Television remote controls can fall prey to dust, spills and other debris that can interfere with proper functioning. If your remote control has fresh batteries and still isn't working, you may have to clean or repair the inner parts of the remote in order to fix the problem. The first step in this process is opening the remote control.

Step
Remove the batteries from the remote, if batteries are present.
Step
Inspect the remote to see if any small screws are present. Some remotes are held together by one or two screws that can easily be removed with a screwdriver.
Step
Locate a groove running along the sides if no screws are on the remote.
Video of the Day
Step
Wedge a butter knife or other similarly shaped thin, blunt object into the groove.
Step
Wiggle the butter knife gently to pry the two halves apart.
Step
Remove the cover of the remote control with your fingers after you've loosened it with the butter knife.