Samsung TV remote not working? How to fix it
Samsung Smart Remotes pair over Bluetooth and many are charged by light or USB-C. Here are the fixes that solve most problems.
Short answer
Charge the remote (USB-C or the solar panel on the back) or replace its batteries. Re-pair it by pointing at the TV and holding Back and Play/Pause together for about 3 seconds. If it still fails, unplug the TV for a minute. Until it works, use your iPhone as a Samsung remote over Wi-Fi.
1. Charge or replace batteries
SolarCell remotes charge from room light or a USB-C cable. A fully drained remote may need 30 minutes or more before it responds.
2. Re-pair the Smart Remote
Point the remote at the TV from about 30 cm (1 ft) and hold Back and Play/Pause together for about 3 seconds until a pairing message appears.
3. Restart the TV
Unplug the TV for 60 seconds. This often restores Bluetooth pairing.
4. Test infrared
Point your phone camera at the remote’s tip and press a button. If you see a flash, the remote sends IR and the problem may be the TV’s sensor or pairing.
5. Use your iPhone as the remote
TVRemoteX controls Samsung Tizen TVs over Wi-Fi. The first time, the TV shows an Allow prompt; if no prompt appears, check Device Connect Manager in Settings > All Settings > Connection.
Full setup: Samsung TV remote app for iPhone.
Questions people ask
How do I reset a Samsung remote?
Remove the batteries for a minute (a SolarCell remote can simply be charged), unplug the TV for 60 seconds, then re-pair by holding Back and Play/Pause.
Official sources
Written and checked by BiHai Song, developer of TVHomeX and TVRemoteX