You’re sitting in your living room or lying in bed, enjoying the game or a movie, when the sun decides to come out and you realize the room is getting a bit toasty.
You reach for the ceiling fan remote, (as you specifically bought a fan with a remote control so you don’t have to get up), but after searching around for ages you come to the conclusion it must be lost – now what?
Thankfully there are alternative methods to turn a ceiling fan on or off without a remote control, albeit an inconvenience:
- Use the pull chain to turn it on and off
- Use the wall switch (if you have one)
- Turn it off/on from the spur (hardwire in the wall)
- Purchase a replacement remote (or a universal one)
- If it’s a smart ceiling fan, ask your home assistant to turn it on/off
In this guide, we’ll show you a few different ways to turn on your ceiling fan without a remote, as well as how you can replace a lost ceiling fan remote.
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How to Turn On A Ceiling Fan Without A Remote
There are a few different ways to turn on a ceiling fan without a remote.
1. Wall Switch
If you’re looking for an easy way to turn on your ceiling fan, the wall switch is a great option. All you need to do is find the switch that controls your ceiling fan (if you have one), and you can easily turn it on and adjust the speed by using the control knob or slider bar.
This switch may be labeled “fan” or “light”. If the switch is in the “off” position, flip it to the “on” position. If the switch is in the “on” position, flip it to the “off” position and then back to “on”.
2. Pull Chain
The pull chain is another way to turn on a ceiling fan without a remote. The pull chain is usually found near the fan and is attached to a small metal chain. To turn on the fan, pull on the chain. To turn off the fan, pull on the chain again.
If the pull chain is missing, you can install a new one. To do this, remove the cover plate from the ceiling fan. This will expose the wiring and the screws that hold the fan in place.
Once you have removed the screws, you can pull out the fan and replace the pull chain. Once you have replaced the pull chain, you can reattach the fan and screw it back into place.
3. Smart Assistant
If you have a home smart assistant like Alexa, Siri or Cortana which is connected to your ceiling fan, simple ask it to turn the ceiling fan on!
Can You Replace A Lost Ceiling Fan Remote?
Yes, you can replace a lost ceiling fan remote. If you are looking for a simple, cheap solution, the most obvious option would be to purchase a replacement remote and configure it to work with your existing ceiling fan.
However, this can be problematic if you are not familiar with programming remotes or if your original remote was not made by a reputable manufacturer. In these cases, trying to replace the lost remote may simply result in frustration and wasted time and effort.
Is There A Universal Remote for Ceiling Fans?
Yes, there are plenty of universal remote controls for a ceiling fan on the market. Be sure to pick one with the highest ratings that specifies it works with your type of ceiling fan.
This is our favorite universal remote for a ceiling fan that allows you to turn the fan on or off, change the speed and also use the light (if you have one).
How to Install Universal Remote for Ceiling Fans
To install a universal remote, you will need to buy the remote and the receiver. The receiver will need to be installed in the fan.
Once you have the receiver, follow these steps to install it:
- Remove the cover plate from the ceiling fan. This will expose the wiring and the screws that hold the fan in place.
- Disconnect the wires from the fan.
- Connect the receiver to the wires.
- Reattach the cover plate and screw it into place.
- Test the remote to make sure it is working properly.
Can I Use My Phone as A Ceiling Fan Remote?
You can use your phone as a ceiling fan remote. There are a few different ways to do this:
Use An IR Blaster
If you have an IR blaster on your phone, you can use it to control your ceiling fan. To do this, you will need to download a remote-control app and point the IR blaster at the ceiling fan.
Use A WiFi-Enabled Ceiling Fan
If your ceiling fan is WiFi-enabled, you can connect it to your home network and then control it with your phone. To do this, you will need to download a Ceiling Fan Remote app.
Use A Smart Hub
If you have a Smart Hub, you can use it to control your ceiling fan. To do this, you will need to connect the ceiling fan to the Smart Hub and then download a Ceiling Fan Remote app.
Once you have downloaded the app, you will be able to control the ceiling fan with your phone.
How Can I Control My Ceiling Fan Without A Remote?
There are a few ways that you can control your ceiling fan without a remote, such as using the wall switch or the pull chain.
If your ceiling fan is connected directly to the house wiring, you can run it with the pull chain. So, whether you’ve lost your remote or just want a backup method of controlling your ceiling fan, there are plenty of options available to you.
Summary
In conclusion, losing your ceiling fan remote can be frustrating. But don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to replace it. You can use the wall switch, the pull chain, or buy a universal remote.
If you have lost your remote and want to buy a new one, be sure to get one that is compatible with your ceiling fan.
