Tired of running to the store every time your  batteries die? I agree. Until one day, I discovered a hack that completely transformed the way I used my remotes. And the best part? It is simple, affordable, and really enjoyable to do yourself.

You know the feeling: you’re sitting on the couch, about to start your favorite movie… and your remote refuses to respond. Once again, the batteries have died. Between the TV, the fan, and the kids’ toys, those little batteries add up to an unexpected price without our knowledge.

Instead than buying more batteries, why not replace them permanently?

A DIY method for a rechargeable remote control

The remedy is shockingly simple. To make your conventional remote control into a  rechargeable gadget, you’ll need the following:

• A small rechargeable battery (3.7V lithium-based, such as a 14500 or comparable)
• A USB charging module (type TP4056, easily available on online sales sites)
• A diode (e.g., a 1N4007) to alter the voltage as needed.
• A little patience, and that’s all!

The plan is to remove the regular batteries and solder the battery wires in their place. If you add a small micro-USB or USB-C port to the casing (for example, on the back), your remote control will become rechargeable, just like a smartphone. Convenient, right?

And for the curious: the Bluetooth version.

Want to take it a step further? It is even feasible to turn a remote control into a Bluetooth-enabled device. This method demands a little more skill: you’ll need to integrate a microcontroller (such as an ESP32) and entirely reprogram the circuit.

This is another journey that is suitable for those who enjoy electronics and DIY. However, if you only want to eliminate the need for batteries, the first option is sufficient.

A small gesture for you, a real step for the planet

In France, hundreds of millions of batteries are discarded each year. Even if they are partially recycled, their production is still incredibly energy intensive. Choosing a rechargeable remote control, even for a simple everyday item, is a tangible step toward a more responsible living.

And, let’s be honest, there’s a genuine sense of accomplishment in using something you’ve created yourself. It is reviving a silent living room buddy.