The basic steps: pairing your remote to the TV
A universal remote works with your Samsung TV through one of two methods: infrared pairing (the remote points at the TV and sends signals) or Bluetooth pairing (the remote and TV connect wirelessly, like headphones). Most universal remotes use infrared by default and work without any setup at all — you just point and press buttons. If your remote has a Bluetooth mode or your TV requires it, you'll need to put both devices into pairing mode so they recognize each other.
The exact steps depend on which universal remote you own. Some brands (like Logitech Harmony or GE) have their own pairing process. Others (like basic Philips or RCA universals) may need you to enter a Samsung code. Before you start, check whether your remote came with a manual or instruction card — that's your fastest path to the right steps for your specific model.
Key Takeaways
- Most universal remotes work with Samsung TVs using infrared and require no pairing — just point and press.
- If your remote uses Bluetooth or your TV doesn't respond, you'll need to put both devices into pairing mode at the same time.
- Some universal remotes require you to enter a Samsung manufacturer code, which is usually printed in the remote's manual or available on the remote maker's website.
- If pairing fails, check that the remote has fresh batteries and that nothing is blocking the path between the remote and the TV's sensor.
Infrared remotes: the no-setup option
If your universal remote uses infrared (IR), it sends invisible light signals to a sensor on your TV. Most universal remotes work this way, and most Samsung TVs receive IR signals without any pairing step. This means you can often just pick up the remote, point it at the TV, and start pressing buttons.
The catch: the remote has to be programmed with Samsung's command codes. Many universal remotes come pre-loaded with codes for dozens of brands, including Samsung. If your remote is a basic model from a drugstore or electronics retailer, it likely already knows how to talk to your TV. If it doesn't respond, the remote either doesn't have Samsung codes loaded, or you need to tell it which Samsung model you own.
To check if your remote is already set up, point it at the TV and press the power button. If the TV turns off, you're done — no pairing needed. If nothing happens, move to the next section.
Entering a Samsung code into your universal remote
If your remote doesn't work right away, you'll need to load a Samsung code. Universal remotes store codes for different TV brands in their memory. To load the right code, you usually press a setup button (often labeled "Setup," "Code," or "Program"), then enter a three- or four-digit number that tells the remote "this is a Samsung TV."
The code is printed in your remote's manual or on the manufacturer's website. Search for "[your remote brand] Samsung code" — for example, "GE universal remote Samsung code" — and you'll find a list. Common Samsung codes for universal remotes are 0060, 0061, 0178, and 0037, but the exact code depends on your remote model and your TV's age.
Here's the general process: press and hold the Setup button until a light on the remote blinks (usually red or green). Type the Samsung code using the number pad. Press the power button to test. If the TV turns off, the code worked — press Setup again to save it. If the TV doesn't respond, try the next code on the list.
Bluetooth pairing for newer remotes and TVs
Newer universal remotes (like Logitech Harmony Hub or some Samsung SmartThings remotes) use Bluetooth instead of infrared. Bluetooth is more reliable over distance and works even if something is blocking the line of sight between the remote and TV. If your remote or TV supports Bluetooth, you'll need to put both devices into pairing mode at the same time.
On your Samsung TV, go to Settings, then Remote and Accessories (or Bluetooth settings, depending on your model year). Select "Pair Remote" or "Add Device." On your universal remote, press and hold the pairing button (usually on the back or side, sometimes labeled "Pair" or "Connect") until a light blinks. The TV should detect the remote within 10 to 30 seconds. Once they're paired, the remote will stay connected to that TV.
If pairing fails, make sure both devices have fresh batteries or are charged, and that they're within 10 feet of each other. Restart both the TV and the remote by unplugging the TV for 30 seconds and removing the remote's batteries for 10 seconds, then try again.
Troubleshooting when the remote still doesn't work
If you've entered a code or completed pairing and the remote still doesn't control your TV, start with the simplest fixes. Check that the remote's batteries are fresh — old batteries are the most common reason a remote stops responding. Point the remote directly at the TV's sensor (usually a small dark circle on the front or bottom bezel) from about 6 feet away. If there's a lamp, phone, or other device between the remote and TV, move it out of the way, because some IR signals bounce off reflective surfaces and confuse the sensor.
If the remote works for some buttons but not others, the code you entered may be incomplete or partially correct. Go back to the manual or the manufacturer's website and try the next code on the list. If you've tried three codes and none of them work fully, your remote may not have a code for your specific Samsung model or year.
As a last resort, check whether your TV has a physical remote control sensor that can be turned off in settings. Some Samsung TVs let you disable the IR sensor if you're using only a Bluetooth remote. Go to Settings, then Remote and Accessories, and look for an option to enable or disable the IR receiver.
When to use your TV's native remote instead
Universal remotes are useful if you have multiple devices (a TV, soundbar, streaming box, and cable box) and want one remote to control them all. But if your universal remote is giving you trouble and you have your Samsung TV's original remote, it's often faster to just use that. Samsung remotes are designed specifically for Samsung TVs and will always work without setup.
If you've lost your original remote, you can buy a replacement Samsung remote from Samsung's website or a retailer like Amazon or Best Buy. A genuine Samsung remote costs between $30 and $80 depending on the model. If you prefer to stick with a universal remote, make sure you're buying one that explicitly lists your TV model on the box or on the seller's website — that's the fastest way to know it will work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do anything special to use a universal remote with a Samsung TV?
Most universal remotes work with Samsung TVs without any setup — just point and press. If the remote doesn't respond, you may need to enter a Samsung code using the remote's setup button, or pair it via Bluetooth if your remote supports it. Check your remote's manual first to see if it's already programmed for Samsung.
What's the difference between infrared and Bluetooth remotes?
Infrared remotes send invisible light signals and must point directly at the TV's sensor. Bluetooth remotes connect wirelessly like headphones and work from any direction. Infrared is older and more common; Bluetooth is newer and works better if something blocks the line of sight.
Why does my universal remote work for power but not for volume or channels?
The code you entered may be incomplete or only partially correct for your TV model. Try the next code on the list from your remote's manual or the manufacturer's website. If several codes only work partially, your remote may not have full support for your specific Samsung model year.
Can I use a universal remote with a Samsung Smart TV?
Yes. Samsung Smart TVs receive both infrared and Bluetooth signals the same way older Samsung TVs do. Some newer Smart TVs also let you control them through a smartphone app, but a physical universal remote will work just as well if it has the right Samsung code loaded.
What should I do if I can't find the manual for my universal remote?
Search the remote manufacturer's website (Logitech, GE, Philips, RCA, etc.) for your remote model number, which is usually printed on the back. Most manufacturers post manuals and code lists online. You can also search "[remote brand] [remote model] Samsung code" to find user forums where people share working codes.