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This article uses some terms that might be unfamiliar. Read through this list of terms and definitions if you need clarification:
| Operating Mode | Description |
| IR |
- Means Infrared
- The remote relies on a direct line of sight to control the DVR
- Does not require the remote to be paired to a specific DVR
|
| RF |
- Means Radio Frequency
- Can control a DVR anywhere within a radius of approximately 30 feet
- Remote needs to be paired to a specific DVR
|
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Pairing Mode: RF Remote Controls Supports 2 Methods for Pairing
1. New Pairing Mode
- TiVo BOLT Series and TiVo Roamio Series are already in New Pairing Mode out of the box.
- Pressing any button on any RF remote control will pair it.
2. Allow Pairing Mode (Remote)
- Manually adding a new remote or transferring a remote to another device.
- When it is in Allow Pairing Mode, it will pair with any compatible TiVo device accepting pairing requests in range.
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Remote Activity Indicator Colors
In Allow Pairing mode, the activity indicator LED (above the TiVo button) slowly flashes. When it successfully pairs with a DVR, the activity indicator LED flashes quickly five times and then stops.
The Remote activity indicator colors and the signal they are sending:
- If the activity indicator flashes red, the remote is sending IR commands to the DVR.
- If the activity indicator flashes amber, the remote is paired and is sending RF commands to the DVR.
Recommendation: Pairing-compatible TiVo device can be paired with up to 10 compatible remote controls; However, customers need to pair it one at a time to ensure pairing of the remote/s to a TiVo device is successful. With the new Software Release, the new remote settings sub-menu screen will contain all remote related diagnostic information, see Remote Control DiagnosticsGo to Top
Initial Setup
RF remotes work in IR mode. To enable RF communication, pair the remote to your TiVo device.
Prepare the DVR for Pairing
Navigate to the Remote Control Pairing screen:
Devices on TiVo Experience 3 (Software Version 20.x) From TiVo Central
- TiVo BOLT Series & TiVo Roamio Series: Settings & Messages > Remote, CableCARD & Devices > Remote Control Setup > Remote Control Pairing
- TiVo Mini: Settings & Messages > Remote & Devices > Remote Control Setup > Part 5: Remote control pairing
Devices on TiVo Experience 4 (Software Version 21.x): From HOME
- MENU > SETTINGS > REMOTE, CABLECARD, & DEVICES > REMOTE CONTROL SETUP > REMOTE CONTROL PAIRING > Follow the On Screen instructions
Or
- MENU > HELP > TIPS & TROUBLESHOOTING > REMOTE CONTROL > PRESS ENTER
Choose the following options:
• Pair Your TiVo Remote
• Program Your TiVo Remote
• Unpair Your TiVo Remote
This a feature available only on TiVo Experience 4.
The TiVo device is now in New Pairing Mode and should automatically pair with any RF remote within 3 feet. If it does not, manually pair the remote.
Reminder:
- For all Series 1-3 Remotes (without the A, B, C, D buttons) and the original Slide Remote, ZOOM will work as ‘EXIT’ if your Unified Entertainment System/ DVR is running the TiVo Experience 4.
- Series 4 and original TiVo Mini Remotes (has the A, B, C, D buttons without BACK), ZOOM will act as 'BACK' on the TiVo Experience 4.
- Series 5, 6, VOX, and Slide Pro Remotes already have a 'BACK' button.
- Remote Control Diagnostics
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Pairing the Remote to your Device
After you power up your BOLT Series and Roamio Series, press any button on an RF remote to pair it.
If you have multiple TiVo BOLT Unified Entertainment System/ TiVo Roamio Series devices, set them up one at a time to ensure that each remote pairs to the correct Unified Entertainment System/DVR.
In New Pairing Mode, when you press a button, the remote control sends out an IR signal that:
- Performs the command you requested
- Requests pairing with any unpaired TiVo BOLT Unified Entertainment System/ TiVo Roamio Series devices within range
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Switching Modes
| Operating Mode | Key Combination |
| Switch to IR | Hold down TiVo + Red C buttons until the activity
indicator LED flashes red 3 times. |
| Switch to RF | Hold down the TiVo + Green D buttons until the
activity indicator LED flashes amber 3 times.
Note: This procedure has no effect in New Pairing
Mode or when the remote is unpaired. |
Pair a Different Remote to your Device
To control your TiVo device with a different remote or transfer the remote to another device, perform the steps below.
Manually Pair the RF Remote
Hold down the TiVo + Back buttons until the activity indicator LED light turns red. The remote control will then send pairing requests for 30 seconds (as indicated by the flashing amber activity indicator).The remote will pair with any DVR that is accepting pairing requests.
Note: If the pairing is unsuccessful, the remote will return to its original state (either paired or unpaired).
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Troubleshooting
1. My Remote will not work in RF Mode
Certain materials or other devices using RF signal can interfere with the RF signal from your remote. Ensure that you are more than 18 inches away from any router or Wi-Fi access point when using the remote in RF mode.
- If you are unable to use RF mode, you can switch your remote to IR mode. For instructions, see (Switching Modes, Switch to IR)
- Replace your batteries and try again. IR mode or RF
- If your remote doesn't function in either
- If your remote still doesn't function in RF mode or IR mode, Contact TiVo Support.
2. The Amber light on my remote flashes for several seconds whenever I press a button
The new or replacement remote will not yet be paired to your TiVo device. It will automatically revert to IR mode. The amber light will flash for 30 seconds after every button press but the remote functionality stays the same. If there are other DVRs within range, it may cause unwanted RF remote pairings. A good workaround here is to power down other DVRs within IR range. To make the flashing yellow light stop, and then pair the remote to your DVR for RF functionality:
- Press TiVo + Red C until the activity light flashes red.
- Now press any button and confirm that the activity light flashes red with each button press (it should no longer flash amber).
- Press the Live TV button.
- Press Clear, Enter, Clear, 221, Clear (this will send a signal to clear any RF pairings on the DVR).
Note:
- This step is a back door and should only be used to clear pairing of ALL remote controls.
- This will put the TiVo device into a new mode and it will pair the first remote control it detects, either Roamio or voice remote. If performed with a paired remote control, it will also unpair that remote control.
- Hold down TiVo + Back on the remote until the activity light flashes amber (the remote is now ready to pair with the DVR).
- Now press any button on the remote and confirm that the activity light flashes amber with each button press.
- The remote is now paired in RF mode with the DVR.
See also TiVo Voice Troubleshooting.
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Global Reset
This unpairs the RF remote from the paired TiVo device, then clears any other remote settings, such as IR codes for your television or other A/V device.
Note: Performing the Global Reset unpairs the remote from any paired television or any other A/V devices.
You will need both the paired RF remote and your TiVo device to perform a global reset. If your paired remote has been lost or damaged, you will need to use a new remote in IR mode to put your TiVo device in a pairing state, then pair the new remote. For instructions, see To Pair a different remote to your DVR.
To perform a Global Reset:
1. Hold down the TiVo + TV Power buttons until the activity indicator flashes red.
2. Press Thumbs Down three times, then press Enter.
The activity indicator will flash red three times if the global reset is successful.
If you need additional help, Contact TiVo Support.
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