You know the feeling—you’re ready for a night of binge-watching your favourite shows, popcorn in hand, only to realise the TV remote’s gone walkabout. Maybe it’s hiding in the couch cushions, maybe the dog’s claimed it as a chew toy, or maybe it’s just vanished into the great Aussie unknown. Either way, you’re left staring at your Kogan TV, wondering if all hope is lost.
How to Turn On a Kogan TV Without a Remote?
You can turn on a Kogan TV without a remote by using the physical power button located directly on the TV—usually found on the underside, back, or side panel. Some models also support smartphone control through the Kogan Smarter Home app or universal remote apps via infrared.
Where is the Power Button on a Kogan TV?
Ah, the elusive power button. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack, right? Kogan doesn’t always make it easy—they tend to tuck it away in the most inconvenient places. But don’t worry, it’s there… somewhere.
You’ll usually find the power button on the underside of the TV, near the logo, or along the back or right-hand side. It’s sometimes a small joystick-style button or a traditional pressable switch. If you run your hand along the bottom edge of the TV, you’ll likely feel it. Press and hold for a second or two, and voilà—your Kogan TV should spring to life.
“It was hiding under the front panel the whole time—felt like I was on a treasure hunt in my own lounge room!”
Can I Use the Kogan TV Without a Remote?
Absolutely, mate! While the experience might be a bit more manual, it’s still totally doable. Kogan TVs, like most modern tellies, still come with physical controls to avoid remote mishaps like dead batteries or mysterious disappearances.
Yes, you can operate a Kogan TV without a remote using the manual buttons for power, volume, and input switching. Just be prepared for a bit of button-dancing, especially when navigating menus—it’s not the most elegant solution, but it gets the job done in a pinch.
What Are the Alternatives to Using the Original Remote?
Lost the remote and can’t be stuffed digging through the whole house? Fair enough. Let’s talk alternatives that’ll bring your Kogan TV back under control—without buying a new official remote.
You can use a universal remote, a smartphone with infrared (IR), or the Kogan Smarter Home app if your TV is smart-compatible. These alternatives often work straight out of the box or require minimal setup. Some newer phones with built-in IR (like select Xiaomi or older Samsung models) can even double as remotes with third-party apps.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Alternative | How It Works | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Remote | Pairs with TV via code entry or auto-scan | Most Kogan TVs |
| IR Blaster App (Phone) | Sends remote signals via built-in IR on some phones | Non-smart Kogan TVs |
| Kogan Smarter Home App | Connects via Wi-Fi to smart-compatible Kogan TVs | Smart TVs only |
How Do I Use My Smartphone to Control My Kogan TV?
We live in the age where our phones do everything, from ordering pizza to unlocking our front doors—why not control the telly too?
To use your smartphone as a remote, either download an IR blaster app for non-smart Kogan TVs or install the Kogan Smarter Home app for smart models. The IR method only works if your phone has an IR port (which most don’t anymore), so check your specs first. Otherwise, if your TV and phone share the same Wi-Fi, the Kogan app works a treat.
Make sure you allow necessary permissions and follow the in-app pairing instructions. Once connected, you’ll be navigating Netflix faster than you can say “Straya!”
What If My Kogan TV Doesn’t Respond to the Power Button?
Let’s say you’ve pressed every button in sight and your Kogan TV’s still acting like it’s in a coma. Frustrating, right?
If the TV doesn’t respond to the physical power button, double-check your power source and cables, then try a soft reset by unplugging the TV for 30 seconds before plugging it back in. If that doesn’t work, you might be dealing with a faulty board or internal power issue—at that point, it’s best to ring up Kogan customer support or visit their help centre.
Can I Buy a Replacement Remote for My Kogan TV?
Look, sometimes the best option is just replacing the lost remote altogether—especially if you’re tired of fiddling with buttons or your phone’s got no IR blaster.
Yes, Kogan sells replacement remotes for most of their TV models, and you can also find compatible universal remotes online or at electronics stores. Just check your TV model number (usually found on the back panel sticker) before ordering, to make sure you grab the right one.
“I picked up a $12 universal remote from Big W—worked like magic after about 30 seconds of setup.”
Are Universal Remotes Easy to Set Up With Kogan TVs?
Setting up a universal remote sounds like a job for a techie, but honestly, it’s easier than boiling a cuppa.
Most universal remotes can be paired with a Kogan TV using simple code entry or automatic scanning—takes about 1–2 minutes. You’ll usually find the instruction manual or a QR code in the box. Some even auto-detect the brand, so all you have to do is press and hold the setup button, then test a few functions.
Do All Kogan TVs Support the Smarter Home App?
Not every Kogan TV is born with a brain. Some are good old “dumb” TVs—great screens, but no smart features. So, compatibility depends on the model.
Only smart-enabled Kogan TVs support the Kogan Smarter Home app. You’ll typically see “Smart TV” or “Android TV” printed on the box or in the settings menu. If your TV came with Netflix and YouTube pre-installed, that’s a pretty solid sign it’s smart-ready.
Will a Power Surge Stop the TV From Turning On?
Power surges are a real pain—one minute everything’s fine, the next your TV’s a lifeless black rectangle.
Yes, a power surge can damage the internal circuits of your Kogan TV, preventing it from turning on. To protect your gear, consider plugging your telly into a surge protector or power board with built-in safety features. Better to spend $20 on protection than $500 replacing the whole unit.
What If My TV Keeps Turning Off By Itself?
There’s nothing more annoying than your TV playing peekaboo mid-movie night. If your Kogan TV keeps turning itself off, it’s likely a setting—or a gremlin.
Check the “Auto Power Off” and “Sleep Timer” settings in your TV’s menu and disable them if active. If the problem persists, try a factory reset or software update if it’s a smart TV. Still acting up? Then it might be a hardware issue, and that’s your cue to get in touch with Kogan support.
Can I Use HDMI-CEC to Turn On My Kogan TV?
HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is like the secret sauce that lets your TV and other devices talk to each other. If you’ve got a connected device like a PlayStation or Chromecast, you might already be using it without realising.
Yes, if HDMI-CEC is enabled on both your TV and external device, turning on the device can automatically power on your Kogan TV. Just make sure you’ve got a compatible HDMI cable, then head to the settings to toggle HDMI-CEC on. On Kogan TVs, it might be labelled something quirky like “CEC” or “Anynet+.”
Can a Smart Plug Turn My Kogan TV On?
You’d think a smart plug would make things easier, right? Eh… not always. While you can use it to cut or restore power, it won’t magically navigate your TV menus for you.
A smart plug can restore power to the TV, but it won’t turn the screen on unless the TV powers up automatically when plugged in. This only works on certain models with “Last Power State” features enabled. It’s more of a workaround than a true solution.
FAQs
Can I turn on a Kogan TV with a keyboard or mouse?
Only certain smart models support USB-connected peripherals, but they won’t turn the TV on from a powered-off state.
Does every Kogan TV have a power button?
Yes, by law and design standards, every Kogan TV includes a physical power button somewhere on the frame.
What’s the cheapest way to replace a lost Kogan remote?
Pick up a basic universal remote from Kmart, JB Hi-Fi, or online—many work great with minimal setup.
Can I reset my Kogan TV without a remote?
Some models have a reset hole near the ports—use a paperclip to press and hold for 10–15 seconds. Otherwise, try resetting via buttons if accessible through the on-screen menu.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, losing the remote isn’t the end of the world—even if it feels like it when you’re squinting at buttons and trying to channel-hop with your elbow. Whether you’re using the sneaky hidden power button, embracing the Kogan Smarter Home app, or just grabbing a universal remote from the local servo, there’s always a workaround.
The key takeaway? Yes, you can absolutely turn on and use a Kogan TV without a remote—you just need to know where to press, what to download, or when to improvise. And hey, if all else fails, at least you’ve got a great excuse to finally clean under the couch cushions.