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Used to have a Samsung TV that went wrong and I replaced it with an LG. The old remote worked, and is still working with my playbase, however when I try to update and use my magic remote via the Sonos app it says it can’t find it. I’ve been through every (logic to me) menu I can think of numerous times. IN the TV I am connected via the optical lead. On the TV’s app I have selected Sonos as the manufacturer but the app says it can’t connect because of the null modem cable!!!! Sonos helpline says it’s because of the TV and it’s settings, even spoke to one of their tech guys who said get in touch with LG, but thought I’d try on here to see if anybody can help me. I have read several discussions on this topic and have tried “Bose” and “Phillips” but neither have worked. Anybody got any ideas please???

Hi @Ian R Lawes 

Thanks for your post!

In order to use your LG Magic Remote with your Playbase, please follow the instructions on our Unable to adjust the volume using the LG Magic Remote help page:

Instead of infrared (IR), the LG Magic Remote uses radio frequencies (RF) or Bluetooth to communicate directly to the TV. You may need to change some settings on your LG TV in order for the remote to work with Sonos.

Follow the steps below to configure your LG Magic Remote to work with Sonos home theater speakers. These steps vary if Sonos is connected to your TV via HDMI-ARC, optical cable, or optical adapter.

Note that the options and steps listed below may be different depending on your LG TV’s model or software version.

 

HDMI-ARC

  1. On the Magic Remote, press Home and then select Device Connector.
    • If Device Connector is not an option, select Universal Control Settings.
  2. Select Bluetooth/Soundbar, then HDMI-ARC.
  3. Select or search for Sonos as the manufacturer.¹
  4. Select Remote Type 1 and click Next.
  5. Press Done.

 

Optical or Optical Adapter

  1. Go to the TV’s Settings menu, then select General > Device Connector.
  2. Select Component or AV for the Connection Type, then press Next.
  3. Select Optical for Sound Output, then press Next.
  4. Select or search for Sonos as the manufacturer.¹
  5. Press Done.
  6. Follow the instructions in our Set up a new TV remote with Sonos home theater speakers article to program the LG Magic Remote with your Sonos home theater speaker.

If you’re still not able to control your home theater speaker with the LG Magic Remote, try disabling SIMPLINK for the Optical connection under Settings > Sound > Sound Out.

¹If you can’t locate Sonos as a manufacturer, select Philips or Bose instead.

I hope this helps.


Hi Corry - thanks for posting a reply to my problem. I have read through this before and tried to comply with the above, however my TV is a 2024 model and doesn’t relate to the above instructions. No “select remote type 1, or “Device Manager” … or if there is then I cannot locate it, and I have been through the settings numerous times!


Hi @Ian R Lawes 

I’m sorry to hear that - I’ll see if I can get someone to look into updating that help page.

In the meantime, I recommend that you contact LG directly and ask them how to activate IR mode on your LG Magic Remote - that’s the important part that needs done before the Playbase can be programmed to accept the remote’s IR codes.

Someone in our Community who owns a recent LG TV may chime in here soon, hopefully.

I hope this helps.