The basic steps to pair your Xumo remote
A Xumo remote connects to your TV through a pairing process that usually takes under a minute. The remote communicates with your TV using infrared (IR) or Bluetooth, depending on which Xumo remote model you have. Most Xumo remotes pair automatically when you first point them at the TV and press a button, but some require you to hold down a specific button combination to enter pairing mode.
The fastest way to know which method your remote uses is to check the back of the remote itself — you will see either "IR" printed on it or a Bluetooth symbol. If you see neither label, your remote is likely IR-based, which is the older and more common type.
Key Takeaways
- Most Xumo remotes pair automatically the first time you press any button while pointing at the TV from within 10 feet.
- If your remote does not respond, check that the TV is powered on and that you are holding the remote steady and pointed directly at the TV's front panel.
- Bluetooth remotes require you to hold the pairing button (usually on the back) for three to five seconds until a light blinks, then select the remote from your TV's Bluetooth menu.
- If pairing still fails, replace the batteries in the remote and try again, since low battery power prevents the pairing signal from reaching the TV.
Pairing an infrared (IR) Xumo remote
Infrared remotes are the most common type included with Xumo boxes. To pair an IR remote, turn on your TV and Xumo box, then point the remote directly at the TV from a distance of 10 feet or less. Press any button on the remote — the power button, volume, or channel button will all work. The TV should respond when ready. If it does, the remote is already paired and you are done.
If the TV does not respond, the batteries in the remote may be dead or installed backward. Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote, remove the batteries, and look at the diagram inside the compartment. The diagram shows which direction the positive and negative ends should face. Reinstall the batteries following that diagram, then try pressing a button again while pointed at the TV.
If the remote still does not work after replacing the batteries, move closer to the TV — sometimes distance or a poor angle prevents the infrared signal from reaching the receiver. Stand within 5 feet of the TV, point the remote directly at the front panel (not at an angle), and press the power button. If the TV responds, the remote is working but the receiver on your TV may have a limited range.
Pairing a Bluetooth Xumo remote
Bluetooth remotes are newer and do not require you to point them at the TV. To pair a Bluetooth remote, first turn on your TV and Xumo box. Look at the back of the remote for a small button labeled "Pair" or "Pairing" — it is usually recessed so you need a pen or paperclip to press it. Hold this button down for three to five seconds until you see a light on the remote start blinking (usually blue or white).
While the light is blinking, go to your TV's settings menu. The exact path varies by TV brand, but look for "Bluetooth" or "Connected Devices" in the settings. Your TV will scan for nearby Bluetooth devices and should show the Xumo remote in the list within 10 seconds. Select it from the list, and the pairing should complete automatically. The light on the remote will stop blinking once pairing is done.
If your TV does not show the remote in the Bluetooth list, make sure the remote is still in pairing mode (the light should still be blinking). If the light has stopped, press and hold the pairing button again for another three to five seconds. If the TV still does not find the remote after two attempts, the remote may have a dead battery — replace the batteries and try the entire process again.
What to do if the remote will not pair at all
If you have tried both methods and the remote still does not work, start with the simplest fix: replace the batteries. Many pairing failures happen because the batteries are too weak to send a strong signal, even though the remote might still seem to work for basic functions. Use fresh alkaline batteries (usually AA or AAA depending on your remote model) and install them following the diagram in the battery compartment.
Next, check that your Xumo box is actually powered on. The box should have a light on the front panel that is either solid or blinking — if the panel is completely dark, press the power button on the box itself or on the remote. Wait 30 seconds for the box to fully boot up, then try pairing the remote again.
If the remote still does not work, try a factory reset on the remote itself. Most Xumo remotes reset by holding down the power button and the back button at the same time for 10 seconds. Release the buttons and wait 10 seconds, then try pairing again. If this does not work, contact your Xumo service provider — the remote may be defective and need replacement.
Troubleshooting when the remote pairs but does not control the TV
Sometimes the remote pairs successfully (you see a pairing confirmation on the TV screen) but then does not actually control anything. This usually means the remote is paired to the Xumo box instead of the TV itself. Try pressing the TV power button on the remote — if the TV turns off but the Xumo box menu stays on screen, the remote is controlling the box but not the TV.
To fix this, you need to pair the remote to the TV directly instead. Unplug the Xumo box from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart. While the box is restarting, start the pairing process on the remote again (hold the pairing button for Bluetooth remotes, or just point and press a button for IR remotes). This time, the remote should pair to the TV first before the box finishes booting.
If you have a TV remote that came with your television, you can also use both remotes at the same time — the TV remote controls the TV itself, and the Xumo remote controls the Xumo box. This is often the simplest solution if the Xumo remote refuses to control the TV directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pair the remote every time I turn on the TV?
No. Once a remote is paired, it stays paired until you unpair it or reset the remote. You can turn the TV and Xumo box off and on as many times as you want without re-pairing. The only time you need to pair again is if you get a new remote or if you reset the remote to factory settings.
Can I use the same Xumo remote with multiple TVs?
IR remotes can work with any TV because they use a universal infrared signal. Bluetooth remotes are paired to one specific TV and will not work with a different TV unless you unpair them from the first TV and pair them to the second one. Check your TV's Bluetooth settings to unpair the remote before trying to pair it elsewhere.
What if my Xumo remote is lost or broken?
You can control your Xumo box using your TV remote if it has compatible buttons, or you can read the Xumo mobile app on your phone to control the box remotely. To get a replacement Xumo remote, contact your service provider — they can usually send one within a few business days, sometimes for a small fee.
Why does my IR remote only work when I point it directly at the TV?
Infrared signals travel in a straight line and do not bounce around corners or walls the way Bluetooth does. If you want to control the TV from different angles or from another room, you need a Bluetooth remote instead. Some TVs also have IR receivers on multiple sides of the unit, so try pointing the remote at the side or back panel if the front does not work.
Can I pair a Xumo remote to a TV that is not a smart TV?
IR remotes work with any TV because they do not require the TV to be smart. Bluetooth remotes only work with TVs that have built-in Bluetooth, which most modern TVs do but older models may not. If your TV does not have Bluetooth, stick with the IR remote or contact your service provider to see if they have an IR-only option available.