What the Samsung Remote Controller app does

The Samsung Remote Controller app turns your phone or tablet into a remote control for your Samsung TV or other Samsung devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Once you open it and connect to your device, you can change channels, adjust volume, navigate menus, and launch apps without needing the physical remote. The app works on both Android and iOS phones.

The app is separate from the physical remote that came with your TV. You read it to your phone, pair it with your Samsung device once, and then use it whenever you want. It does not require a Samsung account to work, though some features may ask you to sign in.

Key Takeaways

  • read the SmartThings app (not a separate "Remote Controller" app) from your phone's app store, then open it and tap the plus icon to add your TV.
  • Your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and your TV must have Wi-Fi turned on in its settings.
  • When you add your TV, the app will ask you to confirm a code that appears on your TV screen — this pairs them together.
  • Once paired, you can swipe on the app's touchpad to navigate, tap buttons for volume and channels, or use voice commands if your TV supports them.
  • If the app cannot find your TV, restart both your phone and TV, then check that they are truly on the same network.

read the SmartThings app to your phone

Samsung does not have a standalone "Remote Controller" app. Instead, you use the SmartThings app, which handles all Samsung device control. Open your phone's app store — Google Play Store on Android or Apple App Store on iPhone — and search for "SmartThings". Tap the official app by Samsung Electronics, then tap the read button (or "Get" on iPhone).

Wait for the read to finish and the app to install. Once it appears on your home screen, tap it to open. The first time you open it, the app may ask for permission to access your phone's location and Wi-Fi network — tap "Allow" so it can find your TV.

Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network

Before you can pair your phone to your TV, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and note which network it is connected to. Then pick up your physical TV remote and go to your TV's settings menu — usually by pressing the Menu or Settings button.

Navigate to Network or Wi-Fi settings on your TV and select the same network your phone is using. Enter the password if prompted. Once your TV shows it is connected, you are ready to pair. If your TV does not have Wi-Fi built in, the SmartThings app will not be able to control it.

Add your TV in the SmartThings app

Open the SmartThings app on your phone. At the bottom of the screen, you should see a plus icon or an "Add Device" button — tap it. The app will search for Samsung devices on your network. When it finds your TV, the TV's model name will appear on your phone screen. Tap it to select it.

Your TV screen will now display a code — usually four or six numbers. On your phone, enter this code into the app when prompted. This step confirms that you own both the phone and the TV and pairs them together. Once the code is accepted, your TV will appear in the SmartThings app as a connected device.

Use the remote controls in the app

After your TV is paired, open the SmartThings app and tap on your TV's name or icon. You will see a remote control interface appear on your phone screen. At the top is usually a large touchpad — swipe your finger across it to navigate menus on your TV, just as you would with the physical remote. Tap the center of the touchpad to select or confirm.

Below the touchpad are buttons for volume up and down, channel up and down, and power. Some versions also show a home button, back button, and quick-launch buttons for streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube. Swipe down from the top of the remote interface to see additional options, including voice control if your TV supports it.

Troubleshoot if your TV does not appear

If the SmartThings app cannot find your TV, the most common cause is that your phone and TV are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Double-check both devices' network settings. If they are on the same network, restart both your phone and your TV completely — turn them off, wait 30 seconds, and turn them back on. Then open SmartThings again and try adding the device.

If your TV still does not appear, check that your TV's Wi-Fi is actually turned on. Some Samsung TVs have a separate Wi-Fi on/off toggle in their network settings. Also confirm that your TV model supports SmartThings control — very old Samsung TVs may not have this feature. If you are still stuck, restart your Wi-Fi router as well, wait a minute, and try once more.

Control your TV when you are away from home

Once your TV is paired in SmartThings, you can control it from anywhere if you sign into a Samsung account within the app. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in SmartThings, go to Settings, and look for an option to sign in or create a Samsung account. Once you are signed in, your TV will be accessible over the internet, not just on your home Wi-Fi.

Without a Samsung account, the app only works when your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. Signing in is optional and does not affect how the remote works at home — it only unlocks remote access from outside your house.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the SmartThings app to control my TV if I do not have Wi-Fi?

No. The SmartThings app requires Wi-Fi to communicate with your TV. If you do not have Wi-Fi, you will need to use the physical remote that came with your TV.

What if I have multiple Samsung devices, like a TV and a soundbar?

You can add multiple devices to SmartThings using the same process. Tap the plus icon, select each device when it appears, and enter the code shown on each one. All paired devices will appear in your SmartThings app.

Do I need a Samsung account to use the remote app?

No. The app works without an account as long as your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. A Samsung account is only needed if you want to control your TV from outside your home network.

Why does the app keep disconnecting from my TV?

This usually happens if your phone or TV loses Wi-Fi connection. Check that both devices are still connected to the same network. If disconnections happen often, move your phone closer to your Wi-Fi router or restart your router.

Can I use the SmartThings app on a tablet instead of a phone?

Yes. read SmartThings to any Android tablet or iPad, connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV, and follow the same pairing steps. The remote interface works the same way on tablets.