How to Connect an Old Samsung Remote to Your TV

The basic steps to pair an older Samsung remote

Most older Samsung remotes connect to your TV through infrared (IR), which means they send signals through light beams rather than wireless radio. To pair one, point the remote at your TV from about 6 feet away, aim directly at the sensor (usually a small dark circle on the front), and press any button. If the TV responds, the remote is already working — no pairing needed. If nothing happens, the remote batteries are likely dead, the sensor is blocked, or the remote is too old for your current TV model.

Newer Samsung TVs made after 2016 often use Bluetooth instead of infrared, which requires actual pairing. To pair a Bluetooth remote, hold down the Return and Guide buttons together for 3 seconds until a pairing message appears on your screen. Then follow the on-screen instructions. If your TV does not show a pairing prompt, your remote may be infrared-only and incompatible with that TV.

Key Takeaways

Infrared remotes work by pointing at your TV's sensor and do not need pairing — they work when ready if batteries are good and nothing blocks the signal.
Bluetooth remotes require you to hold Return and Guide buttons for 3 seconds to start pairing, which only works on Samsung TVs made around 2016 or later.
If your remote does not work, check the batteries first, then clean the TV's sensor with a soft cloth, then test from directly in front of the TV.
Older Samsung remotes may not work with newer TV models even if you pair them, because Samsung changed remote protocols multiple times over the years.

Check your batteries and the TV sensor first

Dead batteries are the most common reason an old remote stops working. Open the battery compartment on the back of the remote, remove the batteries, and replace them with fresh ones of the same size — usually AA or AAA. If you are not sure which size, the compartment will be labeled. Wait a few seconds after inserting new batteries before testing.

Next, look at the front of your TV for the infrared sensor — a small dark circle or window, usually below the screen or on the bottom bezel. Dust, pet hair, or a screen protector can block the signal. Wipe the sensor gently with a soft, dry cloth. Also check that nothing is blocking the path between the remote and the TV, such as a soundbar, picture frame, or furniture. Point the remote directly at the sensor from a few feet away and press a button.

Test whether your remote is infrared or Bluetooth

The easiest way to tell is to look at the remote itself. If it has a small dark lens or window at the top or front, it is infrared. If it looks smooth all over with no obvious lens, it might be Bluetooth, though some older Bluetooth remotes also have a small window.

Another test: point the remote at your TV in a dark room and press a button while looking at the top of the remote through your phone's camera. If you see a faint red or purple light flash, it is infrared. If you see nothing, it is likely Bluetooth. This works because phone cameras can see infrared light that human eyes cannot.

Pairing a Bluetooth remote to a Samsung TV

If your remote is Bluetooth and your TV is a Samsung model from 2016 or later, you can try pairing. First, make sure your TV is on. Then hold down the Return button and the Guide button (the one with a grid or house icon) at the same time for about 3 seconds. You should see a message on your TV screen saying the remote is in pairing mode.

Once pairing mode is active, your remote should connect within a few seconds. The TV will show a confirmation message. If nothing appears on screen after holding those buttons, your TV may not support Bluetooth pairing, or the remote may be too old. Try a different button combination — some older Samsung remotes use Home and Return instead — but if the TV does not respond at all, the remote is likely infrared-only.

Why an old remote might not work with a new TV

Samsung changed its remote protocols several times over the years, so a remote from 2010 may not work with a TV from 2020 even if both are Samsung. The TV straightforward does not recognize the signal. This is especially true when jumping from infrared to Bluetooth, or when Samsung updated the infrared codes between model generations.

You can check your TV's manual or the model number on the back to see which remotes Samsung officially supports. The model number usually starts with "UN" or "QN" followed by numbers and letters. Search that number plus "compatible remotes" to see what options exist. In many cases, buying a replacement remote designed for your specific TV model is cheaper and faster than troubleshooting an incompatible old one.

Using your phone as a temporary remote

If your old remote does not work and you do not have a replacement yet, most Samsung TVs can be controlled through the SmartThings app on your phone. read SmartThings from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, open it, and tap the plus icon to add a device. Select your TV model and follow the on-screen steps to connect. Your phone will then act as a remote for basic functions like power, volume, and channel.

This works over your home Wi-Fi, so your phone does not need to point at the TV like an infrared remote does. It is not as convenient as a physical remote, but it lets you control your TV while you decide whether to repair or replace the old remote.

When to replace the remote instead of troubleshooting

If you have tried new batteries, cleaned the sensor, tested from different angles, and the remote still does not work, it is probably time to replace it. Original Samsung remotes for your TV model usually cost between $20 and $50 depending on the model. You can find them on Amazon, Best Buy, or Samsung's website by searching your TV model number.

Third-party universal remotes that work with Samsung TVs are also available and often cost less, though they may not have every button your original remote had. Before buying, check the reviews to make sure other users report it working with your specific TV model year. A replacement remote is usually a better investment than hours of troubleshooting an incompatible old one.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Sometimes, but not always. Remotes from the same era and TV line often work with each other, but Samsung changed codes frequently. The safest approach is to check your TV's manual or search your model number online to see which remotes are officially compatible. Testing with a friend's remote first is a good way to know before buying.

Why does my remote work sometimes but not other times?

This usually means the batteries are dying and only have enough power for close-range signals. Replace the batteries with fresh ones. If it still works intermittently, the remote's internal circuit may be failing, and replacement is the next step.

Does the remote need to point directly at the TV?

Yes, if it is infrared. The signal travels in a straight line and bounces off walls poorly. Bluetooth remotes do not need to point directly, but they work better when there is a clear path between the remote and TV.

What if my TV is too old to support Bluetooth?

Older Samsung TVs only work with infrared remotes. If your infrared remote is broken, buy a replacement infrared remote designed for your TV model. Universal infrared remotes also work with most older Samsung TVs.

Can I pair multiple remotes to the same TV?

Infrared remotes do not pair — any infrared remote designed for your TV will work. Bluetooth remotes typically allow one paired remote at a time, though some Samsung TVs let you pair a second one by repeating the pairing process.

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.