If your Samsung TV remote is not working

        Samsung smart TVs consistently top all recommended lists for a variety of reasons, from ease of use and a large selection of apps to extra features (like Samsung TV Plus). While your Samsung TV may be sleek and bright, nothing ruins your TV viewing experience quite like a faulty remote control. TVs have physical buttons or touch controls, depending on your model, but no one wants to get up and use those controls to watch channels or stream app content. If your Samsung TV remote is not working, try a few troubleshooting steps.
        The first step is probably the most obvious, but also the easiest to forget. Few people worry about the remaining battery life of a TV remote until it runs out of power and stops working. They can also get corroded or damaged if the batteries don’t last as long as expected.
        Open the battery compartment and remove the battery. Check the battery compartment and battery terminals for white powder, discoloration, or rust. You may notice this on older batteries or any batteries that are corroded or damaged in any way. Wipe the battery compartment with a dry cloth to remove any residue, then insert new batteries into the remote control.
        If the Samsung remote starts working, the problem is with the battery. Most Samsung smart TVs use AAA batteries, but be sure to check the battery case or user manual to see which battery you need. TV remotes don’t require a lot of power, but you can purchase a durable or rechargeable remote so you don’t have to worry about running out of batteries.
        You can reset your remote in several ways, depending on your TV model. Remove the batteries from the remote control and press and hold the power button for at least eight seconds to reset it. Add batteries and make sure the remote now works properly.
        On new Samsung Smart TVs and remote controls, press and hold the Back button and the large round Enter button for at least ten seconds to reset the remote control to factory settings. After resetting the remote, you will need to reconnect the remote to the TV. Hold the remote control close to the sensor, press and hold the back button and the play/pause button at the same time for five seconds or until the pairing notification appears on the TV screen. Once pairing is complete, the remote control should work properly again.
        Samsung smart TVs and remotes may require an active internet connection to function properly. If the TV connects to the Internet using Wi-Fi, follow the steps in our Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide to resolve the issue. If you are using a wired connection, unplug the Ethernet cable and make sure it is not torn or frayed. Try connecting the cable to another device to check for cable problems. In this case, a replacement may be required.
        Samsung’s new remote controls use Bluetooth to connect to the TV, and range, obstacles, and other connection issues can cause the remote to stop working. Samsung says the remote should work up to 10m, but try getting closer to see if that fixes the issue. However, if you need to get really close to the sensor on your TV, it could be a battery issue. Be sure to remove any obstacles that may be blocking the TV’s sensors.
        For general connection problems, it’s best to pair the remote again. Press and hold the Back button and the Play/Pause button at the same time for at least five seconds or until a pairing confirmation message appears on the screen.
        If your remote has an IR sensor, make sure it is sending IR signals. Point the remote at your phone or tablet’s camera and press the power button. Look at the phone screen while pressing the power button to see if there is a colored light on the sensor. If you can’t see the light, you may need new batteries, but the IR sensor may be damaged. If the sensor is not the problem, clean the top of the remote to make sure nothing is obstructing the signal.
        Bad buttons and other physical damage can prevent your Samsung remote from working. Remove the batteries from the remote and slowly press each button on the remote. Sticky dirt and debris can cause your controls to malfunction, and this is a great way to get rid of some of them.
        If the remote is damaged and not working, your only option is to replace it. Samsung does not sell TV remotes directly on its website. Instead, depending on your TV model, you will find several options on the Samsung Parts website. Use your TV’s user manual to find the exact model number to quickly sort through a long list.
       If your Samsung remote doesn’t work at all or you’re waiting for a replacement, download the Samsung SmartThings app from the Google Play Store or iOS App Store to use it as a TV remote.
        First, make sure your TV is connected to the SmartThings app. Open the app, tap the plus sign in the top right corner, and go to Devices > TV. Touch Samsung, enter the room ID and location, and wait until the TV appears on the screen (make sure the TV is turned on). Enter the PIN on the TV and confirm that the TV is connected to the SmartThings app. The added TV should appear as a tile in the app.
        Once your TV is connected to the app, click on the name of the TV and click on “Remote”. You can choose between 4D keyboard, channel navigator (CH) and option 123 & (for numbered remote) and start controlling your TV with your phone. You’ll find volume and channel control buttons, as well as keys to access sources, guide, home mode, and mute.
        First, make sure your TV has the latest software update. A software glitch can cause your Samsung TV remote to stop working. Check out our guide to updating your Samsung Smart TV, but keep in mind that you’ll have to use the TV’s physical buttons or touch controls to get to the right menu or use the Samsung SmartThings app.
        Our reset Samsung Smart TV guide has instructions on how to do it if the remote doesn’t work. However, as a last resort, restart your TV as this will erase all data and you will have to re-download the app and log into it.