When you try to program an RCA remote to a Samsung TV it can feel a bit confusing at first. I know how annoying a missing remote feels and how time drains when every code fails. Don’t worry, everything here is arranged in a clear way, so you can try the codes from the fastest-working ones to the older backup options. As long as your remote has good batteries and the TV’s sensor can see the signal, the right code usually locks in within a minute or two.
This guide focuses on putting your RCA universal remote back in control of your Samsung TV quickly and reliably. You will get exact 3-digit, 4-digit, and 5-digit codes, clear programming steps for both manual entry and auto-code search, and precise troubleshooting for IR signal, sensor, and battery issues.

However, the instructions match common RCA models like RCR003 and RCR412 and cover modern Samsung sets, including LED, QLED, and legacy plasma models. Read through the code table first and then follow the step sequence to save time and avoid trial-and-error.

Samsung-Compatible RCA Remote Codes (2026 Updated List)

Below is a simple overview of high-value RCA remote codes used most often to program RCA remotes to Samsung TV models. I’ve kept everything in one place – the older short codes, the common four-digit ones, and the longer five-digit codes that some RCA books still mention. Just go through them in order, and you’ll find the one your TV responds to.

3-Digit codes (legacy)	4-Digit codes (most used)	5-Digit codes (RCA brand-indexed)
011	0030	10178
113	0056	10702
505	0702	11060
004	0812	11251
	0060	11565
	0009	11632
	0093	12051
	0178	14241
	0217	14425
	0448	14545
	0482	15371
	0037	15386
	0556	16616
	0618	21818
	0644	24366
	0812	36218
	0208	38811
	0519	43311
	0163	77114
	0290	79113

Note: These code sets are aggregated from current RCA manuals and public code lists used across common RCA models. Use 4-digit codes first for direct entry and brand-indexed 5-digit codes when your remote manual lists them.

Most Reliable 4-Digit Codes
A solid place to begin with newer Samsung TVs is the group of codes that consistently work on recent LED, QLED, and UHD models: 0030, 0056, 0178, 0702, and 0812. These usually give the quickest results. Enter them one by one and check the power, volume, and input buttons after each entry. When the TV turns on or off but the volume doesn’t react, move straight to the next code. Make sure the RCA remote has fresh alkaline batteries so weak output doesn’t mislead you during testing.

Legacy 3-Digit Codes for Older Samsung Models
Some older RCA remotes and early Samsung plasma TVs still respond to classic three-digit codes like 011, 113, and 505. These appear on many older RCA code sheets and tend to work best on sets built before 2010. If your Samsung TV falls somewhere in the 2005–2012 range, try the three-digit options first before jumping to the longer brand-indexed codes. Aim the remote at the IR sensor from about 3–6 feet away and run each code twice to confirm whether it’s a good match.

When to Use 5-Digit Codes?

Use 5-digit codes when your RCA manual lists brand-indexed entries or when direct 3- or 4-digit attempts fail after full auto-search.
Many RCA remotes ship with a brand-index method that requires five-digit numbers to reference large internal code tables. Remote models labeled RCRN or the learning-series often prefer these five-digit values. Enter these codes only after verifying your remote’s manual shows a 5-digit format or after the auto-code search fails to match device responses.

List of common 5-digit Samsung codes

10178, 10702, 11060, 11251, 11565, 11632, 12051, 14241, 14425, 14545
15371, 15386, 16616, 21818, 24366, 36218, 38811, 43311, 77114, 79113

Why Samsung TVs Need Multiple Code Variants?

Samsung uses many IR command sets across product lines and across production years, which results in multiple compatible code families. Different Samsung TV firmware and hardware revisions map the same button names to slightly different IR hex codes. Regional variants and third-party accessory support increase the number of working code entries. Use the smallest code set that provides full control to reduce false positives during setup.

How to Program an RCA Remote to a Samsung TV (Manual Entry)?

Turn the TV on and hold the remote’s SETUP until the LED stays solid. Then press the TV button, enter the correct 3- or 4-digit code, and press SETUP or ENTER to lock the code.
Manual programming gives direct control and usually finishes faster than auto search. Start with a known 4-digit code from the list. Use fresh alkaline AA batteries to keep the IR output stable. Stand 3–6 feet from the Samsung TV and aim at the TV’s IR sensor within a roughly 30-degree cone. If the remote shows a confirmation LED pattern, the code was stored correctly.

Step-by-Step process

Turn the Samsung TV on using the factory remote or TV buttons.
Press and hold SETUP on the RCA universal remote until the LED becomes steady on.
Press the TV device button once so the LED blinks and then stays solid.
Enter the 4-digit code from the table using number keys.
Watch the LED for two quick blinks indicating code accepted.
Point the remote at the TV and press POWER to test power control.
If the TV responds, press SETUP or ENTER once to lock the code.

These steps match the usual RCA models people still use today, including RCR003, RCR412, and most others built the same way.

LED Signal Meanings During Setup

Steady LED means the remote is in programming mode and ready for input.
Two quick blinks mean the entered code was saved successfully.
A single slow blink repeated indicates an invalid code or entry error.
Rapid flashing signals a low battery or stuck buttons.
Interpret the LED to avoid unnecessary retries and to isolate hardware faults quickly.

How to Confirm Code Success?

Confirm success by testing the power, volume, and input keys and saving the code once all respond correctly.
Try power, then volume up/down, then input/source. If one function fails while others work, try the next code; partial matches occur when IR command maps differ between Samsung models. Record the working code and the Samsung model for future reference.

How to Use Auto-Code Search on RCA Remotes?

Enter programming mode, select the TV device, then use the remote’s SEARCH or POWER cycling button to step through codes until the TV responds, and then save that code.
Auto search automates trying thousands of codes and helps when you lack a code list. It is useful on remotes labeled RCRN or remotes with a dedicated CODE SEARCH button.

Full Auto-Programming Method

Turn the Samsung TV on.
Press and hold SETUP until the LED stays on.
Press the TV button once.
Press and hold the POWER or CH+ button, depending on your remote.
Release when the TV turns off or when a function responds.
Press ENTER or SETUP to store the matched code.

This procedure steps through the internal code table until the TV accepts a command.

How Long Auto-Search Should Take

Auto-search typically completes within 2–6 minutes, depending on the remote model and code table size. Remotes with brand-indexed 5-digit lists take longer because they map through more profiles. If the cycle runs beyond 7 minutes, it likely hit a loop or a hardware fault.

FAQs

Why does the remote blink but not control the TV?

Blinking shows a signal, but the command mapping does not match the TV.
Try a different code or test the IR output through a phone camera to confirm the remote sends pulses.

Can batteries cause programming failures?

Yes, weak batteries reduce IR range and cause false negatives.
Always use fresh alkaline AA cells and retry codes immediately after replacement.

What if only volume works after programming?

That indicates a partial code match where only some IR commands align.
Try the next code in the four-digit list until all tested keys respond.

When should I use auto-code search instead of manual?

Use auto-search when you lack any candidate codes or when direct entry fails.
Auto-search scans the remote table automatically but can take 2–6 minutes.

Are five-digit codes necessary often?

Only on remotes that reference brand-indexed tables or learning-series models.
Check the remote manual to confirm a five-digit requirement.

Can the remote control the HDMI-CEC features?

No, RCA remotes send IR only and cannot toggle HDMI-CEC functions.
CEC commands travel over HDMI and require the TV or source remote.

Will firmware updates change IR compatibility?

Rarely, firmware can alter timing, but physical IR codes usually stay the same.
If a recent update breaks control, I try alternate codes or a factory reset.

How do I store the working code for future use?

Save the code in a notebook and label it with the Samsung model and year.
Record-keeping avoids repeated testing and helps community troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Direct code entry is the fastest way to restore an RCA universal remote to a Samsung TV, and it reduces trial-and-error. Keep the working code and the Samsung model noted and share them to help other users. If you want, I can walk through Smart Hub issues or run a learning-mode check on your remote and TV.