In my experience, Samsung never fails to impress, and I’m quite a fan of their products. I gifted my mom their newest smart TV model, and everything was fine until I got a call about the remote not working.
Having recently solved an issue with my Firestick remote, I was ready to tackle this problem. I managed to find some quick fixes for the malfunctioning Samsung remote.
The Clever Fix:
Reset the remote control. To do this with an older Samsung remote, take out the batteries and press the power button for 8 seconds. After putting the batteries back in, check if the remote works.
For newer Samsung remote models, hold the Return and Enter buttons (at the center of the navigation pad) for 10 seconds. You can pair the remote again using the first solution mentioned in this article.
Why is my Samsung remote not working?
There are numerous reasons your Samsung remote might not be working as expected. The most frequent issue is related to the batteries.
At times, unsuccessful pairing or physical defects like a damaged remote control pad might also be the culprits.
Before jumping into the solutions, let’s go through some preliminary checks to pinpoint the best fix for your Samsung remote.
Check for infrared signal obstructions
Large appliances and other electronics might block the remote’s infrared signals (IR), which are essential for controlling the TV.
To check if your Samsung remote is transmitting properly, aim the remote at your phone’s camera, press the Power button, and watch the camera’s screen.
A colored light or flash from the remote shows that it’s transmitting well. Try turning on the TV by pointing the remote directly at the Samsung logo. However, if you don’t see the IR light, you might need to replace the batteries or get a new remote.
Check for physical damage
Connectivity aside, physical damage is also a common issue with Samsung remotes. Loose buttons or accumulated dust might be causing your remote to malfunction.
Perform a routine clean by removing the remote’s batteries and gently pressing each button. A microfiber cloth can be used to wipe away any debris or dirt. These steps will help maintain your remote’s efficiency.
4 Clever Fixes for Samsung Remote Not Working
Is the remote still causing problems? Don’t stress! I’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
Here are the solutions I shared with my mom to get her Samsung remote working smoothly, hassle-free.
1. Reconnect the Samsung remote to the TV
Sometimes, your remote can unexpectedly lose its connection with the TV, which may be due to unsuccessful pairing. Here’s how you can fix it:
- Hold down the Play/Pause and Return buttons together for 3-5 seconds.
- A loading icon will appear at the top of your TV, indicating that it is searching for devices to pair or connect with.
- A check mark will appear on the TV, showing that the remote has successfully connected.
If the remote doesn’t pair, try resetting the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
After plugging it back in and turning it on, stand within a foot of the TV and repeat the above pairing steps.
2. Replace the batteries
The batteries in your remote can deplete over time. Since they power your remote, it’s crucial to keep an eye on them. If your Samsung remote isn’t working, it could be because of old batteries.
Luckily, changing the batteries in a remote is straightforward. But, it’s important to know which Samsung remote model you have as the battery changing process varies slightly.
For Samsung Smart Remote Control (Type 1):
- Slide off the back cover by pushing it in the direction of the arrow symbol.
- Insert the batteries (1.5 V AA type) and ensure the positive and negative ends are correctly aligned.
- Close the rear cover again.
For Samsung Smart Remote Control (Type 2):
- Push the arrow button on the back of the remote. This will loosen the control panel from the body. Slide it up until you can see the battery compartment.
- Eject the old batteries by pressing the left and right arrows on the sides of the compartment.
- Insert two new batteries (1.5 V AAA type).
- Slide the control panel back down until it’s nearly in its original position. Press the arrow button on the back and slide it the rest of the way to secure it.
For Samsung Standard Remote Control:
- Lift the battery cover. Once it’s loose, take it off completely.
- Insert 2 AAA alkaline batteries and position them correctly.
- Slide the battery cover back on the remote until it locks into place.
After changing the batteries, try pairing the remote to your TV again to see if it works!
3. Update the TV software
If it’s not the battery, then what is the problem?
Your Samsung remote and TV share a close connection. Sometimes, your remote might act up because the TV’s firmware is outdated.
So, how do we sort that out without a working remote? First, download the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone.
Once done, follow these simple steps:
- Turn on the TV. On your phone, open the SmartThings app.
- Go to Devices.
- Select Add Device.
- Select Scan for nearby devices and hit Scan. Make sure your TV and phone are on the same network.
- Once your Samsung TV shows up, tap Add on the bottom right of your screen.
- A prompt will appear on the TV asking for access from the app. Hit OK.
- A verification code will appear on the TV. Input the code on the app.
- The TV will appear as a tile in the app. Click it and choose Remote.
Now that you can control your Samsung TV via your phone, here’s how to update the firmware:
- Navigate to Menu and choose Settings.
- Select Support.
- Choose Software Update and click Update Now.
- Your TV will start downloading any new software updates. After a few minutes, your Samsung TV will restart.
After updating the TV’s firmware, try resetting and reconnecting your actual remote as per the first solution.
4. Charge the remote control (for SolarCell remote users)
When I asked my mom to remove the batteries from her remote, she said she couldn’t find any. That’s when it clicked for me! Her remote is a SolarCell model – a green, solar-powered option crafted by Samsung.
You can tell if your remote is a SolarCell if there’s a rectangular solar panel at the back. Since it doesn’t use batteries, its power can run low if it hasn’t been charged sufficiently.
You can recharge it two ways: via solar energy or a USB-C cable.
How to charge the remote through solar energy:
- Place the remote with the back facing up. The rectangular solar panel should face a light source – whether it’s direct sunlight or even indoor light.
How to charge the remote through a USB-C cable:
- Use any USB-C cable (even the one for your phone).
- Plug the cable to the remote and the other end to the TV.
Note: SolarCell remotes feature a large silver panel on the back. If your remote lacks this but has a USB-C port, it can be charged with the USB-C cable alone.
When my mom tried out this fix, she called me within an hour to say her remote was working again. Fingers crossed the same happens for you!
Bottom line
The takeaway: keep a close eye on the type of Samsung remote you (or your mom) have.
Often, remote problems come down to power issues or depleted batteries. If none of these solutions work, you can dial 1-800-SAMSUNG to discuss your concerns directly.
You can also reach out to Samsung’s technical team online via Facebook Messenger or mention them on Twitter.
I hope this guide proves helpful!
