How to Connect a Remote to Your Samsung TV

The fastest way to pair a Samsung remote

Most Samsung remotes pair automatically the first time you point them at the TV and press a button. If your remote is new or you are replacing an old one, turn on the TV, aim the remote at the screen, and press any button. The TV should recognize it within a few seconds. If nothing happens, the remote may need fresh batteries — remove the battery cover on the back, replace both batteries, and try again.

If the remote still does not work, your TV may need the remote to be registered manually. This happens more often with older Samsung models or when switching from a standard infrared remote to a newer SmartThings remote. The pairing process differs slightly depending on which type of remote you have and which Samsung TV model you own.

Key Takeaways

Standard Samsung remotes pair automatically when you press a button while pointing at the TV, as long as the batteries are fresh.
SmartThings remotes require you to hold the pairing button on the back of the remote for three seconds while the TV is on and nearby.
If pairing fails, check that the batteries are new, the TV is powered on, and there are no obstacles between the remote and the TV's sensor.
You can manually register a remote through the TV's settings menu under Remote Management if automatic pairing does not work.

Pairing a standard infrared remote

Standard Samsung remotes use infrared light to communicate with your TV. These remotes work with older Samsung models and many current ones. To pair one, make sure the TV is on, point the remote directly at the TV screen, and press any button. Hold the remote steady for a moment — the TV's sensor is usually located at the bottom center or bottom corners of the screen.

If the remote does not respond, check the battery compartment on the back. Slide or pop off the cover, remove both batteries, and look inside for any dirt or corrosion on the metal contacts. Wipe the contacts clean with a dry cloth, insert two new AA or AAA batteries (depending on your remote model), and try again. Weak or old batteries are the most common reason a remote stops working.

If you still have no response, make sure nothing is blocking the path between the remote and the TV — dust, furniture, or other objects can interfere with the infrared signal. Move closer to the TV, point the remote directly at the sensor, and press a button again. If the TV responds, the remote is working but the sensor may be dirty. Gently clean the TV's sensor with a soft, dry cloth.

Pairing a SmartThings remote

Newer Samsung TVs often come with or support SmartThings remotes, which use Bluetooth instead of infrared. These remotes can control the TV from any angle in the room, not just when pointed directly at the screen. To pair a SmartThings remote, turn on the TV and make sure it is within 3 feet of the remote.

Locate the small pairing button on the back of the remote — it is usually near the battery compartment and may be labeled "Pairing" or marked with a Bluetooth symbol. Press and hold this button for three seconds. The TV should display a pairing message on the screen, and the remote will connect within a few seconds. Once paired, the remote will work from anywhere in the room as long as the TV is on and the batteries remain fresh.

If the pairing message does not appear, check that your TV model supports SmartThings remotes. Older Samsung TVs may not be compatible. You can verify this in your TV's settings menu under About TV or in the product manual. If your TV does support SmartThings but pairing still fails, try restarting the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and repeating the pairing steps.

Manual remote registration through TV settings

If automatic pairing does not work, you can register the remote manually using your TV's settings menu. Turn on the TV using the power button on the TV itself (not the remote). Use the TV's physical buttons to navigate to Settings, then look for an option called Remote Management, Bluetooth Devices, or Accessories — the exact name varies by model year.

Select the option to add or register a new remote. The TV will enter pairing mode and display instructions on the screen. At this point, press the pairing button on the back of your remote (for SmartThings remotes) or any button on a standard remote. The TV should detect it and complete the registration. Once finished, exit the settings menu and test the remote by pressing a few buttons.

If you cannot find Remote Management in your settings, consult your TV's manual or visit Samsung's support website for your specific model number. The menu structure changes between TV generations, and some older models may not support manual registration at all. In that case, the remote may simply be incompatible with your TV, and you would need to purchase a remote designed for your model.

Troubleshooting when the remote will not connect

If your remote still will not pair after trying the steps above, start with the basics: replace the batteries with fresh ones, make sure the TV is powered on, and clear any obstacles between the remote and the TV. These three things solve most connection problems.

Next, restart the TV by unplugging it from the wall outlet for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While the TV powers up, press a button on the remote. Sometimes a TV's pairing system gets stuck and a restart clears it. If you are using a SmartThings remote, also check that Bluetooth is enabled on the TV — this is usually found in Settings under Connections or Bluetooth.

If the remote is brand new and still will not work, it may be defective or incompatible with your TV model. Check the remote's packaging or manual to confirm it is designed for your TV's model year. Samsung remotes are often model-specific, and a remote for a 2020 TV may not work with a 2023 TV. If you have confirmed compatibility and the remote still fails after a restart, contact Samsung support or consider exchanging the remote for a replacement.

Connecting multiple remotes to one TV

Samsung TVs can be paired with more than one remote at a time. This is useful if you have a SmartThings remote in the living room and a standard remote in the bedroom, or if multiple family members have their own remotes. Each remote pairs independently using the same steps described above — simply repeat the pairing process for each remote you want to use.

When multiple remotes are paired, any of them can control the TV. There is no limit to how many remotes you can register, though in practice most households use one or two. If you want to unpair a remote you no longer use, go to Settings, find Remote Management, and select the option to remove or forget the remote from the list. This prevents an old remote from accidentally controlling the TV if someone finds it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Samsung remote work sometimes but not other times?

This usually means the batteries are dying. Replace them with fresh batteries and test again. If the remote still works intermittently, the battery contacts inside the remote may be corroded — remove the batteries, clean the metal contacts with a dry cloth, and reinstall them. If a SmartThings remote keeps disconnecting, move closer to the TV and check that Bluetooth is enabled in the TV's settings.

Can I use a Samsung remote from a different TV model on my TV?

Standard infrared remotes are often compatible across different Samsung models, especially if they are from the same era. SmartThings remotes are usually model-specific. Check your TV's manual or Samsung's website to confirm compatibility before purchasing a used remote. When in doubt, buy a remote designed for your exact TV model to avoid pairing problems.

What if I lost my remote and need to control the TV?

You can use the physical buttons on the TV itself to change the channel, adjust volume, and access settings. Many Samsung TVs also support the SmartThings mobile app, which lets you control the TV from your phone if the TV is connected to Wi-Fi. Download the app, sign in with your Samsung account, and add your TV to the app. This works as a temporary solution until you get a replacement remote.

Do I need Wi-Fi for my remote to work?

Standard infrared remotes and SmartThings remotes both work without Wi-Fi — they communicate directly with the TV using infrared light or Bluetooth. However, if you want to use the SmartThings mobile app as a remote, your TV and phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network. The physical remote itself does not require an internet connection.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.