Samsung remote
Samsung TV remote not working? Try these fixes first
Most Samsung remote problems come down to power, pairing or something blocking the signal. Work through the checks below before buying a replacement. If your Samsung is a smart TV on your home network, your phone can stand in while you sort it out.
Which Samsung remote do you have?
| Remote | How to recognise it | Relies on |
|---|---|---|
| Standard remote | Many buttons, AA or AAA batteries | Infrared: needs a clear line to the TV |
| Smart Remote | Slim, few buttons, batteries | Bluetooth pairing with the TV, plus infrared for some buttons |
| SolarCell remote | Solar panel on the back, USB-C port | Built-in rechargeable battery and Bluetooth pairing |
Quick fixes
- Replace the batteries or charge the remote. Charge a SolarCell remote with a USB-C cable or by leaving its panel facing a light source.
- Reset the remote. Take the batteries out, press and hold the power button for about eight seconds, then put fresh batteries in.
- Clear the path. Move objects away from the front of the TV and point the remote straight at it from a few metres away.
- Restart the TV. Unplug it from the wall for a minute, then plug it back in.
Test the infrared signal with a phone camera
Open your phone’s camera, point the remote at the lens and press a button. Many cameras show a flicker of light from the remote’s tip that your eyes cannot see. If you see it, the remote is sending a signal and the problem is more likely the TV or the path. If you see nothing, try the front camera, because some rear cameras filter infrared. A Smart Remote sends most buttons over Bluetooth, so this test only shows part of the picture.
Re-pair a Samsung Smart Remote or SolarCell remote
Point the remote at the TV from close range, then press and hold Back and Play/Pause together for about three seconds. A pairing message should appear on the TV. The exact buttons vary on some models, so check your TV’s e-Manual if this does not work.
Use your phone as a Samsung TV remote control in the meantime
If your Samsung is a Tizen smart TV from 2016 or later and is already on your home network, TV Remotely can control it from your phone. The first time you connect, the TV asks you to select Allow. If no remote works at all, try the TV’s own control button, usually under the front edge or on the back. On many models a short press moves between options and a long press selects, but check your TV’s manual.
Follow the Samsung TV remote app setup. If the TV rejects the phone, read Samsung connection denied.
When to buy a replacement
If the remote shows no signal on camera, does not respond after a reset with fresh batteries, or will not re-pair, replace it. Use your TV’s model number to choose a compatible Samsung remote, or a physical universal remote if the TV is not a smart TV. A phone app does not replace a remote for a TV that is not on your network.
Samsung, Smart Remote and SolarCell are trademarks of Samsung Electronics. TV Remotely is not affiliated with Samsung.