Nintendo of America

Wii Remote Troubleshooting

Important Safety Information for Playing Wii Wii Remote Wrist Strap Replacement Information

Quick tip: Cursor (hand) or character movement not responding properly?
Hold the Wii Remote with the button side down. Without using much force, firmly tap the button side of the remote against the palm of your other hand a few times. Doing this does not take a lot of force, so be sure not to tap the Wii Remote very hard. Check for proper response. If the problem is not solved, please follow the rest of the instructions on this page.

For all Wii Remote issues:
If you are experiencing problems with a new Wii Remote, or are having difficulty with a Wii Remote that was previously working properly, please carefully read and follow the instructions on this page.

First, follow these guidelines to ensure you have set up the system properly to have the optimal environment in which to use the Wii Remote: Check to make sure the Sensor Bar cord is inserted into the back of the Wii console and the Sensor Bar is centered above or below your TV screen (more info). Make sure you are using fresh batteries in the Wii Remote. The Wii Remote Controller should be used between 3 to 10 feet from the TV. Make sure no objects are blocking the signals between the Sensor Bar, the Wii console, and the Wii Remote. Check for interference from infra-red light sources, such as candles, sunlight, fireplaces, and stoves. Radio frequency interference may cause the Wii Remote to work erratically. Check for wireless devices such as cordless phones, wireless computer keyboards or mice, or other similar devices, and move or turn them off.

Still having problems? If the basic guidelines above did not solve your problem, the more specific information below may help.

• Wii Remote not being recognized by the Wii Console (lights on the Wii Remote flash when you press a button, but then go out) - Most Common:
  Getting the Wii console to recognize (or "sync" with) a Wii Remote, especially one that did not come in the box with your Wii console, may require doing a few additional steps before it can be synced. Additionally, a Wii Remote that was working, but is no longer being recognized (or has "lost its sync") may need to be re-synced. Please use the troubleshooting steps listed below, which our experience has shown can solve many Wii Remote issues.

  Try these steps! Turn the Wii console power OFF by pressing the POWER Button on the front of the console. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet for a few seconds. After a few seconds have elapsed, plug the cord back into the wall outlet. Turn the power of the Wii console ON. When you see the Health and Safety screen, open the small flap on the front of the Wii console to find a red button labeled "SYNC." Press and hold the SYNC Button down for 15 seconds. This will clear all the syncs on the Wii, allowing you to get a clean start to begin the process described below. After holding the SYNC Button on the Wii console down for at least 15 seconds, you can now "re-sync" your Wii Remotes: With the first Wii Remote you wish to sync, remove the battery cover on the back of the Wii Remote to find a small red button just below the batteries. Press and release the small red button just below the batteries on the Wii Remote; the blue lights on the front of the Wii Remote will blink. Quickly press and release the red SYNC button on the inside of the white flap on the front of the Wii console (picture). When the Player LED blinking stops and stays lit, the syncing is complete. The LED that is illuminated indicates the player number (1 through 4). This sync procedure (steps "a" through "d" above) must be followed for each additional Wii Remote added to the system.

  If you are still unable to get the Wii console to recognize your Wii Remote(s) after carefully following the steps above, please call 1-800-255-3700 for further assistance.

 

• All other Wii Remote issues
  If the Wii Remote is being recognized by the Wii console, but you are experiencing other issues, check the list of additional symptoms below. If one fits the description, click it to read the available troubleshooting; if you can't find one that sounds like the problem you are experiencing, select "All other problems."
  • Cursor is off-center, jerky, erratic, disappears, etc.
  • Tilt Problems
  • Wii Remote batteries drain too fast
  • Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Can't get past "Create a New Save File" screen
  • "Crackling" noise or no sound from Wii Remote speaker
  • Wii Remote does not rumble
  • Buttons are not responding
  • Buttons are sticky or are stuck down
  • "There is no Mii save data on your Wii Remote. Format this save data?"
  • All other problems

Tilt Problems

1. Check the motion sensor functionality by holding the Wii Remote with the button side down. Without using much force, tap the button side of the remote against the palm of your other hand. Doing this does not take a lot of force, so be sure not to tap the Wii Remote very hard.
2. Try placing the Wii Remote in a neutral position by resting it on a flat surface during game play. If the character or cursor still tilts on its own, there is a problem with the Wii Remote and it will need to be repaired. Please click here for repair options.

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Wii Remote batteries drain too fast

• A fresh set of alkaline batteries should last, depending on amount and type of use, up to 30 hours. This can vary greatly based on certain factors, such as Wii Remote Speaker Volume, Rumble, battery quality and age, and type of game being played. For more battery information, click here.
• If you are using rechargeable batteries, the only type of battery recommended are Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. When it comes to using rechargeable batteries, you must follow manufacturer guidelines for safety and proper usage. Failure to do so could cause damage to the Wii Remote and void the warranty. For more battery information, click here.
• The Wii Remote will go into sleep mode if the console is turned off, if the console goes into Burn-In Reduction mode, or after 5 minutes of inactivity. This will conserve battery power.

If you still feel that the Wii Remote is draining batteries too fast, then it will need to be repaired. Please click here for repair information.

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"Crackling" noise or no sound from Wii Remote speaker

• Not all games use the Wii Remote's speaker. Check the game's instruction manual to verify whether the game uses the speaker.
• Use the HOME menu to adjust the Wii Remote's volume
  1. Press the HOME Button on a Wii Remote that is synchronized with the Wii console.

  

  2. Select the Wii Remote Settings option from the Home Button menu.

  

  3. Press "-" and "+" buttons to increase or decrease the volume levels. You will hear a sound from the speaker each time you adjust the setting. The sound approximates what the volume level would be at that setting.

  

  4. If the batteries are changed too quickly, occasionally you might get a crackling noise or no sound from the Wii Remote's speaker. Take out the batteries, wait for one (1) minute, then re-insert.
  5. Wireless interference (RF) can, in rare cases, cause sound problems with the Wii Remote. Turn off or move away from any wireless devices, such as cordless phones, microwaves, etc.

If the speaker still isn't working, there is likely a problem with the Wii Remote and it will need to be repaired. Please click here for repair information.

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Wii Remote doesn't rumble

• Go to the HOME Menu and verify that the battery power isn't low.
• Go to the Wii Remote settings and verify that the rumble feature is turned "on."
• Go to the Wii Menu and point at the Wii button on the bottom-left corner of the screen. The Wii Remote should rumble slightly.

If the Wii Remote doesn't rumble, there is likely a problem with the Wii Remote. Please click here for repair information.

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Buttons are not responding

If you are experiencing problems with multiple games, you may want to check the game's instruction manual to make sure the game uses the button(s) that is not responding. Some games do not use all of the Wii Remote's buttons or features. If you have verified the games should use the button(s) that is not responding, then the Wii Remote will need to be repaired. Please click here for repair information.

Problems with one game:

• Check the game's instruction manual to make sure the game uses the button(s) that is not responding. Some games do not use all of the Wii Remote's buttons or features.
• Click here to see if the game is listed in our individual Game Disc troubleshooting.
• Check the game's instruction manual for any controller configuration settings that may affect the button's uses (such as reversing the Control Pad's functions).

If the above information did not solve the problem, then the Wii Remote will need to be repaired. Please click here for repair information.

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Buttons are sticky or stuck down

Try cleaning the buttons of the Wii Remote using the cleaning instructions below, being sure to follow the directions carefully.

What you will need:

• 1 clean toothbrush (no toothpaste on it)
• 1 cup of warm tap water
• 1 paper towel

Instructions:

1. Remove the batteries from the Wii Remote.
2. Get a clean toothbrush (no toothpaste) and a cup of warm tap water (not too hot). Do NOT pour or submerge the Wii Remote in any type of liquid.
3. Slightly dip the toothbrush in the water (the toothbrush should not be dripping wet) and scrub the area of the Wii Remote around the buttons.
4. Work the bristles down around the sides of the buttons.
5. After cleaning the Wii Remote, dry it off with a paper towel.
6. Let the Wii Remote air dry with the buttons facing down for at least a couple of hours.
7. Test the Wii Remote for proper response.
8. Repeat the steps if necessary.

If the buttons are still sticky after cleaning, the Wii Remote will need to be replaced. Our experience shows that this type of problem is usually caused by physical damage and not covered under Nintendo's warranty. You can purchase a replacement at retail stores that sell Nintendo products. For tips on purchasing Nintendo products, please click here.

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"There is no Mii save data on your Wii Remote. Format this save data?"

Simply select "Yes" if this message appears. It simply means that you have never saved a Mii to your Wii Remote, and the Wii Remote needs to be prepared before a Mii can be saved to it.

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All other problems

If the problem you are experiencing is not listed on this page, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.

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Cursor is off-center, jerky, erratic, disappears, etc.

• Verify that the Wii Remote's pointer lens is free of obstructions and contamination (stickers, heavy smudges, etc.). The pointer lens is the tinted rectangle at the end of the Wii Remote. If the Wii Remote Jacket is being used, verify that it's securely in place on the Wii Remote. If the Wii Remote Jacket is askew, it might be partially blocking the infra-red sensor on the front of the Wii Remote.
• Try a new set of batteries. Occasionally weak batteries can cause this type of behavior.
• Reset the Wii Remote:

  1. Take the batteries out of the Wii Remote, wait for one (1) minute, and then re-insert them. (How to)
  2. Wait a few seconds before pressing any buttons to wake up the Wii Remote.
  3. Re-sync the Wii Remote by using the steps listed above in the white box titled "Try these steps!".
• Check the Directional Sensor Functionality by holding the Wii Remote with the button side down. Without using much force, tap the button side of the remote against the palm of your other hand. Doing this does not take a lot of force, so be sure not to tap the Wii Remote very hard.
• Verify Sensitivity Setting dots:
  Go to the Sensor Bar's sensitivity setting in the Wii menu (click here for directions on accessing this feature).

  • If only one or no dots appear on the sensitivity screen, there is likely a problem with the Sensor Bar. Please click here for repair information.
  • If there are more than two dots, then it appears there is an additional light or infrared heat source being picked up by the Wii Remote. Avoid sources of infrared light in the gameplay area such as electric, propane or kerosene heaters, flames from fireplaces or candles, and stoves or other sources of heat.
  • If both dots appear and the erratic behavior continues even when you move closer to the TV, there is likely a problem with the Wii Remote and it will need to be repaired. Please click here for repair options.

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