click here to start service
Click here to start service
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