- Nobody knows it’s a bad habit… until you completely lose it
- 1. Use a wrist strap.
- 2. Purchase or build a remote control holder.
- 3. Tie it.
- 4. A dedicated space for remote controls.
- 5. Mark your remote.
- 6. Attach a locating device.
- 7. Secure with velcro straps.
- 8. Use a holder in your armrest.
- 9. Use a smart remote app.
- 10. Train your family members to return it to the right place.
- Now you can stop losing your remote control.
Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Johann Holsinger
Nobody knows it’s a bad habit… until you completely lose it
If there’s anything in the house that disappears often when you need it, that would be the remote control.
Since you use it to switch channels and turn up the volume from different spots away from your TV, you tend to put it anywhere unconsciously when you are already engrossed in the screen.
The problem is that the device could blend with the things around your house easily and be hidden for when you or someone else needs the remote control.
Nobody wants their excitement to turn into frustration.
Although it is difficult, this habit has to stop. If you want to enjoy the benefits of having a large TV, you must not wait until you cannot catch your favorite TV show.
So, how do you stop losing this little thing?
1. Use a wrist strap.
Jokes aside, you or your spouse won’t find an easy way to lose a remote with a wrist strap unless you remove it. A strap is an efficient way to keep the remote in your hands within reach.
Even if you lose grip, the strap will hold onto your wrist, and the remote control can keep hanging nearby.
Some remote controls have attachment holes where you can thread the strap.
The hole can be really small, but it only takes a little bit of patience and a simple step to stop losing your remote control.
2. Purchase or build a remote control holder.
A remote control holder is an organizer where you can put all the remote controls you use at home.
You can buy one from a craft store or simply build one in your garage.
You can make a caddy or a basket from old boxes and cover it with decorated wrappers. The DIY project only takes some creativity to make something unique for your remote control.
Here’s a tip. Choose a wrapper that would blend into your wall or tabletop where you will place the holder.
I would suggest a side table beside where you will sit while watching.
You can develop a habit of putting it in no other place but on the table with other remote controls.
3. Tie it.
Tying is the best solution if you keep losing a remote control. You can have a permanent string with 2 meters of distance back from the remote holder.
If your remote does not have attachment points or holes, you can use adhesives to secure the string, cord, or lanyard.
Before tying, make sure the string has enough length to maneuver or pull comfortably to the sofa without getting tangled.
Tie the other end to a favorable position.
- The table leg
- The arm of your recliner or couch
- From the edge of a shelf
- From your entertainment system
- From your TV mount
Use a clip or hook to attach the cord in your remote to another object. Secure it so it doesn’t have to come undone.
4. A dedicated space for remote controls.
Assign a dedicated space in your home entertainment system, tabletop, or near your seat. No matter the TV mounting type you have, you must have a dedicated space for a remote near it or near your seat.
Orient your family members to have this space only for remote controls.
Mount a holder on the wall or place it on your side table. But ensure it has a dedicated tray, box, or can be any type of holder.
When all the remote controls are in one place, everyone in the family tends to go to one place to reach and return a remote control they used.
5. Mark your remote.
Labeling your remote with bright-colored adhesives will help you see what one you need on the counter or tabletop with different objects around.
If you have multiple remote controls, mark each one with color-coded adhesives for easy identification of whats what.
It is more effective if you use this technique with our other tips.
Place the device in a remote control holder, and have a dedicated spot for all your remote controls.
6. Attach a locating device.
A keyring finder is an effective device using Bluetooth or radio frequency technology.
The small and lightweight device can hook into the attachment point of a remote control quickly.
The locating device can emit sounds or beeps to help anyone find anything, even if your remote is under pillows or cushions.
You only need to press the button to activate the finder.
Some ring finders can be operated through a mobile app, which is a more advanced way of detecting lost remote controls.
7. Secure with velcro straps.
Velcro straps are efficient ways to secure a remote control in one place.
With a soft and rough surface that binds together, your remote has no choice but to stay in one place – on the arm rest.
Decide where to place the remote with Velcros straps. I advise to put the rough strip in an inconspicuous area.
Peel off the adhesive from the back of the soft strip of the strap. Then stick it right to the back of your remote. Make sure it is not blocking the slot for your battery.
Although this technique does not guarantee you will not lose your remote control, it will help you develop the discipline of putting the remote back on the Velcro.
8. Use a holder in your armrest.
An armrest remote control holder is an organizer for devices made of fabric or leather.
The fabric remote holder has pouches for remote controls and sits on the armrest of your couch. Some units even have cup holders.
It’s a long sheet of fabric or leather that you insert under the seat so it stays in one place.
Imagine only having a few inches of distance between the pocket and your armrest.
You can keep enjoying the movie without worrying about where to place and find the remote control.
9. Use a smart remote app.
A smart remote app is software that mimics the keypads and features in your smart devices, including your TV’s remote control, allowing for complete home theater control using just your mobile or tablet.
Although this is not a preventive measure of losing your remote control, it is another way to control your TV so you can catch the TV shows immediately when you still cannot find the remote control.
You can also streamline all remote controls you may have to a single univervial remote control.
10. Train your family members to return it to the right place.
Nothing beats discipline and reward. Even if you have used the most preventive measures in this list, you can still misplace the remote control when you have that one family member who always goes against the rules.
Enforce it especially if you are limiting your kid’s TV and gadget use.
You can attach a wristwrap, but if he does not wear it, he can still misplace it. You can have the holder beside your seat, but if they don’t place it back in the caddy, it can still go missing.
So the best solution is education and discipline.
To train yourself and your family members, orient them to the designated spot for remote controls.
Express your concern over the frequent loss of the device. And lead by example. When you watch shows with other family members, show them how to put it back in place every time.
Establish a routine and help everyone remember to place it back. If necessary, use text reminders on a label and stick them on the holder and the remote itself. It will be difficult at first, but everyone will eventually turn the practice into a habit.
Now you can stop losing your remote control.
You can enjoy your favorite movies and shows without interruption and frustration over a missing remote control.
By designating a dedicated place for all your remote controls, using a string to tie them back. And establishing routines, and talking to your family, you can avoid misplacing or losing remote controls
If you want to fulfill this mission, start with yourself and encourage your family members to do the same. It only takes some will and, of course, discipline.
