Your new Samsung Smart TV needs a few setup steps before you can settle in and watch. Use the remote or a compatible phone to get connected, then prepare your apps, channels, and viewing devices. Menu names vary by model, region, and software, so follow the path that matches your screen.
Get the TV and remote ready
Before turning on a new TV, finish its physical installation using the Quick Setup Guide for your exact model. Stand assembly, wall mounting, and One Connect requirements differ between TVs.
Find your model’s Quick Setup Guide in Samsung’s US Download Center by searching its model code or product name.
Install the stand or wall mount according to that guide.
Connect the One Connect Box if your TV includes one.
Attach any external devices you plan to use.
For wired internet, connect an Ethernet cable from your router or modem to the LAN port on the TV or One Connect Box. Some models do not support Ethernet.
Connect the TV to power.
Prepare the remote by charging it or inserting batteries, depending on the remote supplied.
Complete setup with the remote
Turn on the TV.
Select your language.
Choose Remote or Remote Control, depending on the label shown.
Select Start Auto Setup.
Choose Wireless or Wired to start the matching network setup.
Complete the network prompts.
Review the Smart Hub agreements.
Install the software updates offered during setup.
Select Use Existing Account to sign in or Create New Account to create a Samsung account.
Complete the remaining prompts for optional backup, voice assistance, app sign-ins, and picture or audio preferences. Their order varies by model.
Tip: If your Samsung Smart Remote fails to pair automatically and has Back and Play/Pause buttons, point it at the TV sensor and hold both buttons for at least three seconds.
Use your phone for initial setup
If your TV offers Smartphone setup, SmartThings on a compatible Android phone or iPhone transfers your phone’s Wi-Fi and Samsung account details.
- 1.Connect your phone to the Wi-Fi network you want the TV to use.
- 2.Select Smartphone on the TV, scan its QR code, and open or install SmartThings on your phone.
- 3.Choose the TV’s location and room, then tap Next.
- 4.Review the agreements and give the TV a name.
- 5.Complete the prompts for assistant preferences, backup or Restore, ZIP code, app sign-ins, optional features, and a cable box.
- 6.If your TV offers automatic discovery instead of the QR-code route, tap ADD NOW in SmartThings, enter the TV’s PIN, and tap DONE. After registration, choose Next, confirm your ZIP Code, and select your service provider.
Finish connecting to the internet
An unfinished network setup leaves the TV without the connection its online services need.
For Wi-Fi on TVs with the Connection menu, open Settings > All Settings > Connection > Network > Open Network Settings > Wireless.
Select your network, or choose Add Network for a hidden network.
For a hidden network, enter its SSID, which is its network name.
Enter the Wi-Fi password.
Select Go.
Select OK to finish.
If your TV uses the General menu, open Settings > General > Network > Open Network Settings instead.
Select your Wi-Fi network.
Enter its password.
Select Done.
Select OK.
For Ethernet with the cable already attached, open Settings > All Settings > Connection > Network > Open Network Settings > Wired.
Select OK.
To replace an existing connection on TVs with the Connection menu, open Settings > All Settings > Connection > Network > Reset Network.
Select Reset.
Open Network Settings.
Configure the replacement connection using the matching Wi-Fi or Ethernet steps above.
Sign in to unlock smart services
A Samsung account is required for network-based smart services and streaming apps. Without one, you can still use HDMI devices or watch antenna broadcasts on a TV with a compatible tuner.
To skip signing in, press the remote’s right direction button to highlight Skip at the account setup screen.
Select Skip.
For browser-assisted account creation, select Create Account during setup.
Open the displayed URL on a phone or computer, or scan the QR code.
Complete account creation in the browser.
Return to the TV’s sign-in screen.
To sign in after skipping setup, select Set Up Now on Smart Hub Home.
You can also reach sign-in through the account settings on TVs with this menu layout: press Home.
Navigate left.
Open Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > System Manager > Samsung Account.
Scan the QR code with a phone signed into your Samsung account.
If QR-code sign-in fails, try the remote keyboard: choose Remote Control on the account screen, enter your email and password, then select Sign In.
Connect a console, streaming player, or cable box
Use HDMI for an external cable box, game console, streaming player, or disc player.
Connect the powered external device to an available HDMI input. The TV may recognize a supported device and switch to its source automatically. If nothing happens, press Source on the remote and select the HDMI port you used.
To control compatible HDMI-connected equipment with the Samsung remote, open Connected Devices > Universal Remote or Universal Remote Setup, depending on the label shown, then select Start. On 2022 models, open Menu > Connected Devices first.
Select the device type.
Complete the prompts for that device.
Scan channels for an antenna or coaxial connection
On a TV with a compatible tuner, use this scan for an antenna or cable feed connected directly by coaxial cable.
- 1.Connect the coaxial cable to the ANT IN port on the TV or One Connect Box.
- 2.Change the source to TV.
- 3.Open Settings > All Settings > Broadcasting > Auto Program. On TVs that place Broadcasting under General & Privacy, open Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > Broadcasting > Auto Program.
- 4.Select Start, then choose Air, Cable, or Both to match your connection.
- 5.Wait for the scan to finish, then select Close.
Install your apps and enable updates
To install a streaming app, open Home > Apps > Search. On 2026 One UI Tizen TVs, Samsung directs you to the Search icon on the Home screen. Find the app and select Install. This method supports apps available in your TV’s app store.
Open the installed app from Home or Apps. Complete its sign-in prompts. To add a shortcut on TVs that show Add to Home, open Apps > Settings, highlight the app, and select Add to Home. On 2026 One UI Tizen TVs, go to Now Playing on the Home screen, select List Edit, and press Up on the app you want to add.
Enable automatic app updates through Home > Apps > App Settings > Auto Update > ON. App updates are separate from updates to the TV’s software.
For TV software updates, open Settings > All Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now. Keep power connected while the update runs. Enable Auto Update in the same menu for automatic installation.
Make the picture and sound comfortable
Once your apps and viewing sources are ready, adjust the TV for how you watch. Picture options depend on the model, source, and software; audio connections depend on the TV and connected equipment.
Open Settings > All Settings > Picture > Picture mode.
Choose an available picture preset.
For individual adjustments, open Picture > Expert Settings.
Adjust a supported control such as Brightness, Contrast, or Sharpness.
For a compatible HDMI ARC soundbar, connect the TV’s HDMI IN (ARC) port to the soundbar’s HDMI OUT (TV-ARC) port.
On a Samsung soundbar, change the source to D.IN. On another brand of soundbar, select the HDMI ARC or TV input named in its manual.
For Bluetooth audio instead, put your speaker into pairing mode.
Open Settings > Sound > Sound Output > Bluetooth Speaker List or Bluetooth Audio Device, depending on your TV’s label.
Select the speaker.
To open accessibility shortcuts on a compatible Samsung Smart Remote, hold Mute, or hold Volume on remotes without a Mute button.
Select an available option such as Voice Guide, High Contrast, Captions, or Multi-output Audio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I control if my remote is missing?
Most modern Samsung TVs have a physical TV Controller button. With the TV powered on, press it to display the Control menu. Use the controls shown for basic operation; access to every initial setup screen is not guaranteed. Your model’s manual gives the button’s location and operating instructions.
Why does my TV keep showing retail demonstrations?
Switch to home operation through Settings > General & Privacy > System Manager > Usage Mode. Enter the PIN if requested, then select Home mode. The default PIN is 0000 unless changed. Consult your model’s manual if its menu differs.
Do TV caption settings control subtitles in streaming apps?
Streaming apps and external players use their own caption settings. Configure subtitles within the app or player you’re watching.
Can I lock individual streaming apps?
On TVs with the App Settings interface, open Home > Apps > App Settings. Select an app, then choose Lock. Opening a locked app requires the TV PIN. Streaming services have separate parental controls.