Another user experienced my exact problem, as noted in a post titled "Setup Google TV without a remote", but the ultimate question was never answered. Once having performed a factory reset is it possible to set this device up again without the remote? Just as the other user did in the aforementioned post I went through all the recommended steps when my Chromecast remote stopped functioning. This results in an impasse as far as I can tell. The process of pairing my Android phone (using the Google Home and Google TV apps), so that I may use it as an alternative remote, requires that I approve the pair by selecting "pair" vs "cancel" on the Chromecast device. I obviously can't do that without any type of remote control. If I'm correct I'd suggest better documentation of this shortcoming. Had I known this in advance I may have purchased the older Chromecast (that doesn't come with or require a remote) versus Chromecast 4K.
