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Fix a TV that has CEC that will not work

We'll check CEC settings, cable, port, and power-cycle—or tell you when to use separate remotes.

Troubleshooting · Home electronics
10–20 min
What you'll need
  • TV remote
  • HDMI cable (known-good, if testing)
Step 1 of 4

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the CEC symptom, check settings and cable, then rule out handshake issues.

  • Confirm what fails—TV remote does not control the cable box, devices do not turn on together, or input does not switch.
  • Good: You have confirmed the symptom. Proceed to Check CEC settings.
  • Bad: Different issue—see fix-tv-remote-will-not-work if the remote does not work at all.

Check CEC settings

Goal: Confirm CEC is enabled on the TV and the source device.

  • Open TV Settings. Find HDMI-CEC, Anynet+, Bravia Sync, Simplink, or similar. Confirm it is on.
  • Open the source device settings. Find HDMI-CEC or device control. Confirm it is on.
  • Good: Both enabled. Proceed to Power-cycle and cable.
  • Bad: Either was off—enable both, power-cycle, then test.

Power-cycle and cable

Goal: Reset CEC handshake and rule out cable or port issues.

  • Unplug the TV and all HDMI devices from power. Wait at least 60 seconds. Plug the TV in first, then the sources.
  • Try a known-good HDMI cable. Try a different HDMI port—some TVs support CEC only on specific ports.
  • Good: Power-cycle or cable/port change fixes it. Done.
  • Bad: Still fails—disable and re-enable CEC, power-cycle again.

When to get help

Use separate remotes or a universal remote if:

  • CEC still does not work after checking settings, power-cycle, cable, and port.

CEC is optional. The TV and devices work without it. Call a pro only if the TV HDMI ports fail entirely.

Verification

  • The TV remote controls the connected device (volume, power, input).
  • Devices turn on or off together when expected.
  • Input switches when you start a device.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. CEC settings Confirm CEC is on for TV and source.
  2. Power-cycle Unplug TV and devices for 60 seconds; plug back in.
  3. Cable and port Try different HDMI cable and port.
  4. Toggle CEC Disable and re-enable CEC; power-cycle.
  5. Use alternatives or call a pro Use device remotes or universal remote. When HDMI ports fail entirely, call a pro.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • TV model
  • Source device(s)
  • Steps already tried

Is CEC enabled on the TV and source?

CEC must be on for both devices.

Check TV Settings for HDMI-CEC, Anynet+, Bravia Sync, or Simplink. Check source device settings for HDMI control. Both on: power-cycle. Either off: enable both, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Enable CEC and test

Enable CEC on the TV and source. Power-cycle both. Test CEC. If it works, done. If not, try a different cable and port.

Done

Power-cycle TV and devices

Full power drain resets CEC handshake.

Unplug TV and all HDMI devices for 60 seconds. Plug TV in first, then sources. Turn on. Works: done. Still fails: try different cable and port.
Question

CEC works after power-cycle?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Try different cable and port

Try a known-good HDMI cable. Try a different HDMI port on the TV. If CEC works, done. If not, disable and re-enable CEC, power-cycle. Still no: use separate remotes.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would CEC stop working?
CEC disabled in settings, incompatible or faulty HDMI cable, handshake failure after a power event, or a device that does not support CEC. Some TVs only support CEC on specific HDMI ports.
Can I fix CEC myself?
Yes. Check CEC settings on the TV and source, try a different cable and port, and power-cycle. Most CEC issues are settings or cable related.
When should I give up on CEC?
If settings, cable, port, and power-cycle do not fix it, use separate remotes or a universal remote. CEC is optional—the TV and devices still work without it.

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