How to turn on a TCL TV without the remote
Press the power button on the TV itself. On most TCL models it sits under the middle of the bottom edge, often behind the TCL logo. Once the TV is on, you can control it from your phone over Wi-Fi. To turn it on from the phone next time, the TV must keep its network connection in standby.
1. Use the button on the TV
Most TCL TVs have one small button under the front edge, near the centre or behind the logo; some models have it on the back, lower right as you face the screen. A short press turns the TV on. On many models, further presses step through a small menu for input, volume and power off.
2. Use your phone
A phone can turn a TCL TV on only if the TV keeps Wi-Fi alive in standby. The setting depends on the system:
| TCL system | Setting | App |
|---|---|---|
| Google TV | Settings → System → Power & energy → Energy mode → Increased (tested) | Google TV app, Zapmio |
| Android TV | Look for network standby or quick start under power settings | Google TV app, Zapmio |
| Roku TV | Settings → System → Power → Fast TV start | Roku app |
Turn your TCL on from your phone with Zapmio
Once Energy mode is set to Increased, Zapmio can wake a TCL Google TV over Wi-Fi and then works as the full remote: arrows, volume, apps and power off. It walks you through the setting the first time. Try it free on your own TCL.
Try it free14 days free · Coming soon to Google Play3. Use another device with T-Link (HDMI-CEC)
TCL calls HDMI-CEC T-Link. When it is on, turning on a game console, Apple TV, Chromecast or other box connected by HDMI also turns the TV on and switches to that input. On Google TV models the option sits under the HDMI or inputs settings.
4. If nothing works
- Check that the TV has power: the standby light should glow when it is off.
- Unplug the TV for one minute, plug it in again and press the button on the TV.
- If you have no Wi-Fi and the TV button is broken, an infrared universal remote or a replacement TCL remote is the only option.
Related guides
- Control your TCL TV from your phone
- Use your phone as a Google TV remote
- Lost your TV remote? Here is what to do
Frequently asked questions
Where is the power button on a TCL TV?
On most models it is a single small button under the middle of the bottom edge, often behind the TCL logo. Some have it on the back, lower right.
Why can my phone control the TCL TV but not turn it on?
In the default energy mode the TV turns off Wi-Fi in standby. On TCL Google TV, set Energy mode to Increased so the phone can wake it.
Can I turn on a TCL TV with Google Assistant?
On Google TV models, often yes, if the TV is set up in the Google Home app and network standby is on. It uses the same network connection as phone apps.