Wii Remote Not Working or Syncing Correctly or Cursor Not Responding Properly

Possible solutions

• Verify the Sensor Bar's connection and placement.
• Inspect the Sensor Bar cord and look for any physical damage (sometimes caused by pets or vacuum cleaners).
  • If there is any physical damage, you can purchase a replacement from our Nintendo Store.
• Verify that there are no bright light sources, including sunlight, near the TV, shining towards the remote or reflecting off the TV screen. Also 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.
• Use a digital camera or cell phone with an LCD display to check the functionality of the sensor bar.
• Install a fresh set of batteries.
• Clear all syncs from the Wii console. Reset the Wii remote, then sync the Wii Remote with the Wii console.
• Try using another Wii Remote, if possible.
  • If another Wii Remote works, there is likely a problem with the original Wii Remote only. Learn more about replacement options.
• Ensure that you are using a licensed Wii Remote. The licensed Wii Remote has the model number printed on the bottom near where the controller expansions plug in. (e.g. - Nunchuk, Wii 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 the Wii Remote is being used between 3 and 10 feet directly in front of the TV.
• If you are using a Wii Remote Plus, try recalibrating.
• Check the pointer lens for contamination (smudges, sticker residue, etc.). If contamination is found, follow these steps:
  1. Place the fingers of one hand together and wrap a long strip of masking tape around the tips, so that the sticky part is facing outward. Other tape may be used, but we've found masking tape to be the most effective.
  2. Dab at the sticky areas of the Wii Remote with the tape to remove any contamination.
• Verify sensitivity setting dots. If the cursor is currently not appearing, then this can only be done via a Classic Controller / Classic Controller Pro.
  • If only one or no dots appear on the sensitivity screen, there may be a problem with the Wii Remote, Sensor Bar, or Wii console and will need to be replaced.
    • If the Sensor Bar was determined to be functioning by using a camera or cell phone, it's most likely a problem with the Wii Remote and it will need to be replaced. Learn more about replacement options.
  • If three or more dots appear, there is an additional light or heat source being picked up by the Wii Remote. Please re-check your play environment for light sources.
  • If both dots appear and the erratic behavior continues, there may be a problem with the Wii Remote, Sensor Bar, or Wii console. Please contact us for support.