Nintendo Wii and the WII home game consoles are some of the coolest gaming machines produced to this day. However, without this machine’s remote, you cannot do a lot with it. Therefore, if your Wii remote is not connecting, then this article is perfect for you.
What to do when the Wii remote won’t connect? Change the batteries, check if all the cables are properly inserted, move the remote closer to the TV. Press and hold the red sync button on the console for about 15 seconds to clear out synced data. Resync your Wii remote.
- Remove the batteries for a few minutes, place them back in.
- Open your Wii remote cover.
- Press the SYNC button.
- Open the SD compartment of the console.
- Press the red SYNC button.
We have explained the main causes for this issue and some very simple fixes as well. Check out the list of the best replacement Wii remotes on Amazon now!
Why Is My Wii Remote Not Connecting?
You can tell if a Wii remote is working or not by its LED lights. If it was working before and now it is unresponsive or not connecting to the device, it will show a unique flashing and then switch off automatically. This section covers the possible causes of this unique case.
Battery Issues
Battery issues are the main cause of the remote not syncing. Old, worn-out batteries will not allow the remote to sync successfully as they do not provide enough power to the main circuit of the remote. The fix to this is pretty obvious: you need to change the batteries and then see if the remote is syncing.
Old Sync Data
Clearing out old “sync data” from the console might also help, as old data may interfere with new connections. There is a simple solution to this, explained in the next section.
Unlicensed Wii Remote
Another cause for the remote not working is about licensed products. If you have bought an unlicensed Wii remote, then this will cause problems while working with the console and will not connect properly.
Nintendo does not make unlicensed products; therefore, they discourage people from buying such remotes. A simple solution to this would be checking your remote’s model number. Nintendo sells these licensed remotes:
- Licensed Wii Remote – RVL 003
- Licensed Wii Remote Plus – RVL 036
Range Issues
The distance between the remote and the TV/console may also be the cause for this problem to arise. The allotted distance for the sensors in the two devices to work effectively is three to ten feet. If you are operating the controller from a further distance, then this will cause a connectivity/syncing issue.
The placement of the sensor bar is also important. Do not place it on any set-top boxes or other devices but on the top or bottom of your TV.
Physical Damage
Physical damage may be a key reason behind the failure of connectivity. If the sensors on the remote or the receiver are damaged, this connection can obviously not occur. Replace the remote or the sensor bar with a fully functioning set of sensors; then, this connection can possibly work.
Other sources may also cause an interference between the two sensors. Sunlight near the TV, or reflective surfaces, or infrared interference from heaters and other appliances may all cause a connection failure. You would have to move your TV or the appliances elsewhere.
How to Fix the Wii Remote Not Connecting Issue?
Follow the steps below in ascending order to fix this issue properly. The easier steps are given in the first few lines, as this will make your application process much easier.
1. Use New Batteries
Replace old batteries with new batteries and retry the connection. Proceed to the next step if this does not work.
2. Check the Cables
Ensure that the sensor board is connected to the console. If the cables are not secured, the connection might be going in and out. Ensure that you secure all the cables tightly.
3. Check the Licence
Check for licensed products. Buy a licensed product if you are using an unlicensed remote.
4. Reposition the Remote
Use the remote from the designated distance (three to ten feet from the TV).
Ensure that your remote’s sensor and the sensor board are not damaged. If they are broken, then you need to replace them with new accessories.
5. Reposition the Console
Move the console away from other interruptions. Interruption from other light sources, such as sunlight and infrared, can cause the connection to be interrupted.
6. Resync the Remote
Rest the Wii remote if all else fails. You need to remove the batteries for a few minutes and then place them back in to reset the remote. After the batteries are placed, you need to resync the Wii remote:
- Open your Wii remote cover.
- Press the SYNC button.
- Open the SD compartment of the console.
- Press the red SYNC button.
If this did not work for you, try doing the following:
- Press and hold the red sync button on both devices( the remote and the console) for about 15 seconds.
Tip: Before resyncing your remote, try unplugging your console from the power source for a few minutes, then plug it back in. You can do a similar trick with your TV to see if it solves the issue.
How Do I Get My Wii to Recognize My Remote?
If the console does not recognize your remote, you face a connectivity issue. Follow all the solutions given in the section above to ensure that your Wii recognizes the remote.
If all of these solutions fail, then you need to replace your remote. Check out the list of the best replacement Wii remotes on Amazon now!
Why Is My Wii Remote Flashing Blue and Not Working?
This is a common sign of the remote not being able to connect. Follow the solutions given in the sections above to solve this issue.
Related Post: How To Fix An Unresponsive Wii Remote?(7 Easy Tips)
Conclusion
A Wii remote connectivity issue is easy to fix if you know the cause. Follow the solutions given in this article to solve your issue.
Hi there, technology lovers! My name is James, I am an admin and a frequent writer for this blog. I am a techno-geek, so this blog is the place where I want to share all my knowledge with you to make your life a little bit easier in terms of dealing with technology.
