How to Connect a Remote to Your Samsung TV

Pairing a Samsung remote to your TV takes two to five minutes

Most Samsung TVs pair with their remote automatically when you turn both on for the first time. If your remote stops working or you bought a replacement, you can reconnect it by pointing it at the TV and holding the pairing button for three seconds. The TV will show a message on screen when pairing is complete. If the remote still does not respond after pairing, the batteries may be dead, or the remote may not be compatible with your specific TV model.

Samsung makes several types of remotes — the standard IR remote with a red light on the front, the SmartThings remote with a microphone, and the solar remote that charges in sunlight. The pairing process is the same for all of them, but compatibility depends on your TV's year and model. A remote made for a 2020 Samsung TV may not work with a 2015 model, even though both are Samsung.

Key Takeaways

Point the remote at your TV and hold the pairing button (usually on the back) for three seconds until the TV shows a pairing message.
If the remote does not pair, replace the batteries first — most remote problems are dead batteries, not broken hardware.
Check your TV's model number on the back or in the settings menu to confirm the remote is made for your specific year and model.
If you have a SmartThings remote with a microphone, make sure the TV's microphone permission is turned on in the settings menu.

How to find the pairing button on your remote

The pairing button location depends on which Samsung remote you have. On the standard IR remote, it is usually on the back near the battery compartment — look for a small button labeled "Pairing" or sometimes just a dot. On the SmartThings remote, the pairing button is on the back as well, but it may be labeled differently or require you to remove the battery cover to see it.

If you cannot find a pairing button, check the manual that came with your remote or search for your remote model number on Samsung's website. The model number is printed on the back of the remote. You can also try holding down the power button for five seconds — some older Samsung remotes use this method instead of a dedicated pairing button.

Pairing step by step

First, make sure your TV is on and the remote has fresh batteries. Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote and check that both batteries are inserted correctly, with the positive and negative ends facing the right direction.

Point the remote directly at the TV's front panel from about three feet away. Hold the pairing button on the back of the remote for three seconds. You should see a message appear on your TV screen that says "Pairing" or "Connecting Remote." Wait for the message to disappear — this usually takes five to ten seconds. Once the message is gone, the remote is paired and ready to use.

If nothing happens on screen, try again but hold the button for five seconds instead of three. Some remotes require a longer press. If the TV still does not respond, move closer to the TV and try again, as the signal may not be reaching the receiver.

What to do if the remote does not pair

Dead batteries are the most common reason a remote stops working. Remove the batteries from the remote, wait ten seconds, then put them back in. If the remote still does not work, replace both batteries with new ones — do not mix old and new batteries. Test the remote by pressing the power button and watching for a red light on the front of the remote. If you see no light, the batteries are installed wrong or the remote is broken.

If the batteries are good but the remote still will not pair, check that your TV model matches the remote model. Look at the back of your TV for a model number that starts with "QN" or "UN" followed by numbers — for example, "QN65Q80A" or "UN55AU7000." Then check the back of the remote for its model number. If the numbers do not match, the remote may not be compatible with your TV.

As a last step, try unplugging the TV from the wall outlet for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on. This resets the TV's receiver and sometimes clears pairing problems. Then repeat the pairing steps above.

Using a Samsung SmartThings remote with voice control

The SmartThings remote has a microphone built in, which lets you control your TV by speaking commands like "turn up the volume" or "go to Netflix." This remote pairs the same way as the standard remote, but it requires an extra step in your TV's settings.

After pairing the SmartThings remote, go to your TV's settings menu and look for "Sound" or "Microphone" settings. Turn on the microphone permission if it is off. Without this permission, the remote will work for button presses but the voice control will not function. Some Samsung TVs also ask you to agree to a privacy notice about voice data — you can read this notice and decide whether to turn voice control on.

If voice control is on but the TV does not respond to your voice, make sure you are holding the microphone button while speaking. On most SmartThings remotes, this is a button with a microphone icon. Release the button when you finish speaking, and the TV will process your command.

Connecting a replacement remote to your TV

If you lost your original remote and bought a new one, the pairing process is the same as above. However, you need to make sure you bought the right remote for your TV model. Samsung remotes are not universal — a remote made for a 2023 TV will not work with a 2019 TV, even if both are Samsung.

Before you buy a replacement, find your TV's model number on the back of the set or in the settings menu under "About TV" or "System Information." Then search for that model number plus "remote" on Samsung's website or a retailer like Amazon. This ensures you get a remote that is actually compatible with your TV.

If you already bought a remote that does not work, check the retailer's return policy. Most retailers allow returns within 30 days if the remote is unopened or in original condition. If the remote is open, you may still be able to return it if you explain that it is not compatible with your TV model.

Troubleshooting when the remote works but the TV does not respond

If the remote is paired and the red light comes on when you press buttons, but the TV does not respond, the problem is usually a blocked signal path. Make sure there is nothing between the remote and the TV — move any objects like picture frames, lamps, or sound bars out of the way. The TV's receiver is usually on the front panel below the screen, so point the remote directly at that spot.

If the signal path is clear, try replacing the batteries again. Even if the remote shows a red light, weak batteries can cause the signal to be too faint for the TV to detect. After replacing the batteries, wait a few seconds and try pressing a button again.

If the remote still does not work after these steps, the TV's receiver may be broken. Contact Samsung support with your TV's model number and serial number — you can find the serial number on the back of the TV or in the settings menu. Samsung can tell you whether the receiver can be repaired or if you need a replacement TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not usually. Samsung remotes are designed for specific TV models and years. A remote from a 2022 TV will not work with a 2018 TV, even if both are Samsung. Check your TV's model number on the back and buy a remote made for that exact model.

Why does my remote work sometimes but not always?

This is almost always a battery problem. Replace both batteries with new ones and make sure they are inserted correctly. If the remote still works intermittently, the batteries may be low even though the remote still shows a light. Weak batteries can cause the signal to drop in and out.

Do I need to pair the remote every time I turn on the TV?

No. Once you pair the remote, it stays paired until you unpair it or the TV loses power for an extended time. If you unplug the TV for more than a few hours, you may need to pair the remote again when you plug it back in.

What if my Samsung TV did not come with a remote?

You can buy a replacement remote from Samsung, Amazon, or other retailers. Make sure you buy the remote that matches your TV's model number. You can also control your TV using the SmartThings app on your phone, which works over Wi-Fi instead of infrared.

Can I pair multiple remotes to the same TV?

Yes. You can pair as many remotes as you want to the same TV by repeating the pairing process with each remote. This is useful if you have multiple people in your home or want a backup remote in case one breaks.

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.