- Wireless and Sync
- Power and Battery
- What Types of Batteries Can Be Used With the Wii Remote?
- How Long Do Batteries Last in the Wii Remote?
- How to Check the Remaining Battery Level of the Wii Remote While in Wii Mode
- Batteries Drain Too Fast in Wii Remote
- How to Increase the Wii Remote's Battery Life
- How to Install or Change the Batteries in a Wii Remote
- Remote LEDs
- Remote Rumble
- Configuration and Calibration
- Sound

that you would like more information about.
Please use the list on the left to select a topic.
Please use the list on the left to select a topic.
Please use the list on the left to select a topic.
Please use the list on the left to select a topic.
Please use the list on the left to select a topic.
Please use the list on the left to select a topic.
Situation:
- The batteries don't last long or drain quickly.
What to do:
- Check for unlicensed accessories.
- The licensed Wii Remote has the model number printed on the bottom near where the controller expansions plug in. (e.g. - Nunchuk, MotionPlus.)
- Licensed Wii Remote – RVL 003
- Licensed Wii Remote Plus – RVL 036
- If you are using an unlicensed accessory, a licensed accessory may resolve the issue.
- Ensure you are using a fresh set of alkaline batteries.
- Rechargeable battery packs, lithium ion, nickel cadmium (nicad) are not recommended and should be avoided.
- A fresh set of alkaline batteries should last, depending on amount and type of use from 20 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.
- The Wii Remote should go into sleep mode if the console is turned off, if the console goes into Burn-In Reduction mode, or after five minutes of inactivity. This will conserve battery power.
- Ensure that you are not leaving the Wii Remote in a place where it can be powered on unintentionally (between the seat cushions of a couch, within reach of a young child, etc.).
- Some games, like Virtual Console titles originally released for the N64 and SNES, are not compatible with the Wii Remote. If the remote stops working with a single game, it is most likely an issue with compatibility and not power consumption.
Still Not Resolved:
- If the batteries in your Wii Remote continue to drain unusually fast, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
Situation:
- Error Message: Communication with the controller has been disconnected.
What to do:
- Check for unlicensed accessories.
- The licensed Wii Remote has the model number printed on the bottom near where the controller expansions plug in. (e.g. - Nunchuk, MotionPlus.)
- Licensed Wii Remote – RVL 003
- Licensed Wii Remote Plus – RVL 036
- If you are using an unlicensed accessory, a licensed accessory may resolve the issue.
- Ensure you are using a fresh set of alkaline batteries.
- Rechargeable battery packs, lithium ion, nickel cadmium (nicad) are not recommended and should be avoided.
- Check the battery strength of the Wii Remote by pressing the HOME button.
- Press the HOME button. The battery indicators will either be across the bottom or the top of the screen.
- One bar or less indicates the batteries need replaced.
- Reset the Wii Remote.
- Remove the batteries from the Wii Remote. (How To)
- Wait one minute.
- Replace the battery, re-sync the remote, and see if the issue is resolved.
- Avoid RF Interference.
- Turn off or move away from any wireless devices, such as cell phones, cordless phones, microwaves, wireless mice/keyboards, etc. This can sometimes cause interference issues with the Wii Remote.
- Try another Wii Remote, if possible.
- If another Wii Remote works, there is likely a problem with the original Wii Remote only.
Still Not Resolved:
- If your situation is still not resolved, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
Description:
- Crackling noise or no sound from the Wii Remote speaker.
Important Note!
- Not all games use the built-in speaker.
- Turning the speaker volume down can extend battery life of the Wii Remote.
- This procedure will affect all Wii Remotes connected to the system.
What to do:
- Adjust the sound:
- Press the HOME Button on a Wii Remote that is synchronized with the Wii console.
- Select the Wii Remote Settings option from the HOME Button menu.
- Move the cursor over the "-" 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.
- Remove possible RF interference.
- Cell phones, cordless phones, microwaves, wireless mice/keyboards, and other wireless devices can cause interference.
- Reseat the batteries:
- Remove the batteries from the Wii Remote.
- Wait one minute.
- Replace the batteries and test the sound.
Still Not Resolved:
- If the speaker still isn't working, there is likely a problem with the Wii Remote and it will need to be repaired. Please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
Description:
Step by step instructions on pairing a Wii Remote with a Wii U Console
Note: You can pair up to 10 controllers with the console (not including the Wii U GamePad). If you pair additional controllers, the oldest controller pairing data is deleted and replaced with the newest data.
The following video will give you a helpful overview of the pairing process:
What to do:
- Connect the sensor bar and place it appropriately. (How To)
- While on the Wii U Menu, press the SYNC button on the Wii U console to display the controller pairing screen.
- You can also pair controllers from the HOME Menu.
- Press the SYNC Button on the console again until the screen shows the controller type you want to pair.
- Press the SYNC Button on the Wii Remote.
- The Player LED on the controller will light up when the pairing is complete.
- The Player LED indicates the player number of the controller currently in use.





Description:
Wii Remote Player LEDs Overview
Information
- The Wii Remote has four Player LED lights that are used as various indicators:
- The LED that is illuminated indicates the Player number.
- Blinking LEDs indicate the Wii Remote is attempting to sync. Click here for how to pair a Wii Remote.
- When the Player LEDs are blinking they will indicate the battery level. (one or two blinking LEDs means the battery is low)
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to adjust the Wii Remote pointer sensitivity.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick scroll to the "Wii Remote and Sensor Bar" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Adjust Wii Remote Pointer Sensitivity."
- Tap "Next."
- Point the Wii Remote at the sensor bar and press the A Button.
- With the Wii Remote pointed at the sensor bar, press the – and + Buttons to adjust the sensitivity so that only two white dots are visible in the black window.
- When you are finished, press the A Button.
- On the Wii U GamePad screen tap "OK."


Description:
Detailed instructions on how to adjust the volume of the Wii Remote.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, press the HOME Button.
- Tap "Controller Settings."
- Tap "Settings" under "Wii Remote/Other Controllers."
- Tap the – and + on the screen or press the – and + Buttons on the Wii Remote to adjust the volume.
- Tap "Back" when you are finished.
- Tap "Back" to return to the HOME Menu.
- Tap "Close HOME Menu" to return to the Wii U Menu.
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to reset the Wii Remote.
What to do:
- Take out the batteries, wait for 1 minute then put them back (you do not need to use new batteries).
- Wait a few seconds before pressing any buttons to wake up the Wii Remote.
- Re-sync the Wii Remote. (How To)
Situation:
- How to Check Functionality of the sensor bar.
Important Note!
- Camera phones or digital cameras with infrared filtering cannot be used for to check sensor bar functionality.
What to do:
- Ensure the system is powered on and the sensor bar is plugged into the console. You will hear a click when it is fully inserted.
- Point the camera at the sensor bar so that it is displayed in the LCD of the camera.
- The five infrared lights can be seen on both sides of the sensor bar.
- Adjust the camera angle and position until you can see the lights in the LCD display.
- If the lights are visible, the sensor bar is working.
- If the lights are not visible, the sensor bar will need replaced. If your situation is still not resolved, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
To help the Wii Remote triangulate its position, there are a set of five infrared lights on the front of each side of the sensor bar. While invisible to the naked eye, they can be seen if viewed through an LCD screen, such as those found on Nintendo DSi systems, camera phones and digital cameras.
Situation:
- How to Recalibrate the Wii Remote Plus.
Important Note!
- These steps also work for a Wii Remote with the Wii MotionPlus accessory attached.
What to do:
- Start a game that uses the Wii MotionPlus accessory. (Look for this on the game's packaging to ensure it uses Wii MotionPlus.)
- During game play place the Wii Remote Plus on a flat horizontal surface (such as a table) with the buttons facing down.
- Wait for 10 seconds then check for proper response.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to turn the Wii Remote Rumble On/Off.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, press the HOME Button.
- Tap "Controller Settings."
- Tap "Settings" under "Wii Remote/Other Controllers."
- Tap "On" or "Off" next to "Rumble."
- Tap "Back."
- Tap "Back" to return to the HOME Menu.
- Tap "Close HOME Menu" to return to the Wii U Menu.
Information:
- The Wii Remote has a built-in rumble device that will shake the Wii Remote at certain points while using the Wii. It can be turned on and off using the Wii Remote Settings. (How To)
Situation:
- The Wii Remote rumble feature does not work while playing games or using other features of the Wii U.
What to do:
- Go to the HOME Menu and verify that the battery power isn't low. (How To)
- Go to the Wii Remote Settings in the HOME Menu and verify that the rumble feature is on.
- If using the Wii U menu you will need to select Controller settings from the HOME Menu then the Wii Remote Settings.
- Test the rumble feature.
- If using the Wii Menu, point at the Wii button on the bottom-left corner of the screen. The Wii Remote should rumble slightly.
- If using the Wii U Menu, moving the cursor over the Wii U icons on the screen should cause the Wii Remote to rumble slightly.
- If the icons are not displayed, press the X button on the Wii U GamePad to switch screen views.
Still Not Resolved:
- If the Wii Remote doesn't rumble, there is likely a problem with the Wii Remote. If your situation is still not resolved, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
Answer:
- 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 the type of game being played.
Answer:
- Nintendo recommends alkaline batteries. Do not use Lithium ion, nickel cadmium (nicad), or carbon zinc batteries.
- Do not mix used and new batteries (replace batteries at the same time.)
- Do not mix different brands of batteries.
Important Note!
- If you would like to use rechargeable batteries, the only type of battery recommended is 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.
Description:
How to increase the Wii Remote’s battery life.
Answer
- Using standard alkaline batteries, the Wii Remote battery life is expected to last up to 30 hours. This can vary based on the following factors:
Description:
How to Check the Remaining Battery Level of the Wii Remote.
Important Note!
- If you would like to use 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.
What to do:
There are two ways to check the Wii Remote's battery levels:
- Remove the battery cover and press the Red "Sync" button. The number of Player LED lights flashing indicates the Wii Remote's battery strength. Four flashing lights indicate full strength, with one light flashing indicating the lowest level.
- Use the HOME Menu to check battery level of each Wii Remote.
- Press the HOME Button on a Wii Remote that is synchronized with the Wii console.
- If using the Wii U Menu – Select Controller Settings then the Wii Remote Settings option from the Home Button menu.
- If using the Wii Menu - Select the Wii Remote Settings option from the Home Button menu.
- The battery level of all synced Wii Remotes is displayed along the bottom. Four bars indicate a full charge, with one being the lowest charge.




Description:
Step by step instructions on installing or changing the batteries in a Wii Remote.
What to do:
- If a jacket is being used, pull it from the base of the controller and pull the wrist strap out.
- Pull the jacket up to expose the entire battery door.
- Remove the door.
- If you are replacing batteries, remove them from the controller positive (+) end first.
- Insert the batteries negative (-) end first.
- Replace the battery door and pull the wrist strap back through the hole in the bottom of the jacket.
- Pull the jacket back over the base of the controller.
Situation:
- The cursor appears, but isn't responding properly, fades in and out, jumps, etc.
What to do:
- Ensure that the sensor bar is plugged into the Wii U console and connected properly. (How To)
- If it is plugged in, unplug it and plug it back in a few times, checking after each attempt to see if the cursor shows up.
- Ensure the Sensor Bar Position system setting corresponds to the Sensor Bar's location on the top or bottom of the television. (How To)
- Check for unlicensed accessories.
- The licensed Wii Remote has the model number printed on the bottom near where the controller expansions plug in. (e.g. - Nunchuk, MotionPlus.)
- Licensed Wii Remote – RVL 003
- Licensed Wii Remote Plus – RVL 036
- If you are using an unlicensed accessory, a licensed accessory may resolve the issue.
- Ensure you are using a fresh set of alkaline batteries.
- Rechargeable battery packs, lithium ion, nickel cadmium (nicad) are not recommended and should be avoided.
- Take the remote button side down, and slap the button side of the remote against the palm of their hand.
- This doesn't take a lot of force.
- Ensure Wii Remote is being used between 3 and 10 feet directly in front of the TV, and that the Sensor Bar is placed properly. (How To)
- Check the Wii Remote pointer lens for obstructions and contamination (stickers, heavy smudges, Wii Remote Jacket is askew, etc.)
- If contamination is found, clean the lens.
- Unplug the Sensor Bar from the back of the console, then plug it back in.
- If the Sensor Bar is being used on top of a cable box, satellite box, or other top-box, remove it and place it direction on the top or bottom of the TV.
- Check for physical damage.
- Check the Sensor Bar cord for frayed wires or kinks.
- If there is any physical damage to the sensor bar a replacement will be needed. Click here for replacement options.
- Check for interference from other light sources. Such as:
- Sunlight, behind or near the TV, shining towards the remote or reflecting off the TV screen.
- Reflective surfaces near the TV that may reflect other light sources.
- 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 possible, use a digital camera or cell phone with an LCD display to check the functionality of the sensor bar. Click here for the steps.
- Reset the Wii Remote.
- Remove the batteries from the Wii Remote. (How To)
- Wait 1 minute.
- Replace the batteries, re-sync the remote, and see if the problem is resolved.
- Go to the Wii Settings and check the Sensor Bar Sensitivity dots.
- If only one or no dots appear on the sensitivity screen, there may be a problem with the Wii Remote, Sensor Bar, or Wii U console. If your situation is still not resolved, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
- If three or more dots appear, there is an additional light or heat source being picked up by the Wii Remote. You will need to find and remove the extra light/heat sources before the Wii Remote will respond properly.
- If both dots appear and the erratic behavior continues there may be a problem with the Wii Remote, Sensor Bar, or Wii U console. If your situation is still not resolved, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.
- If the Sensor Bar was determined to be functioning by using a camera or cell phone, it's most likely the Wii Remote. If your situation is still not resolved, please call 1-800-255-3700 so that we may assist you further.


