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Samsung Smart TV Remote Not Working Fix

Written by

Elijah Johnson

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If your Samsung Smart TV remote is not working, don’t worry—this is a common issue with several straightforward solutions. Whether it’s due to battery problems, pairing issues, or signal interference, this guide will walk you through step-by-step methods to get your remote functioning again.

  1. Check and Replace the Batteries

The most frequent cause of a non-responsive remote is depleted or improperly installed batteries.

  • Remove the battery cover: Open the back of the remote to access the batteries.
  • Inspect the batteries: Ensure they are correctly oriented, matching the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ symbols.
  • Replace with new batteries: Even if the current batteries seem fine, replace them with fresh ones to rule out power issues.

Note: Samsung recommends using alkaline batteries and avoiding mixing old and new batteries.

  1. Power Cycle the TV and Remote

Sometimes, resetting the TV and remote can resolve unresponsiveness.

  1. Turn off the TV: Unplug it from the power outlet.
  2. Wait: Leave it unplugged for about 30 seconds.
  3. Remove remote batteries: Take out the batteries from the remote.
  4. Press the power button: Hold the remote’s power button for 10 seconds to discharge any residual power.
  5. Reconnect: Plug the TV back in and reinsert the batteries into the remote.
  1. Re-Pair the Remote with the TV

If your remote uses Bluetooth, it may need to be re-paired with the TV.

  1. Turn on the TV: Use the power button on the TV itself.
  2. Initiate pairing: Point the remote at the TV and press and hold the Return and Play/Pause buttons simultaneously for at least 3 seconds.
  3. Wait for confirmation: The TV should display a message indicating that the remote is connected.

Note: Ensure you’re within 1 foot of the TV during this process.

  1. Check for Infrared (IR) Signal

For remotes that use IR signals, verify that the remote is transmitting correctly.

  1. Use a smartphone camera: Open the camera app on your phone.
  2. Test the remote: Point the remote at the camera and press any button. If the remote is working, you should see a light flashing on the camera screen.
  3. No light?: If there’s no light, the remote may be faulty or the batteries are dead.
  1. Remove Obstructions and Interference

Physical objects or electronic devices can interfere with the remote’s signal.

  • Clear the path: Ensure there’s nothing blocking the line of sight between the remote and the TV’s sensor.
  • Reduce interference: Move other electronic devices, like routers or cordless phones, away from the TV area.
  1. Reset the Remote

If the remote is still unresponsive, a reset might help.

  1. Remove batteries: Take out the batteries from the remote.
  2. Press power button: Hold down the power button for about 8 seconds.
  3. Reinsert batteries: Place the batteries back into the remote.
  4. Test the remote: Check if it’s now functioning correctly.
  1. Update the TV’s Firmware

Outdated software can cause compatibility issues with the remote.

  1. Access settings: Use the TV’s physical buttons to navigate to Settings > Support > Software Update.
  2. Check for updates: Select Update Now and follow the on-screen instructions.
  1. Use the Samsung SmartThings App

If the physical remote isn’t working, you can control your TV using the SmartThings app.

  1. Download the app: Install Samsung SmartThings from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Connect to your TV: Open the app, select your TV, and follow the prompts to pair.
  3. Use your phone as a remote: Control your TV directly from the app.
  1. Contact Samsung Support

If all else fails, the remote may be defective. Reach out to Samsung Support for further assistance or to inquire about a replacement remote.

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