Your Samsung TV is on, but the remote isn't controlling it. For a compatible Smart Remote, start by holding Return and Play/Pause together for at least three seconds, keeping them held until a pairing indicator appears on screen. If that doesn't connect it, the checks below cover remote type, power, and the reset sequence for your model.
Pair your Samsung Smart Remote
Turn on your Samsung TV with its supplied, powered Smart Remote nearby. The remote is designed to connect automatically during initial setup.
For manual pairing, aim the remote at the TV’s remote-control sensor, usually at the lower right or bottom center.
Hold Return and Play/Pause together for at least three seconds. If no pairing indicator has appeared yet, keep holding until it does; Samsung’s demonstration for some newer models uses a five-second hold.
Wait for the on-screen connection confirmation.
A replacement Smart Remote must be compatible with your specific TV. If pairing fails, check your remote type next, then work through the power and restart checks below.
Recognize remotes that need no pairing
Check your actual remote model before trying Smart Remote button combinations. A compatible standard Samsung infrared remote works without Bluetooth pairing. Samsung’s Canadian guidance identifies the standard design by separate Play and Pause buttons, while Smart Remote pairing uses a combined Play/Pause button.
Install working batteries in a standard infrared remote.
Keep the TV’s receiver unobstructed.
Use the remote within range of the TV.
Check the remote’s power
For a remote with removable batteries, replace depleted batteries before another pairing attempt.
If you can already operate a 2025 Samsung TV covered by Samsung’s SolarCell guidance, open Home > Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > Remote Control to check the remaining charge. This page shows charge information; it does not start pairing.
Charge a SolarCell remote through its USB-C port.
Aim the Smart Remote at the TV’s sensor.
Retry pairing by holding Return and Play/Pause together for at least three seconds.
Tip: Leaving the SolarCell panel facing upward in indoor or outdoor light extends the remote’s operating time.
Restart the TV when the connection fails
A lost pairing connection leaves a powered Smart Remote unable to control the TV.
Turn the TV off using its physical Power button if the remote cannot operate it. Depending on the model, that button is at the lower right or bottom center.
Turn the TV back on.
Aim the Smart Remote at the TV’s sensor.
Hold Return and Play/Pause together for at least three seconds.
Wait for the on-screen connection confirmation.
Reset a remote with removable batteries
This reset addresses an unresponsive removable-battery remote.
Remove the batteries.
Hold Power for eight seconds.
Reinstall the batteries.
For a compatible Smart Remote, retry pairing by holding Return and Play/Pause together for at least three seconds. A standard infrared remote needs no Bluetooth pairing.
If pairing still fails, unplug the TV for 30 seconds.
Reconnect the TV.
Aim the Smart Remote at the TV’s sensor.
Retry pairing by holding Return and Play/Pause together for at least three seconds.
Restore a supported 2025 SolarCell remote
Use this reset for 2025 SolarCell remotes covered by Samsung’s Malaysia guidance; buttons and functions vary by model and country.
- 1.Hold Return and Voice together for at least three seconds to reset the remote.
- 2.Hold Return and Play/Pause together for at least three seconds to pair it again.
- 3.Wait for the on-screen connection confirmation.
Match the alternate solar remote reset to your model
Check your exact TV and remote manuals before using this sequence. Samsung’s Caribbean troubleshooting guidance assigns it to solar-powered remotes for 2021 and newer TV models. The reset combinations are not interchangeable across all SolarCell remotes.
Hold Return and Enter, the center of the navigation pad, together for 10 seconds. Other Samsung documentation calls the center button Select.
Stand within one foot of the TV.
Hold Return and Play/Pause together for at least five seconds, until pairing appears on screen.
Tip: The five-second hold belongs to this troubleshooting sequence; Samsung’s general pairing instructions specify at least three seconds.
Use SmartThings while the remote is unavailable
If your TV is already added to SmartThings, your phone can serve as an alternative controller. This does not pair the physical remote.
Turn on the TV, using its physical Power button when necessary.
Select your TV in the SmartThings phone app.
Tap Remote Control at the bottom of the screen. The available controls include volume, channel, guide, and source selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one Samsung Smart Remote stay paired with two TVs?
No. A Samsung Smart Remote operates with only one paired device at a time. Switching to another compatible TV requires pairing it with that TV.
Do I need an app or Samsung account to pair the physical remote?
No app installation or Samsung account is required for physical Smart Remote pairing. Connecting a TV to SmartThings requires the phone and TV to use the same Wi-Fi network and Samsung account.
Does Samsung’s Universal Remote setup pair the handheld remote?
Samsung’s Universal Remote setup configures control of external HDMI devices. It is a separate function from pairing the handheld Smart Remote with the TV.
Where can I download SmartThings?
Samsung directs users to Galaxy Store, Google Play Store, or Apple App Store. Check the applicable store listing for current phone operating-system requirements.
