Samsung TV Remote Not Working? 9 Fixes Before You Buy a New One

If your Samsung TV remote is not working, start with the simplest fixes: replace the batteries or charge the remote, unplug the TV for a minute, and re-pair a Smart Remote by holding Back and Play/Pause while pointing it at the TV. These three steps fix most remotes that stop responding.

Work through the nine fixes below in order. If none helps, the remote is probably damaged and it is time for a replacement. Until then, you can still control the TV.

First, which Samsung remote do you have?

The fix depends on how the remote talks to the TV.

Fix 1: Check batteries or charge

Standard remote

Replace both batteries with fresh ones from a new pack, check the + and − marks and make sure the contacts are not corroded. Weak batteries often show up as a remote that works only up close or needs several presses.

SolarCell remote not charging

A SolarCell remote charges from light through the panel on its back, or through the USB-C port at the bottom. If the Samsung SolarCell remote is not charging fast enough, connect it to a USB-C phone charger for an hour. Place it panel-up near a window for everyday top-ups. On recent TVs, you can usually check the remote's battery level in the TV's power and energy settings.

Fix 2: Restart the TV the right way

Sometimes the TV, not the remote, is the problem. Unplug the TV from the wall socket, wait 60 seconds and plug it back in. This full restart clears glitches that the power button does not, because the power button only sends the TV to standby.

Fix 3: Re-pair a Samsung Smart Remote

If a Samsung Smart Remote is not pairing or only the power button works, the Bluetooth connection is lost. To re-pair it:

1. Switch the TV on and stand about 30 cm (one foot) in front of it.
2. Point the remote at the TV's sensor.
3. Press and hold Back and Play/Pause together for 3 seconds or more.
4. Wait for the pairing message on the screen.

Button combinations can differ on older Smart Remotes. If nothing happens, check the manual for your TV model.

Fix 4: Test the remote with your phone camera

Infrared light is invisible to your eyes but often visible to a phone camera. To test a TV remote with your phone camera:

1. Open the camera app, ideally the front (selfie) camera, which often has a weaker IR filter.
2. Point the remote's tip at the lens and press a button.
3. If you see a small flashing light on the screen, the remote sends a signal. If not, the remote or its batteries are the problem.

If the remote flashes but the TV doesn't react, look at the TV side: Fixes 2, 5 and 8.

Fix 5: Remove obstacles and IR interference

• Make sure nothing blocks the sensor at the bottom of the TV, such as a soundbar, decorations or the TV stand.
• Bright sunlight or strong lamps aimed at the TV can disturb infrared. Close the blinds and try again.
• Move closer and point the remote directly at the TV.

Fix 6: Clean the buttons and contacts

Sticky or unresponsive buttons are often dirt or spilled drinks. Remove the batteries, wipe the buttons with a cloth slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol and clean the battery contacts with a cotton swab. Let it dry completely before you put the batteries back.

Fix 7: How to reset a Samsung TV remote

For a standard remote, the easiest reset is to remove the batteries, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds to drain leftover charge, then insert fresh batteries. For a Smart Remote, the re-pairing in Fix 3 acts as a reset of the connection. If the TV itself behaves strangely, unplugging it (Fix 2) resets the TV side too.

Fix 8: Update the TV software

Remote problems that start after months of normal use are sometimes software bugs. Use the control button on the TV or a phone remote to open Settings > Support > Software Update and install any update.

Fix 9: Use your phone as a backup remote

While you troubleshoot or wait for a replacement, your Android phone can take over completely. Connect it to the same Wi-Fi as the TV, open a remote app, pick the TV and select Allow. That gives you a free backup remote on your phone with volume, channels, a touchpad and, on 2016 and newer TVs, your phone keyboard. Older Smart TVs from 2010 on work too, with the remote buttons (see which Samsung TVs work).

The full setup is in our guide to using your phone as a Samsung TV remote, and every other option is in how to control a Samsung TV without a remote.

When to buy a new remote

Replace the remote if the camera test shows no signal with fresh batteries, if it has water damage, or if a Smart Remote won't re-pair after a TV restart. Buy a remote that matches your TV model: find your Samsung TV model number first, and check that the replacement lists it as compatible.

Conclusion

A Samsung TV remote not working is usually a power or pairing problem, not a broken remote. Change the batteries or charge it, restart the TV, re-pair the Smart Remote and run the camera test before you spend money. And keep your phone set up as a remote, so a dead remote never stops your evening again.

Frequently asked questions