If you own a Samsung TV, your Samsung remote is the main tool that lets you control everything from turning the TV on and off to adjusting the volume, changing channels, or opening apps like Netflix and YouTube. Whether you’re holding a basic infrared (IR) remote, a Bluetooth remote, or the newer Samsung Smart Remote (One Remote), the connection between the remote and the TV needs to work properly. Without pairing, the remote can feel useless, and that can be frustrating.
Many people run into situations where the TV remote doesn’t connect right away or stops responding after some time. This might happen when the batteries are weak, the TV firmware is out of date, or the pairing process hasn’t been completed correctly. The good news is that most of these issues have simple fixes. Once you know which type of remote you own, you can connect it to your Samsung Smart TV quickly.
This guide explains how to connect the different types of Samsung remotes, how to reset them if they stop working, and even what to do if you’ve lost or broken the original remote. With a few easy steps, you can get your TV working again without stress.
Not all Samsung TV remotes are the same, and that’s why it’s important to understand which one you have. For a full overview of the different types and their functions, check this TV Remote Controls Guide.
Old Samsung remotes are mostly IR-based, while newer models that come with 4K or QLED TVs are usually Bluetooth remotes or One Remotes.
Before you start the pairing process, take a few simple but crucial steps. First, and this is the most common pitfall, check the batteries. Weak batteries are a frequent reason a remote won’t connect. If you’re unsure how to do this correctly, see the step-by-step guide on replacing batteries in various TV remote models.
Next, ensure your Samsung TV is powered on. It’s also wise to update your TV firmware, since outdated software can block the pairing process.
Pairing your Samsung TV remote doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide will walk you through the entire process, confirmed in official Samsung instructions: press and hold the Return (Back) + Play/Pause buttons for at least 3 seconds to begin syncing Samsung Support.
This is the most common reason a remote control won’t work. Before you do anything else, check the batteries. Make sure they are inserted correctly, and if you’re not sure how old they are, replace them with a fresh set. Weak or dead batteries are the primary cause of a failed connection.
Ensure your Samsung TV is plugged in and turned on. The TV needs to be in an active state to receive the pairing signal from the remote. You can usually turn it on using a physical power button on the TV itself, which is often located on the side or bottom of the frame.
If you have a classic, basic Samsung remote without a microphone or a dedicated voice button, it’s likely an IR remote. These remotes don’t need a formal pairing process. They work simply by pointing them at the TV sensor (usually a small window at the bottom of the screen) and pressing a button. If yours is not working, it’s a matter of line-of-sight, the batteries, or a blocked sensor.
For a Samsung Smart Remote that uses Bluetooth, the process is different. Once you have fresh batteries installed, the remote is ready to be paired. The first thing to do is make sure it is not already connected to a different device.
To initiate the pairing process, you need to use a specific button combination. Find the Back button and the Play/Pause button on your remote. Press and hold both of these buttons at the same time.
Continue to hold the Back and Play/Pause buttons for about three to five seconds. During this time, you should see a small LED light on the remote flicker or blink. This indicates that the remote is actively searching for the TV to establish a Bluetooth connection.
Keep your eyes on the TV screen. When the remote successfully pairs with your Samsung TV, a message will appear. The on-screen message will usually say something like “Remote Paired” or “Connected.” This is your sign that the connection has been successfully made.
Once the confirmation message disappears, it’s a good idea to test the remote. Press the Home button to see if the Smart Hub menu appears. Try adjusting the volume or navigating through different menus. If the remote control works as expected, you are all set.
If the remote doesn’t pair, try a simple reset. Remove the batteries from the remote. Press and hold the power button on the remote for about 10 seconds to drain any remaining power. Then, reinsert the batteries and try the Back + Play/Pause method from Step 5 again.
If the pairing still fails, consider these final steps:
If your Samsung remote is unresponsive, a reset is a good starting point. Remove the batteries, then press and hold the Power button for about 10 seconds to drain any residual charge. Reinsert the batteries and attempt the Back + Play/Pause method again. This reset procedure often resolves minor software glitches within the remote itself.
If all else fails, consider these final steps. Check for available TV firmware updates via your TV’s settings. Sometimes, an update is the solution. Try different batteries, even if the current ones seem new. A temporary unplug-and-replug of the TV for 30 seconds can also reset the internal electronics and may help. If none of these troubleshooting tips work, it might be time to contact Samsung Support or consider a universal remote as a temporary solution.
Many users seek to consolidate their control, and the Samsung One Remote offers this capability. You can use it with a device like the Apple TV box by leveraging HDMI-CEC, also known as Anynet+. For details on how this works, see Understanding Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) on your Samsung TV or this dedicated guide on using HDMI-CEC to control devices with one remote.
For those with a legacy Samsung TV, the process is far simpler. These older units predominantly use IR remotes, which function as a direct line-of-sight signal without any complex pairing procedure. The only steps required are to insert new batteries, point the old Samsung remote directly at the TV sensor, and press the power button. If the TV doesn’t respond, the issue likely stems from a physical blockage of the sensor, a dirty signal window on the remote, or simply weak batteries. It’s a straightforward troubleshooting process that relies on basic infrared technology.
If the original remote is lost or broken, you still have options for control. Most older Samsung TVs include physical buttons located on the side or bottom of the frame for essential functionality such as power, volume, and channel selection. For TVs that are a bit newer but still IR-based, the SmartThings app can sometimes act as a virtual remote, provided your specific TV model is supported. Alternatively, a universal remote is a reliable choice. These are programmed with a wide array of codes, including those for various Samsung TV models, allowing you to regain full control.
Beyond the methods mentioned, newer Samsung Smart TVs also support the SmartThings app as a remote replacement, and HDMI-CEC makes it possible to control multiple HDMI-connected devices with a single controller. For more details on external device setup, you can also refer to Samsung’s official help page on controlling devices with your Samsung TV remote.
| Remote Type | Connection Method | Features | Best Use Case |
| IR Remote | Infrared (line of sight) | Basic power & channel functions | Older Samsung TVs |
| Bluetooth Remote | Bluetooth pairing | Works without line of sight | Modern Smart TVs |
| Samsung Smart Remote | Bluetooth + IR | Voice control, Smart Hub access | Samsung Smart TVs & streaming apps |
| Samsung One Remote | Bluetooth + HDMI-CEC | Controls TV & other devices | All-in-one remote for full setup |
Connecting a Samsung remote to a Samsung TV is simple once you know the type of remote you have. It could be an IR remote, a Bluetooth Smart Remote, or the Samsung One Remote. Each one has easy pairing steps to follow. If your remote is not working, try changing the batteries, doing a quick reset, or updating your Samsung TV firmware. You can also use the SmartThings app on your phone to control the TV easily.
For more comfort, turning on HDMI-CEC (Anynet+) lets one remote control other devices like a soundbar, Blu-ray player, or Apple TV. If your main Samsung TV remote is lost or broken, a universal remote or the phone app is a great backup. By following these simple and useful tips, your Samsung remote will stay easy to use, reliable, and ready every day.
Every TV comes with a remote. But sometimes the original Samsung remote gets lost or…
When your Samsung TV remote suddenly stops functioning, it can be a deeply frustrating experience,…
A Samsung TV remote is far more than a simple plastic gadget with a collection…
Smart TVs today are not only about high-quality screens or access to popular streaming apps.…
TV remotes are necessary to enjoy a smooth entertainment process, and just like any other…
Modern home entertainment setups are great, but they can get confusing fast. Many households have…
This website uses cookies.