DIRECTV Remote Won’t Turn TV Off | Power Fixes

DirecTV Remote Not Turning TV Off: Causes And Fixes

The DIRECTV box powers off, yet the TV stays on. The remote can move channels and volume with RF or IR, but TV power rides on IR codes. If those codes are missing, wrong, or blocked, the TV ignores the button. HDMI-CEC can also change power behavior. The fixes below cover each path.

Fast Checks Before Deep Work

• Stand 6–12 feet from the TV. Aim the top end of the remote at the TV logo or IR window.
• Replace both AAA cells. Use a fresh pair. Match polarity. Seat the cover tight.
• Power cycle the TV: unplug for 60 seconds, then plug in and try again.
• Reboot the DIRECTV box: press and hold the red reset button for 15 seconds.

Quick Fix Table

Symptom	Likely Cause	Action
TV stays on; box turns off	TV code not set	Run Program Remote and pick TV brand
Volume works; power does not	Wrong TV code family	Try a second code set for the same brand
Power works, but only near TV	IR path blocked	Clear sightline; raise remote angle; dim bright lights
No TV control after update	CEC or mode change	Check HDMI-CEC and IR or RF mode
Remote acts erratic	Low batteries	Replace both cells with new name-brand

Step 1: Program TV Power On The Remote

This is the top fix. Program TV control inside the DIRECTV menus. On a Genie remote (RC71, RC72, RC73), press MENU > Settings > Remote Control > Program Remote, then choose your TV brand and test power. If code send fails, run it again with the next code set. DIRECTV’s help page shows the same path and includes a code lookup tool; see Program Remote.

Tips For Stubborn TV Brands

• Try two or three code options for the same brand. Many brands ship multiple IR sets.
• After a code works for volume, test power. If power fails, try the next code.
• Use the receiver’s on-screen prompts. When you see “Code Transmission Failed,” select “Try Again.”

Step 2: Confirm IR Or RF Mode

The Genie remote can talk to the receiver in RF. TV power still uses IR from the remote to the TV. If RF is active but the remote’s IR is blocked, TV power fails. Enter the menu path again and check pair or mode screens. DIRECTV’s fix page also walks through pairing and mode setup; see Fix Your Remote.

IR Line-Of-Sight Basics

• IR is light. Shelves, fabric, and smoked glass can stop it.
• Noise sources hurt IR. Move the router or LED strips away from the TV IR eye.

Step 3: Check HDMI-CEC Power Control

Many TVs link power over HDMI. On DIRECTV Genie boxes, HDMI control may stay on by design. That can turn the TV on or off with the receiver, or fight with IR power codes. If you want the remote alone to run TV power, turn CEC off on the TV (Anynet+, Bravia Sync, Simplink, VIERA Link, and so on). On some DIRECTV Gemini units the HDMI control toggle is locked on, which shifts the job to the TV’s CEC menu.

Signs CEC Is In Play

• TV turns on when the receiver wakes, even from a cold start.
• Power off on the receiver sometimes turns the TV off, sometimes not.
• A sound bar turns the TV on or off in sync with the receiver.

Step 4: Factory Reset And Re-pair The Remote

If menus stall or codes act flaky, reset the RC73. Hold MUTE+SELECT until the light blinks twice, then press 9–8–1. The light blinks again. Re-run the Program Remote path and test power. This reset clears stuck pairs and stale code maps. Keep the remote within reach of the TV during setup, nearby. Forum helpers and DIRECTV staff point to this reset when other steps fail.

Step 5: Reboot And Power Cycle Gear

Reboot the Genie, Genie Mini, or Wireless Genie Mini with the red reset key. Let it load. Power cycle the TV and sound bar. Reseat HDMI on both ends. Handshake slips can break power sync.

Model-Specific Notes

RC71, RC72, RC73 (Genie Remotes)

Use the on-screen Program Remote path for TV codes. Pair to the receiver in RF, yet aim at the TV for IR power. If TV power still fails while volume works, load a different code set for the same brand.

RC6x Universal Remotes

These older IR models use a slide switch for TV, AV1, or AV2. Move the switch to TV, hold MUTE+SELECT until two blinks, then enter the TV code from the DIRECTV PDF guide. Power tests the code. If the TV stays on, pick the next code in the list.

Gemini And Gemini Air

These run on Android TV. The box keeps HDMI control on. That can sync TV power, yet it can also clash with IR codes from the remote. If power acts odd, turn off CEC on the TV or the sound bar and try again.

Detailed Walkthrough: Program TV Power

Genie On-Screen Path

1. Press MENU on the remote.
2. Go to Settings > Remote Control > Program Remote.
3. Pick your TV brand. Run the on-screen test for power.
4. If power fails, repeat and pick the next code for the same brand.
5. Save when the TV turns off and on with the test.

Manual Code Entry (When Prompted)

1. Hold MUTE+SELECT to get two blinks.
2. Enter the code shown on screen. Two blinks confirm.
3. Press PWR. If the TV does not turn off, repeat with the next code.

Placement And Room Factors

Glass doors and grilles can filter IR. RF reaches the receiver, but the TV still needs a clean IR path from the handheld. Many sets place the IR eye near the bottom edge; aim there. If the set sits high, tilt the remote up a bit. Holiday lights can inject IR noise; test with those off.

Sound Bar And AVR Interactions

Some sound bars learn TV power codes and forward them. Others rely on CEC. If power toggles the TV and the bar stays on, plan a chain that fits your room:

• Remote runs TV power with IR; TV runs bar power over CEC.
• Remote runs TV power; bar set to auto-wake over optical input.
• CEC off across the chain; you press two power buttons. Simple and stable.

Second Table: Root Cause To Fix Map

Root Cause	How To Confirm	Fix
No TV code stored	Volume works from receiver menu; TV power fails	Run Program Remote and save a working code
Wrong brand code	Volume works on some keys only	Try next code family for same brand
IR blocked	Power works only up close	Open the path; remove tinted doors; aim lower
CEC power tug-of-war	Random TV power on or off with receiver	Turn CEC off on TV or bar; test again
Remote firmware glitch	Menu pairing loops or stalls	Factory reset with 9-8-1, then re-pair
Low battery voltage	Dim blink; laggy keys	New AAA pair from the same pack

Tidy Up: A Stable Power Routine

Pick one power path and stick with it. Either rely on IR codes from the remote or lean on CEC. Mixing both can bring odd wake or sleep events. Once the system behaves, keep fresh cells on hand and save the working TV code inside the receiver menu. That way, the DIRECTV remote will turn the TV off every time.