Samsung TV remote control app: connect your phone to a Tizen TV

Check the TV’s model and software version in its settings. Turn it on, connect your phone to the same local network and keep a way to approve the prompt on the TV. Samsung TVs from before 2016 and commercial (hotel or signage) variants need separate confirmation.

1. Open TV Remotely and allow the local network permission it requests.
2. Choose the Samsung TV from the list. If it is not there, use the TV-not-found checklist.
3. Select Allow on the TV. Do not dismiss the prompt while the phone is waiting; it can take up to half a minute.
4. Test navigation, Back and Home. Then check other commands one at a time rather than assuming every button works on that TV.

Check app availability before installing. For iPhone discovery problems, review Local Network access.

The TV may have rejected or remembered an earlier request. Check its device-connection permissions using your model’s manual, remove a blocked entry if there is one, and retry with the TV awake. Follow the Samsung connection-denied guide for the full sequence.

If your Samsung remote has stopped responding, a phone can take over everyday controls on a Tizen TV that is already on your network. Try fresh batteries, a remote reset and re-pairing first: the Samsung remote troubleshooting guide walks through each fix and explains how to approve the phone without a working remote.

SmartThings is Samsung’s own app and requires a Samsung account. TV Remotely is an independent remote that needs no account and gives you one familiar layout across supported TV brands. Choose based on the devices and controls you need.

Yes, for a compatible TV: the connection uses your local network, not an infrared transmitter. It still needs first-time approval on the TV, and it cannot reach the TV over mobile data alone.

Power-on from standby needs Samsung’s Power On with Mobile setting; see turning on a TV with your phone. TV Remotely can send text to Samsung TVs, but it goes to whichever field is active, and some apps’ fields do not accept it. Test power-on and the exact text field you use before relying on them. See phone keyboard limits and compatibility.