Lost your Samsung TV remote? Here are 9 tested methods to change channels and control your TV - from physical buttons to smartphone apps, voice commands, and more.
Your Samsung TV remote slipped between the couch cushions. Or maybe the dog got to it. Either way, you're staring at a screen you can't control, and the show you actually want to watch is three channels away.
Good news: you don't need that remote. Every Samsung TV manufactured in the last decade has at least two or three backup control methods built in - and most owners never discover them. After testing these methods across Samsung models from 2018 through 2025 (QLED, Crystal UHD, Neo QLED, and The Frame), we've documented nine reliable ways to change channels on a Samsung TV without a remote.
Whether your remote is lost, broken, or just out of batteries, this guide covers every option from a 30-second emergency fix to a permanent hands-free solution. The same physical buttons that let you switch channels also let you change volume without remote - so you'll have full basic control within seconds.
If you still need to walk through the initial TV configuration without the original remote, our guide on getting started with Samsung TV covers that process separately.
Before you read the full breakdown, here are the three fastest methods ranked by how quickly you can start flipping channels:
Physical TV button (30 seconds): Find the small controller button on the back, front, or side of your TV. Press center to open the menu, then navigate to Channel. No WiFi, no phone, no setup - this works on every Samsung TV.
SmartThings app (5 minutes first-time setup / 10 seconds after): Download the Samsung SmartThings app on your iPhone or Android. Connect to the same WiFi as your TV. Tap your TV card, select Remote, and start browsing channels from your phone.
Bixby voice command (3 seconds - if pre-configured): Say "Hi Bixby, channel up" or "Hi Bixby, go to channel 5." This only works if Voice Wake-up was already enabled before you lost the remote.
Quick prerequisite check:
Physical buttons: No requirements at all. Works on every Samsung TV ever made.
SmartThings app: Requires WiFi network + smartphone (iOS 15+ or Android 10+).
Voice control: Requires internet connection + Bixby or Alexa previously set up.
If you lost your Samsung TV remote and need to act fast, start with the physical button - it's the only method that works without any prior setup or equipment. The detailed instructions for locating that button on your specific model are in Method 1 below.
Can't change channels using any of these? Skip straight to our Troubleshooting section - we've covered every common failure scenario.
Here's something no other guide mentions: not every Samsung TV supports every control method. SmartThings remote functionality works on 2016 and newer Smart TVs. Bixby voice control started on 2018 models. The 2025 Mobile Remote feature requires a 2025 model specifically. If you try a method your TV doesn't support, you'll waste time and get frustrated.
Before trying each method, take 60 seconds to identify your TV's model year. This tells you exactly which methods will work.
Three ways to find your Samsung TV model number:
Check the label on the back panel. Every Samsung TV has a sticker on the rear with the full model number. You don't need the remote for this - just look at the back of the TV.
Navigate to Settings > Support > About This TV using the physical buttons (covered in Method 1). This displays model info on-screen.
Check your original purchase receipt or the product box if you still have them.
To find Samsung TV model number including the full decoding guide, we have a dedicated walkthrough.
Decode the model year from the letter in your model number:
Samsung uses a letter code to indicate the manufacturing year: R = 2019, T = 2020, A = 2021, B = 2022, C = 2023, D = 2024, E = 2025. So a model like QN55Q60CAFXZA is a 2023 ("C") QLED.
Samsung TV method compatibility by generation:
TV Generation | Physical Buttons | SmartThings App | Bixby Voice | HDMI-CEC (Anynet+) | Universal Remote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pre-2016 | ✅ (side/bottom buttons) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (if HDMI equipped) | ✅ |
2016–2017 | ✅ | ✅ (basic) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
2018–2019 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
2020–2024 | ✅ | ✅ (full remote) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
2025+ | ✅ | ✅ + Mobile Remote | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Keep in mind that firmware updates occasionally add features to older TVs. It's worth keeping Samsung TV updated to ensure you have access to the latest remote control options.
This is the fastest, most reliable method to change channels on a Samsung TV without a remote. Every Samsung TV has a physical controller button - no WiFi, no smartphone, no setup. It works even during internet outages and power resets.
The catch? Finding the button. Samsung has placed the controller in four different locations over the years, and it's deliberately small and discreet. Most people walk right past it.
The controller button's location depends on your TV model. Here are the four locations, ordered from most to least common on recent models:
Location 1: Back of the TV, bottom-right corner. This is the most common placement on 2018 and newer models (QLED, Neo QLED, Crystal UHD). The button is a small joystick-style nub. Run your fingers along the bottom-right edge of the TV's back panel - you'll feel it protruding slightly.
Location 2: Bottom-center, under the front panel. Some Crystal UHD and older models place the controller here. Look directly below the Samsung logo on the front bezel. On some TVs, this is a five-button array; on others, it's a single button.
Location 3: Side of the TV, under the front panel. Certain 2018 models and some budget-tier TVs use this placement. Check the right side of the TV, near the bottom edge.
Location 4: Bottom-right bezel. A handful of newer slim-design models tuck the controller into the bottom-right corner of the screen bezel itself.
Pro tip: Look for the small red standby LED. This tiny light (visible when the TV is off but plugged in) sits near the controller button on almost every Samsung TV. In a dark room, that red dot pinpoints exactly where to reach.
For multi-directional joystick controllers (most 2018+ models):
Press the center button once to turn on the TV (or long-press if the TV is off).
Press the center button again to bring up the on-screen control menu.
Navigate up or down to highlight the Channel option.
Press up to go to the next channel, or down to go to the previous channel.
Left and right tilts adjust volume.
For single-button controllers (some budget models and side-mount designs):
Short-press the button to cycle between on-screen options: Power → Volume → Channel → Source → Menu.
When "Channel" is highlighted, long-press to select it.
Short-press to cycle through channels one at a time.
Long-press to exit back to the option menu.
Once you've accessed the on-screen menu via the controller button, you can also navigate to Samsung TV picture settings to adjust brightness, contrast, or picture mode - all without the remote.
The controller handles basics well: power, volume, channel changes, source switching, and menu access. Where it struggles is text entry (like searching for apps or entering WiFi passwords). For initial TV setup using only buttons, our guide on how to set up Samsung TV without remote covers workarounds for those limitations.
If your physical buttons aren't responding at all, the 60-second power reset (unplug from wall, wait a full minute, plug back in) fixes most unresponsive button issues. For persistent problems, our Samsung TV troubleshooting guide walks through deeper diagnostics.
If the physical button works for emergencies, SmartThings is the long-term solution. Once configured, your phone becomes a full-featured virtual remote - channel controls, volume, source switching, app launching, keyboard input, and even voice search.
The SmartThings app is free, works on both iPhone and Android, and turns your phone into a more capable remote than the one you lost. The setup process takes about 3–5 minutes.
Before you begin, confirm these requirements:
Samsung Smart TV (2016 or newer model)
Smartphone with SmartThings app installed (iOS 15+ or Android 10+ with 3GB+ RAM)
TV and phone connected to the same WiFi network
Free Samsung account (create one at account.samsung.com if you don't have one)
TV powered ON
If your home WiFi is down, you can connect Samsung TV mobile hotspot from a second phone to establish the network connection SmartThings needs. For a more permanent alternative, consider setting up a wired internet for Samsung TV to avoid future WiFi-related issues.
Download the SmartThings app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Open the app and sign in to your Samsung account (or create one - it's free).
Tap the Devices tab at the bottom of the screen.
Tap the "+" icon in the upper-right corner, then select Add Device.
Under Samsung devices, tap Add, then select TV.
The app scans for nearby Samsung TVs. Make sure your TV is on and both devices share the same WiFi network.
Select your TV from the discovered list.
Complete the pairing:
Pre-2020 models: A PIN code appears on your TV screen. Enter it in the app.
2020–2024 models: A confirmation prompt appears on the TV. Use the physical button to press OK.
2025 models: A QR code displays on the TV during initial setup. Scan it with your phone's camera.
Name your TV and assign it to a room (e.g., "Living Room TV"). Tap Done.
Once connected, open the SmartThings app, tap the Devices tab, select your TV, and tap Remote in the bottom-right corner. You now have access to:
Channel up/down and direct number entry
Volume controls (or use your phone's physical volume buttons)
Source/input switching
Navigation pad for browsing menus
Keyboard input for searching apps and entering text
App launcher to open Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming services directly
On 2025 Samsung Smart TVs, the Mobile Remote feature adds an extra convenience layer. When your phone is near the TV, a remote control notification appears on your lock screen or notification panel - no need to open the app first.
TV not appearing in the device list? Verify both devices are on the same WiFi network. Restart the SmartThings app. If it still doesn't show, unplug the TV for 60 seconds, plug it back in, and try again.
Connection drops frequently? Check your router's stability. Try moving closer to the router, or update Samsung TV to latest firmware - connectivity fixes are common in updates.
PIN not displaying on the TV screen? This only applies to pre-2020 models. Try power cycling the TV (unplug for 60 seconds). If the issue persists, re-sign into your Samsung account on both devices.
"Cannot connect" error? Delete the TV from SmartThings, restart both the app and the TV, then re-add the TV from scratch.
Voice control sounds ideal - just say what you want, and the TV obeys. But there's an important limitation to acknowledge upfront: if you haven't set up voice control before losing your remote, you can't activate it hands-free without first using another method (physical buttons or SmartThings) to enable it in Settings.
That said, if Bixby Voice Wake-up was already enabled, you can change channels by simply speaking. And if you have an Amazon Echo device linked to your Samsung TV through SmartThings, Alexa can control your TV independently.
Key limitation: Bixby's "Hi Bixby" hands-free activation (Voice Wake-up) must be pre-enabled. On 2019–2025 Smart TVs, this setting lives under Settings > General (or Advanced Features on 2025 models) > Voice > Voice Wake-up. If it wasn't turned on before you lost the remote, you'll need to enable it through physical buttons or the SmartThings app first.
Once Voice Wake-up is active, say "Hi Bixby" from within about 1.5–3 meters of the TV. The Bixby icon appears at the bottom of the screen, indicating it's listening.
Bixby channel commands:
"Channel up" / "Channel down"
"Go to channel 7" (or any number)
"Change to CNN" (channel names work on many providers)
"What channel is this?"
"Open channel list"
"Search for cooking shows"
For a complete list of voice commands including Samsung voice control setup options, our dedicated guide covers every available command category.
Alexa works differently from Bixby - it runs through an external Echo device rather than the TV's built-in microphone. This means you can control your Samsung TV by voice even without the remote, as long as:
Your Samsung TV is registered in the SmartThings app.
The SmartThings skill is enabled in the Amazon Alexa app (Skills & Games > search "SmartThings" > Enable).
You've run "Alexa, discover devices" to find your TV.
Your TV has a recognizable name in SmartThings (like "Living Room TV").
Alexa channel commands:
"Alexa, channel up on Living Room TV"
"Alexa, tune to channel 5 on Living Room TV"
"Alexa, change the channel on Samsung TV"
"Alexa, mute Living Room TV"
"Alexa, set the volume of Living Room TV to 25"
If Alexa can't discover your Samsung TV, our guide on how to fix Alexa on Samsung TV covers the most common SmartThings skill and discovery issues.
Important: As of March 1, 2024, Google Assistant is no longer available on Samsung TVs. Samsung officially removed the integration, so if you previously used "OK Google" commands with your Samsung TV, you'll need to switch to Bixby or Alexa. This change was confirmed on Samsung's official support page.
Command | Bixby (Built-in) | Alexa (via Echo) |
|---|---|---|
Channel up/down | "Channel up" | "Alexa, channel up on [TV name]" |
Go to specific channel | "Go to channel 5" | "Alexa, tune to channel 5 on [TV name]" |
Volume up/down | "Volume up" / "Volume 25" | "Alexa, volume up on [TV name]" |
Mute/unmute | "Mute" | "Alexa, mute [TV name]" |
Power on/off | "Turn off the TV" | "Alexa, turn off [TV name]" |
Open app | "Open Netflix" | "Alexa, open Netflix on [TV name]" |
Change input | "Switch to HDMI 1" | "Alexa, set input to HDMI 1 on [TV name]" |
Bixby voice commands can also adjust audio parameters. Our guide to Samsung TV sound settings explains the full range of audio adjustments available through voice and menu navigation.
Universal remotes are the best no-WiFi alternative when your Samsung remote is gone for good. A basic IR universal remote costs $8–$15 at any electronics store, works with every Samsung TV model regardless of age, and requires no internet connection.
Most universal remotes require a 4-digit or 5-digit code to pair with your TV. Here are the most commonly successful Samsung TV codes:
4-digit codes (try in this order): 0101, 0060, 0019, 0056, 0702, 0178
5-digit codes: 10812, 10702, 11060, 10178, 12051
Codes by universal remote brand:
Remote Brand | Samsung TV Codes |
|---|---|
GE | 0101, 0060, 0019, 0056, 0178 |
RCA | 10812, 10702, 11060, 10178 |
Philips | 0101, 0060, 0019, 0056 |
One For All | 0101, 0060, 0019, 0587 |
Spectrum | 10812, 10060, 11060, 10178 |
Xfinity | 10812, 10060, 11060, 10178, 12051 |
DIRECTV | 10812, 10702, 11060, 10178, 12051 |
For the full list of GE remote codes for Samsung TV including every compatible 4-digit and 5-digit code organized by TV model year, check our dedicated reference.
Turn on your Samsung TV using the physical controller button.
Press and hold the Setup button on the universal remote until the indicator LED stays lit (about 3 seconds).
Press the TV button on the universal remote.
Enter a Samsung code from the table above using the number pad.
Test the remote: Try the Power button. If the TV turns off, the code worked.
If it didn't work, repeat steps 2–5 with the next code in the list.
If none of the listed codes work, most universal remotes have an automatic code search:
Turn on your Samsung TV.
Press and hold Setup until the LED stays lit.
Press the TV button.
Enter 911 (the auto-search trigger on most remotes).
Press and release the Power button repeatedly - the remote cycles through codes, sending each one to the TV.
When the TV turns off, immediately press Setup to lock in that code.
Samsung Smart TVs (2016 and newer) have a built-in universal remote setup that pairs your TV with cable boxes, Blu-ray players, and other devices. Navigate to Connected Devices > Universal Remote > Start and follow the on-screen prompts. The menu location varies by model year:
2023–2025: Connected Devices → Universal Remote
2016–2022: Home → Source → Universal Remote
If you're using a cable provider remote, we have specific guides for how to pair Xfinity remote Samsung TV, sync Dish remote to Samsung TV, and program DirecTV remote Samsung TV. For a general walkthrough on any universal remote brand, see our guide on how to program universal remote Samsung TV.
Already have a Roku, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, PlayStation, or cable box connected to your Samsung TV? You might already have a working remote and not realize it. HDMI-CEC - Samsung calls it Anynet+ - lets HDMI-connected devices communicate with each other. That means your streaming device's remote or your game console controller can change your TV's volume, switch inputs, and even power the TV on and off.
HDMI-CEC is a communication protocol built into HDMI cables. When enabled, it allows:
One Touch Play: Your streaming device turns on the TV automatically when activated.
System Standby: Turning off one device powers down all connected CEC devices.
System Audio Control: Your TV remote (or streaming device remote) controls soundbar volume.
Tuner Control: Some devices can tune the TV's channels through CEC pass-through.
Samsung's Anynet+ supports up to 12 CEC-compliant devices simultaneously (up to 3 of the same type).
The setting path varies by TV model year. You'll need to access your TV's Settings menu first - use the physical controller button or SmartThings if the remote is unavailable.
2025 models: Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)
2023–2024 models: Settings > All Settings > Connection > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)
2022 models: Settings > General & Privacy > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)
2017–2021 models: Settings > General > External Device Manager > Anynet+
2016 models: Settings > System > Expert Settings > Anynet+
Toggle Anynet+ to On. Then turn on any HDMI-connected device - it should automatically link with the TV within about 2 minutes.
Most modern HDMI devices support CEC, including:
Streaming devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV
Cable/satellite boxes: Spectrum, Xfinity, DIRECTV, Dish Network
Game consoles: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Blu-ray/DVD players: Most models from 2010 onward
If your Fire TV Stick isn't controlling the TV through CEC, our guide on Firestick not working Samsung TV covers HDMI handshake issues and resolution steps. For Roku-specific pairing, see how to sync Roku remote to Samsung TV. Fire TV remote pairing is covered in sync Firestick remote Samsung TV.
If CEC devices aren't communicating despite Anynet+ being enabled, try swapping the HDMI cable, using a different HDMI port, or power cycling both devices. For persistent issues, our guide on how to reset HDMI ports Samsung TV walks through the full reset procedure.
SmartThings is the best phone-as-remote option for Samsung TVs, but it's not the only one. Third-party apps can be useful if SmartThings isn't cooperating, if you're using an older TV that SmartThings doesn't support, or if your phone has a built-in IR blaster.
Some Android phones include built-in IR blasters - the same technology traditional remotes use. If your phone has one, it can control any TV (including non-Smart TVs) without WiFi.
Phones with IR blasters: Xiaomi (most models), Huawei (select models), some older Samsung Galaxy phones (S6 era), select LG models.
Recommended IR remote apps:
Mi Remote (pre-installed on Xiaomi phones)
Sure Universal Remote (available on Google Play)
Peel Smart Remote (supports many phone brands)
These work similarly to SmartThings - they connect over your WiFi network to control Samsung Smart TVs.
BoostVision Universal Remote (free with ads, $35 for pro - on Google Play and App Store)
AnyMote (supports Samsung Smart TVs via WiFi)
Feature | IR Blaster Apps | WiFi-Based Apps |
|---|---|---|
Requires WiFi | No | Yes |
Works with non-Smart TVs | Yes | No |
Phone hardware needed | IR blaster required | Any smartphone |
Setup difficulty | Easy - point and use | Medium - WiFi pairing |
Typical cost | Free | Free (with ads) to $35 |
Full functionality | Basic (power, vol, channel) | Full smart remote |
Our recommendation: SmartThings remains the best free option for Smart TVs. IR blaster apps are excellent for non-Smart Samsung TVs or as a backup when WiFi is down - if your phone supports it.
This section serves as a quick-reference chart for finding the physical controller button on your specific Samsung TV. After examining button placement across multiple Samsung TV generations, the pattern is consistent within model families but varies enough between years to cause confusion.
Model Year | TV Series | Button Location | Button Type |
|---|---|---|---|
2025–2026 | QN/S Series, Crystal UHD, The Frame | Back panel, bottom-center or bottom-right | Single joystick |
2023–2024 | QN/S/CU/DU Series | Back panel, bottom-right corner | Single joystick |
2022 | QN/S/BU Series | Back panel, bottom-right corner | Single joystick |
2020–2021 | Q/TU/AU Series | Back panel, bottom-right; Crystal UHD some bottom-center | Single joystick |
2018–2019 | Q/NU/RU Series | Three possible: back bottom-right (most common), front center (5-button or single-button), side under panel | Joystick or multi-button |
Pre-2018 | Various | Side buttons or bottom bezel | Dedicated buttons (channel, volume, menu, power) |
The red light trick: When your TV is off but plugged in, the small red standby LED glows near the controller button. In a dark room, this is the fastest way to locate the button - just look for the tiny red dot.
Regional variation note: Button placement can occasionally vary between regions and submodels. If the button isn't where the chart indicates, check all four locations (back bottom-right, front center, side panel, bottom bezel) before concluding it's not there.
While you're looking at the back of your TV to find the controller, you'll also spot the Samsung TV power cord location - useful if you need to perform a full power reset. If your TV gets stuck during initial setup while using only buttons, our guide on Samsung TV stuck on setup screen covers workarounds.
With nine methods available, picking the right one depends on what you have available right now and what you need long-term.
Method | Setup Time | Difficulty | Requires WiFi | Full Functionality | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Physical Buttons | 0 min | Easy | No | Basic (vol, channel, source, menu) | Immediate emergency use | Free |
SmartThings App | 3–5 min | Easy | Yes | Full remote + keyboard + voice | Permanent daily use | Free |
Bixby Voice | 0 min (if pre-set) | Easy | Yes | Full commands | Hands-free control | Free |
Alexa (via Echo) | 10–15 min | Medium | Yes | Basic voice commands | Smart home users | Echo device needed |
Universal Remote | 5–10 min | Medium | No | Full IR control | No-WiFi households | $8–$25 |
HDMI-CEC (Anynet+) | 5 min | Medium | No | Partial (depends on source device) | Users with streaming/cable devices | Free |
Third-Party Apps (WiFi) | 5 min | Easy | Yes | Full smart remote | SmartThings alternative | Free–$35 |
Third-Party Apps (IR) | 2 min | Easy | No | Basic IR control | Phones with IR blasters | Free |
"I need to change the channel right now." → Physical buttons. Zero setup, works on every TV.
"I want a permanent free solution." → SmartThings app. The most capable free option.
"My TV isn't connected to WiFi." → Universal remote ($8–$15) or physical buttons.
"I have a Roku/Fire Stick/cable box already connected." → HDMI-CEC (Anynet+). Use your existing device's remote.
"I want hands-free channel control." → Bixby or Alexa voice commands.
"I have a non-Smart Samsung TV." → Universal remote or IR blaster app (if your phone supports it).
While the methods above work well, some people just want a physical remote back in their hands. Replacement options range from $8 to $50 depending on features.
Remote Type | Price Range | Features | Compatibility | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Basic IR replacement (third-party) | $8–$15 | Power, volume, channel, source, menu. No pairing needed. | All Samsung TVs | Amazon |
Bluetooth Smart replacement (third-party, with voice) | $15–$35 | Voice control, Bluetooth, streaming shortcuts, rechargeable options | 2019+ Samsung Smart TVs | Amazon |
Official Samsung replacement | $20–$50 | Full compatibility including voice, Bluetooth, Solar Cell charging | Model-specific - check samsungparts.com | samsungparts.com, Amazon |
One For All URC4810 (Samsung-specific universal) | ~$25 | Pre-programmed for Samsung TVs, no code entry, IR-based | Most Samsung TVs (no voice/Bluetooth) | Amazon, Best Buy |
Bluetooth remotes (including official Samsung replacements) require pairing. Hold the Return and Play/Pause buttons simultaneously for 3+ seconds to initiate pairing mode. The TV should detect the remote within 30 seconds.
For the complete pairing walkthrough, our guide on how to pair Samsung TV remote covers every remote type across all model years.
Which should you buy? For most people, a $10–$15 basic IR replacement handles daily use perfectly. If you want voice control and streaming shortcut buttons, spend $20–$30 on a third-party Bluetooth remote. The official Samsung remote is worth it only if you specifically need Solar Cell charging or guaranteed firmware-level compatibility.
Zero competitors address this, and it's the section you'll need most. When the first method you try doesn't work, these method-specific troubleshooting steps will get you back on track.
Verify you're pressing in the correct location. Refer to the model-year button chart above. The button is small and easy to miss.
Perform a 60-second power reset. Unplug the TV from the wall outlet (not just the power strip). Wait a full 60 seconds. Plug it back in. This clears temporary firmware glitches that can freeze the controller button.
Clean the button area. Dust and debris can obstruct single-button controllers, especially on back-panel placements. Wipe gently with a dry cloth.
If completely unresponsive after a power reset, the controller hardware may have failed. Contact Samsung Support at 1-800-SAMSUNG for service options.
If your TV screen is completely frozen and won't respond to any input, our guide on how to restart frozen Samsung TV walks through the full power reset and recovery procedure.
Verify both devices share the same WiFi network. This is the #1 connection failure - check your phone's WiFi settings and your TV's network settings match.
Force-close and restart the SmartThings app.
Power cycle the TV (unplug 60 seconds, plug back in).
Sign out and re-sign into your Samsung account on both the SmartThings app and the TV.
For pre-2020 TVs: If the PIN doesn't display, try a power cycle. The PIN prompt only appears during the initial pairing process.
Check your internet connection. Bixby and Alexa both require an active internet connection.
Verify Bixby is the active voice assistant: Settings > General (or Advanced Features) > Voice > Voice Assistant > Bixby.
Confirm Voice Wake-up is ON: Settings > General > Voice > Voice Wake-up. If it's off, you need another method to turn it on first.
Stay within range. Remote microphone works within 1.5 meters. Far-field microphone (on the TV itself) works within 2–3 meters.
Try a different code from the list. The first code doesn't always work - cycle through all available Samsung codes.
Check line-of-sight. IR remotes require a clear path between the remote and the TV's IR sensor (usually near the bottom-center of the screen).
Replace the remote batteries. Weak batteries are a surprisingly common cause of failed code entry.
Use the auto-search method if manual codes aren't working.
Confirm Anynet+ is enabled in your TV's settings.
Try a different HDMI cable. Not all cables support CEC properly.
Power cycle both the TV and the connected device.
Verify the connected device supports CEC. Not all HDMI devices do.
For channel-specific issues where the TV responds to controls but channels won't switch properly, our guide on Samsung TV channels not working and Samsung TV won't change channels cover signal, tuner, and antenna troubleshooting.
If your CEC device shows a blank screen instead of content, see our guide on how to fix no signal on Samsung TV. For general slowness in the TV interface or SmartThings app, our guide on why your Samsung TV so slow explains common causes and fixes.
If your physical buttons are completely unresponsive after a 60-second power reset, and SmartThings can't detect the TV on any network, the TV may need professional service. Contact Samsung Support at 1-800-SAMSUNG or visit samsung.com/us/support for live chat options.
Once you've regained control of your TV, spend five minutes setting up a backup plan so you never get stuck again.
Set up SmartThings as a backup right now. Even if you get a new physical remote, configure SmartThings so it's ready the next time. The setup takes 3 minutes and gives you a permanent backup on the phone you always carry.
Designate a "remote home." A small basket, tray, or designated spot on the coffee table. Sounds simple, but consistent placement prevents 90% of lost-remote incidents.
Use SmartThings Find (2020+ Solar Cell Remotes). Samsung's Solar Cell remotes support Bluetooth tracking through SmartThings Find. If the remote is within Bluetooth range, you can make it beep.
Attach a Bluetooth tracker. A Tile Sticker or an AirTag in an adhesive holder attaches directly to the remote. When it goes missing, ring it from your phone.
Keep spare batteries on hand. For standard remotes, dead batteries account for a large percentage of "lost remote" panics. Solar Cell remotes need regular light exposure to stay charged - don't store them in a drawer.
Yes. Every Samsung TV has a physical controller button that lets you change channels without any remote or external device. The button is located on the back (bottom-right), front (center), or side of your TV. Press the center button to open the on-screen menu, navigate to the channel option, then press up or down to switch channels. No WiFi, no phone, and no setup required.
Download the Samsung SmartThings app on your iPhone or Android, sign in to your Samsung account, tap the Devices tab, press the "+" icon, and select TV under Samsung devices. Choose your TV from the discovered list - both devices must be on the same WiFi network. Once connected, tap your TV card and select Remote to access full channel, volume, and navigation controls.
For Samsung TV owners who also want to manage their channel lineup, our Samsung TV channel guide explains how to program and organize channels.
No. The Samsung SmartThings app requires both your phone and Samsung TV to be connected to the same WiFi network. Without WiFi, SmartThings cannot discover or communicate with your TV. For a WiFi-free solution, use the physical controller button on your TV or program a universal remote - both work without any network connection.
Any Samsung IR remote can control basic functions (power, volume, channels) on any Samsung TV. However, Smart Remote features like voice control and Bluetooth require matching compatibility - a 2019 Smart Remote won't unlock voice features on a 2017 TV. Third-party IR replacement remotes ($8–$15 on Amazon) work with most Samsung TVs for basic operations without any pairing.
Setting up a new Samsung TV without a remote is limited but possible. Use the physical controller button to navigate the initial setup screens - it's slow but workable. For WiFi configuration, which requires text entry, the SmartThings app or a USB keyboard connected to your TV's USB port makes the process much smoother. On 2025 models, the Mobile Remote feature displays a QR code on first power-on for phone-based setup.
To open Netflix on a Samsung TV without a remote, use the SmartThings app - tap your TV card and navigate to apps. Alternatively, say "Hi Bixby, open Netflix" if voice wake-up is enabled. Physical buttons can also navigate to the Smart Hub app menu, though the process takes more clicks.
If your Samsung TV won't change channels, try these fixes in order: (1) Unplug the TV for 60 seconds and plug it back in, (2) Check if physical buttons on the back or bottom respond, (3) Verify the correct input/source is selected (antenna vs. cable vs. HDMI), (4) Re-pair your remote or try different universal remote codes, (5) Ensure antenna or cable connection is physically secure at the back of the TV.
Use the physical controller button or SmartThings app to navigate to Settings > Broadcasting (or Channel) > Auto Program (or Auto Tuning). Select your signal source (Air or Cable), and the TV will scan for available channels. The process takes 2–5 minutes.
Yes. After linking your Samsung TV through SmartThings and enabling the SmartThings skill in the Alexa app, you can say commands like "Alexa, channel up on Living Room TV" or "Alexa, tune to channel 5 on Living Room TV." Your TV, Echo device, and phone must all share the same WiFi network.
The most common 4-digit Samsung TV codes are 0101, 0060, 0019, 0056, 0702, and 0178. For 5-digit universal remotes, try 10812, 10702, 11060, 10178, or 12051. The correct code depends on your universal remote's brand - GE, RCA, Philips, and cable provider remotes each use different code sets.
Navigate to Settings using your physical controller button or SmartThings app. For 2023–2025 models: Settings > All Settings > Connection > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC). For 2017–2021 models: Settings > General > External Device Manager > Anynet+. Toggle the setting to On, then connect your HDMI device.
Losing your Samsung TV remote is frustrating, but it shouldn't leave you stranded. Of the nine methods we've covered, three stand out for different situations: physical buttons for immediate emergency use (every Samsung TV has them), the SmartThings app for the best long-term free solution (your phone is always within reach), and a universal remote for households without WiFi.
The smartest move you can make right now - whether you've found your original remote or not - is to set up the SmartThings app as a backup today. It takes 3 minutes, it's free, and the next time your remote disappears, you'll switch to your phone without missing a beat.
If you found this guide helpful, you'll want to bookmark it. Samsung TV button locations, universal remote codes, and SmartThings troubleshooting steps are the kind of information you'll need again - and this guide covers every scenario in one place.