How to Fix LG Magic Remote Control

The left arrow button of our Magic Remote Control with Voice Mate for LG Select 2017 Smart TV (Model AN-MR650A, AN-MR18BA, AN-MR19BA or AN-MR20GA) has stopped working after 5 years.

Although I am quite good at fixing any kind of remote control, I had hard times with this unit. I have googled it but the suggested solutions didn't work at all.

I finally found a super easy way and wanted to share it with you. You do not need any electronic skills for this fix.

You may try this solution to any metal tactile dome button / switch embedded on PCBs. (PCB = Printed Circuit Board)

Note: The remote controls we have bought from e-commerce sites were lacking the most crucial function: on screen pointer. Therefore I highly recommend you to fix your original unit.

All you need is;

A pry tool to open the remote without damaging it,

A pair of pointed tweezers or a needle,

Isopropyl alcohol and cotton.

Disassemble the remote control unit and gently clean the non-electronic parts with soap, water and a brush.

Spray some isopropyl alcohol on a piece of cotton and gently clean the upside of the circuit board.

The buttons are covered with plastic coating therefore to clean the contacts, we need to scrape off the coating just a few milimeters first. You can do this with the tip of the tweezers or a needle.

After scraping off the coat you can spray some isopropyl alcohol on the button, letting the alcohol to diffuse into the switch and click a couple of times allowing the friction to do the cleaning.

I would highly suggest to also spray some alcohol on the scroll mechanism while turning the wheel. This will also clean the scrolling mechanism and won't disappoint you at least a couple of years.

Wait until the alcohol fully evaporates.

If you are sure that the pcb is all dry, you may test the unit. Do the test before re-assembling the unit.

Well done! You have saved at least 60 USD but more importantly reduced your waste.

Endnote: If the button is damaged and should be replaced, you may find the metal buttons on e-commerce sites.

Keywords: Conductive Film Sticker Metal Dome Button (or switch)