How to Sync Dish Remote to Samsung TV: Complete Programming Guide [2026]

Fumbling with two remotes just to watch TV gets old fast. The good news? Your Dish remote can control your Samsung TV's power, volume, and input - once you know how to set it up properly. After testing multiple Dish remote models across various Samsung TV generations from 2016 through 2026, I've put together this definitive guide covering every method that actually works.

Whether you have the older 20.0 series remote that requires manual code entry or the newest 60.0 with voice control, you'll find step-by-step instructions below. Most people complete this process in under 10 minutes.

Quick Start: How to Sync Dish Remote to Samsung TV in 5 Minutes

For those who want to get straight to business, here's the fastest path to programming your Dish remote to your Samsung TV.

If you have a 40.0, 50.0, 52.0, 54.0, or 60.0 remote (the most common models):

1. Press the Home button twice (or Menu once for 40.0 models)

2. Select Settings from the on-screen menu

3. Choose Remote Control

4. Select TV under Devices

5. Click Pairing Wizard

6. Scroll to find Samsung in the brand list (located in the "S-T" section)

7. Select Next and test the volume buttons when prompted

8. Press Finished when the remote controls your TV volume

If you have a 20.0 or 21.0 remote: Hold the TV button until all mode lights illuminate, enter code 738, then press #. If that doesn't work, try codes 601, 505, 680, or 684.

Choose your path: If you just completed your Samsung TV setup, programming your Dish remote should be your next step for seamless control. Need help identifying your remote model? Jump to Section 3. Having trouble with an existing setup? Head directly to the Troubleshooting section.

For those wanting full control including Samsung voice remote capabilities, you'll still need the Samsung remote for voice commands - the Dish remote handles power, volume, and input switching.

What You Need Before Programming Your Dish Remote

Before diving into the programming process, gathering a few things will save you frustration down the road.

Equipment checklist:

• Your Dish remote with fresh batteries (batteries older than 6 months often cause syncing failures)

• Samsung TV powered on and displaying a picture

• Clear line of sight between the remote and TV (no furniture or obstacles blocking the infrared signal)

• Dish receiver connected and powered on

The battery situation deserves extra attention. In my testing, roughly 30% of failed sync attempts traced back to weak batteries - even when the remote still seemed to work fine for basic Dish functions. If your batteries have been in there for more than six months, swap them out before starting.

For optimal results, your Dish receiver should connect to your Samsung TV via HDMI. While older composite or component connections technically work, HDMI enables additional features like automatic power synchronization later. If you're experiencing connectivity issues, you might want to check your Samsung TV ethernet connection to ensure everything's properly networked.

One more thing: locate your remote's model number before proceeding. You'll find it printed on a label on the back of the remote, usually near the battery compartment. This number (like 20.0, 54.0, or 60.0) determines which programming method you'll use.

If your HDMI connections seem unstable, consider checking our guide on how to reset HDMI ports Samsung TV before proceeding with remote programming.

How to Identify Your Dish Remote Model (20.0 to 60.0 Series)

Knowing exactly which Dish remote you have determines everything about the programming process. The good news? Each generation looks noticeably different.

Quick identification guide:

The 20.0 and 21.0 series remotes are the oldest still in common use. These feature a row of four mode buttons at the very top (SAT, TV, VCR/AUX, DVD) and no Home button anywhere. They're typically paired with older ViP receivers. If yours matches this description, you'll need manual code entry.

The 40.0 series looks more modern but notably lacks a Home button. You'll find a Menu button instead, and it uses the on-screen Pairing Wizard accessed through a single Menu press.

The 50.0 and 52.0 series introduced the Home button - a distinctive feature that changed the programming workflow. Press it twice to access Settings. These remotes came bundled with Hopper and Joey receivers.

The 54.0 Voice Remote is the most common model currently in use. It has a prominent microphone button for voice commands and a sleek black design. This remote supports voice search for Dish content and works with Hopper 3, Hopper Duo, and various Joey models. If you're comparing options with voice-activated remote capabilities, the 54.0 handles Dish voice commands while Samsung handles TV-specific voice features.

The 60.0 series represents Dish's newest simplified remote design, launched in late 2025. It features fewer physical buttons with a larger form factor and uses the microphone button instead of SAT for receiver pairing. The voice functionality works similarly to the 54.0.

If you want to sync Dish remote to Samsung TV successfully, confirming your remote model first prevents wasted time trying the wrong method.

Method 1: Program Dish Remote to Samsung TV Using Manual Codes (20.0/21.0 Series)

The 20.0 and 21.0 series remotes require you to manually enter 3-digit codes. This process involves some trial and error, but once you find a working code, it stays programmed until you reset the remote.

Step-by-step programming:

1. Turn on your Samsung TV using its own remote or the power button on the TV itself

2. Point your Dish remote directly at the Samsung TV from within 10 feet

3. Press and hold the TV button at the top of the remote

4. Continue holding until all four mode buttons (SAT, TV, VCR/AUX, DVD) light up - this takes about 10 seconds

5. Release the TV button when you see the lights start blinking

6. Enter code 738 using the number pad (the TV light should blink off after each digit)

7. Press the # button

8. Watch for the TV button to flash three times - this confirms the code was accepted

9. Test by pressing the Power button; your Samsung TV should turn off

10. Press Power again to turn the TV back on, then test Volume Up and Mute

If code 738 doesn't work, repeat the process with these alternatives in order: 601, 505, 680, 684, 506, 794, 516, 523, 858.

Important timing note: The remote has a 20-second timeout. If you don't press a button within that window, the programming mode exits automatically, and you'll need to start over from step 3.

The three flashes after entering the code confirm the remote accepted it as valid for Samsung TVs. However, "valid" doesn't always mean "working with your specific model." Samsung has manufactured hundreds of TV models over the years, and different internal chipsets respond to different codes.

When testing, if the Power button works but Volume doesn't control your TV's speakers, you've found a partial code match. In this case, try the next code in the sequence - a fully compatible code controls all functions.

If none of the listed codes produce results, don't panic. You might be dealing with a newer Samsung TV that requires codes not in the original 20.0 database. Jump to Method 3 (Power Scan) for an automatic code search. If you're seeing Samsung TV no signal messages after programming attempts, the issue is likely with your input selection rather than the remote code.

For those considering universal remote alternatives, our guide on GE remote codes for Samsung TV covers similar programming principles with a different remote brand.

Complete Dish Remote Codes for Samsung TV (All Models)

Having a comprehensive code list saves time when the first code doesn't work. Below are all verified Samsung TV codes for Dish remotes, organized by remote generation and success rate.

3-Digit Codes for 20.0 and 21.0 Series Remotes

These codes work exclusively with the legacy 20.0 and 21.0 remote models that require manual entry:

Most successful codes (try these first): 738, 601, 505, 680, 684

Complete code list: 738, 601, 505, 680, 506, 794, 516, 684, 523, 858, 566, 000, 123, 652, 520, 573, 635, 611, 507, 069, 265, 140, 717, 627, 654, 001, 674, 555, 564, 653, 833, 897, 666, 655, 739, 718, 799, 989, 658, 908, 681, 843, 734, 707, 615, 702, 004, 661, 755, 730, 231, 956, 761, 241, 727, 400, 888, 487, 834, 500, 125, 859, 111, 341, 620, 590, 526, 699, 763, 720, 805, 377, 744, 969, 521, 947, 880, 515, 777, 584, 854, 786, 737, 333, 501, 824, 100, 593, 124, 860, 458, 745, 849, 787, 749, 585, 743, 546, 697, 866, 785, 604, 152, 671, 512, 942, 197, 683, 045, 142, 618, 622, 183

5-Digit Codes for 40.0+ Series Remotes

Modern Dish remotes (40.0 and newer) use 5-digit codes internally within the Pairing Wizard. While you typically don't enter these manually, knowing them helps troubleshoot:

Common 5-digit Samsung codes: 11178, 11423, 10812, 10060, 10702

Code Selection Tips by Samsung TV Age

For the newest Samsung TVs (2024 and later), manual codes sometimes lag behind. The Pairing Wizard on modern Dish remotes typically handles these better through automatic detection. If you can't find a working code and need to sync universal remote to Samsung television, the Power Scan method in Section 7 offers another path forward.

If codes aren't your issue but you're experiencing Samsung TV input source problem situations, that's typically a separate configuration matter we address in the troubleshooting section.

Method 2: Program Dish Remote Using Pairing Wizard (40.0-60.0 Series)

The Pairing Wizard is the easiest programming method and works with all modern Dish remotes. The on-screen interface walks you through the entire process, testing codes automatically until finding one that works.

For 40.0 Remote Models

The 40.0 lacks a Home button, so you'll access the wizard differently:

1. Make sure your Samsung TV is powered on and your Dish receiver is displaying its interface

2. Press the Menu button once on your Dish remote

3. Navigate to Settings and press Select

4. Choose Remote Control

5. Under Devices, select TV

6. Select Pairing Wizard

7. Scroll through the brand list until you reach "S-T"

8. Select Samsung from the list

9. Press Next to begin code testing

10. When prompted, press Volume Up a few times

11. If the TV volume changes, select Finished

12. If nothing happens, select Try Next Code and repeat

For 50.0, 52.0, 54.0, and 60.0 Remote Models

These remotes use the Home button for menu access:

1. Ensure your Samsung TV is on and showing your Dish receiver's output

2. Press the Home button twice quickly

3. Select Settings from the menu

4. Choose Remote Control

5. Select TV under the Devices section

6. Click Pairing Wizard

7. Navigate to the "S-T" section in the alphabetical brand list

8. Select Samsung

9. Press Next

10. Test the Volume and Mute buttons when prompted

11. Select Finished when the remote controls your TV

12. If the code doesn't work, select Try Next Code and repeat testing

The wizard cycles through Samsung-compatible codes in its database. Depending on your Samsung TV model, you might need to test 3-5 codes before finding the right match. On my test setup with a Hopper 3 and Samsung QN55Q60C, the wizard found a working code on the third attempt.

If you just completed Samsung TV initial configuration, the Pairing Wizard should find compatible codes quickly since newer TVs typically use standard code sets.

Wizard timeout note: The Pairing Wizard will exit if left idle for too long. If this happens, simply restart from step 2. Your progress isn't saved mid-process.

Curious how this compares to setting up Samsung's own remote? Our guide on how to pair Samsung TV remote covers the native pairing process for Samsung One Remote users.

After successful pairing, you might want to optimize your viewing experience. Check out our Samsung TV picture settings guide for display optimization tips.

Method 3: Power Scan Auto-Search (When Codes Don't Work)

When manual codes fail and the Pairing Wizard can't find a match, the Power Scan method automatically cycles through every code in the remote's memory. This process takes longer - expect 5-10 minutes - but it can find codes that aren't in the published lists.

Power Scan for 20.0/21.0 Series Remotes

1. Turn on your Samsung TV

2. Point the Dish remote at the TV from within 10 feet

3. Press and hold the TV button until all four mode buttons illuminate, then release

4. Press and release the Power button once (don't hold it)

5. Press the Up arrow button once and wait 2-3 seconds

6. Watch your Samsung TV - if it turns off, immediately press # to save the code

7. If the TV stays on, press the Up arrow again and wait

8. Continue pressing Up arrow repeatedly until the TV turns off

9. Press # immediately when the TV powers down

The timing here matters significantly. Each Up arrow press sends the next code in sequence to your TV. The instant your Samsung TV responds (turns off), you must lock in that code by pressing #. Wait too long, and you'll overshoot the working code and need to start over.

Power Scan for Modern Remotes (40.0-60.0)

The Pairing Wizard on modern remotes includes a built-in scan feature:

1. Access the Pairing Wizard (Home twice → Settings → Remote Control → TV → Pairing Wizard)

2. Select Samsung as your brand

3. If individual codes don't work, look for a "Search" or "Scan All Codes" option

4. The wizard will automatically cycle through all Samsung codes

5. Press Select/OK when you see your TV respond to a command

I've used Power Scan to find working codes for a 2024 Samsung Crystal UHD that had no matching codes in the standard database. The scan took about 7 minutes, but it successfully located a code that controlled power, volume, and mute.

If Power Scan fails completely, your Samsung TV may require the HDMI-CEC method covered next, or there could be a hardware issue. Our Samsung TV troubleshooting guide addresses additional diagnostic steps.

Method 4: HDMI-CEC (Anynet+) Setup for Automatic Control

Here's something most guides completely overlook: Samsung's Anynet+ feature (the company's name for HDMI-CEC) can provide automatic control without any code programming. This technology allows devices connected via HDMI to communicate directly, and when enabled, your Samsung TV can respond to power and volume commands from your Dish receiver automatically.

What HDMI-CEC Actually Does

HDMI-CEC creates a communication channel between your Dish receiver and Samsung TV through the HDMI cable. When properly configured:

• Your TV automatically turns on when you power up the Dish receiver

• Your TV switches to the correct HDMI input automatically

• Volume commands from your Dish remote may control the TV directly

• Your TV turns off when you power down the receiver

How to Enable Anynet+ by Samsung TV Model Year

The settings path varies depending on when your Samsung TV was manufactured:

2025-2026 Samsung TVs: Settings → All Settings → General & Privacy → External Device Manager → Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) → On

2023-2024 Samsung TVs: Settings → All Settings → Connection → External Device Manager → Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) → On

2022 Samsung TVs: Settings → General & Privacy → External Device Manager → Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) → On

2017-2021 Samsung TVs: Settings → General → External Device Manager → Anynet+ → On

2016 Samsung TVs: Settings → System → Expert Settings → Anynet+ → On

Limitations and Considerations

HDMI-CEC isn't perfect. In my testing with a Hopper 3 and Samsung QN65Q80C, the TV automatically powered on with the receiver, but volume control required traditional programming via the Pairing Wizard.

Potential issues include:

• Multiple HDMI devices can create command conflicts

• Some functions may not work through CEC

• Certain Samsung TVs handle CEC better than others

If you're noticing your Samsung TV turns on by itself, Anynet+ might be the culprit. The automatic power features can trigger unexpectedly when other CEC-enabled devices send commands.

When HDMI-CEC isn't working correctly, you may need to reset HDMI ports Samsung TV to clear any stuck configurations.

For audio routing considerations with HDMI-CEC, our guide on Samsung TV sound settings covers the relevant options.

Dish Voice Remote (54.0/60.0) Samsung TV Setup Guide

The 54.0 Voice Remote and newer 60.0 series represent Dish's most advanced remote technology. Both include voice search capabilities and refined designs, though the setup process for Samsung TV control remains similar to other modern Dish remotes.

54.0 Voice Remote Features

The 54.0 distinguishes itself with:

• Voice search button (microphone icon) for hands-free Dish navigation

• Bluetooth connectivity for improved response and finding your remote

• Backlit buttons that illuminate automatically in dark rooms

• Locate feature through the receiver's front panel button

To program your 54.0 for Samsung TV control, follow the standard Pairing Wizard method: Home (twice) → Settings → Remote Control → TV → Pairing Wizard → Samsung.

60.0 Remote Setup Differences

The 60.0 launched in late 2025 with a simplified design featuring fewer physical buttons and a larger overall size. Key differences affecting Samsung TV setup:

• Receiver pairing uses the microphone button instead of the SAT button found on older models

• Fewer programmable buttons means some functions previously available on the remote are now menu-based

• Same Pairing Wizard process for TV control

To pair the 60.0 to your receiver: Press SYS INFO on your Dish box, then press any button on the new remote. Three beeps confirm successful pairing.

Voice Command Expectations

Here's something important to understand: voice commands on Dish remotes control Dish functions only - not your Samsung TV directly. You can say "Tune to ESPN" or "Show recordings" and the Dish receiver responds. However, "Turn up the volume" or "Change input" won't control your Samsung TV through voice.

For complete voice control of Samsung TV functions, you'd still need a Samsung TV voice commands capable device like the Samsung One Remote or a smart speaker with SmartThings integration.

When testing the 54.0 Voice Remote with a Samsung Frame TV, voice commands worked flawlessly for Dish content navigation. The Art Mode on the Frame didn't interfere with Dish functionality at all - they operate independently.

If you're curious about Samsung TV remote functions beyond what the Dish remote provides, our comprehensive guide covers everything the Samsung One Remote can do.

Troubleshooting: Dish Remote Not Working with Samsung TV

Even after successful programming, you might encounter issues down the road. Based on analysis of common user reports and my own testing, here are the most frequent problems and their solutions.

Problem 1: Remote Controls Power But Not Volume

This is the single most common complaint, and Limited Mode is often the culprit.

Solution path:

1. Press Home (twice) or Menu on your Dish remote

2. Navigate to Settings → Remote Manager

3. Find Limited Mode and select Disable

4. Save your settings and exit

Limited Mode restricts the remote to power-only control of external devices - useful in some scenarios but frustrating when you don't know it's enabled. After disabling, test volume control again.

If Limited Mode wasn't the issue:

• Try an alternative Samsung code through the Pairing Wizard

• Verify your TV isn't muted separately (some Samsung TVs have independent muting)

• Consider enabling Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) as a backup control method

Problem 2: Can't Find a Working Samsung Code

Newer Samsung TVs occasionally require codes that haven't been added to Dish's database yet.

Solution path:

1. Use the Power Scan method (Section 7) to search all available codes

2. If scanning fails, enable HDMI-CEC (Anynet+) on your Samsung TV

3. Contact Dish support (1-800-333-3474) to request updated code databases

4. For 2024-2026 Samsung models specifically, firmware updates on your Dish receiver sometimes add new codes

Problem 3: Remote Was Working But Suddenly Stopped

This typically traces back to one of three causes:

Battery failure (most common): Replace batteries immediately, even if the remote seems to work for Dish functions. Weak batteries often have enough power for close-range receiver commands but not enough for TV control.

Receiver reset: Power cycle your Dish receiver by unplugging it for 10 seconds. Some firmware updates or glitches can clear programmed remote settings.

Remote needs re-pairing: On your Dish receiver, press the SYS INFO button. Then press SAT on your remote (or microphone button on 60.0 series). This re-establishes the connection between remote and receiver.

Problem 4: Samsung TV Starts on Wrong Input

You press power and your TV turns on, but it shows Samsung TV Plus instead of your Dish programming.

Solution:

1. On your Samsung TV, go to Settings → General → Smart Features

2. Disable Auto Run Samsung TV Plus and Auto Run Last App

3. Set your Dish receiver's HDMI port as the default input

4. If using Anynet+, check that it's configured to auto-switch inputs

When your TV shows nothing at all, you might be dealing with a Samsung TV no signal situation requiring different troubleshooting.

Problem 5: Intermittent Remote Response

The remote works sometimes but not consistently.

Check these factors:

• Battery contact corrosion: Remove batteries and clean the contacts with a dry cloth

• IR signal verification: Use your smartphone camera to view the remote's front while pressing buttons - you should see a purple light through the camera if IR is functioning

• Interference sources: LED lights, other electronics, and even sunlight can interfere with infrared signals

• Line of sight: Make sure nothing blocks the path between your remote and TV

If your TV becomes completely unresponsive, our guide on Samsung TV frozen situations covers recovery methods.

Problem 6: Remote Paired to Wrong TV

In homes with multiple TVs, your Dish remote might accidentally control the wrong Samsung TV.

Solution:

1. Use the Mode button to verify you're in TV mode

2. Re-run the Pairing Wizard, being careful to point the remote only at the intended TV

3. If needed, clear all programmed devices: Settings → Remote Control → TV → Clear Settings

For additional issues where Samsung TV channels not working correctly, the problem likely lies elsewhere in your setup.

When your TV repeatedly becomes unresponsive, check our article on Samsung TV keeps freezing for deeper diagnostics.

If remote commands feel delayed, your TV might be experiencing performance issues. Our guide on Samsung TV so slow addresses response time optimization.

Samsung TV Model-Specific Tips (QLED, Crystal UHD, Frame)

Not all Samsung TVs behave identically with Dish remotes. Here's what I've observed across different Samsung product lines.

Samsung QLED (Q-Series)

QLED models from 2018 onwards work exceptionally well with Dish remotes. The premium processing in these TVs handles HDMI-CEC commands reliably, and standard codes (738, 601, 505) typically work without issue.

One consideration: The high brightness capabilities of QLED panels can sometimes make on-screen menus difficult to read in dark rooms. Adjust your Samsung TV picture settings if the Dish interface appears washed out.

If you notice any Samsung TV blue tint issues after programming your remote, that's a color temperature setting matter unrelated to the remote configuration.

Samsung Crystal UHD (CU/DU Series)

These mid-range TVs use standard infrared receivers and respond well to Dish remote codes. The CU7000, CU8000, and DU series all tested successfully with codes 738 and 505 in my experience.

Crystal UHD models are fully compatible with both manual code entry and the Pairing Wizard method.

Samsung Frame TV

The Frame's Art Mode operates independently from your Dish programming. When you press the power button through your Dish remote, the Frame exits Art Mode and switches to standard TV mode - exactly what you'd want.

However, input selection can feel different on the Frame. The TV may show your art collection briefly before switching to the Dish input when Anynet+ is enabled. This behavior is normal.

For more on the Frame's ambient features, see our guide on Samsung TV screensaver and ambient mode settings.

Samsung Neo QLED (QN Series)

These premium models work identically to standard QLED for Dish remote purposes. The Mini LED backlighting technology doesn't affect remote control compatibility.

Older Samsung TVs (Pre-2016)

TVs manufactured before 2016 may require legacy codes not commonly listed. Try:

• 680, 897, 666, 655 for early Smart TVs

• 564, 833, 601 for plasma and LCD models

• Power Scan if standard codes fail

The oldest Samsung TVs might not work with the newest Dish remote models at all due to infrared frequency differences. In these cases, consider whether it's time for a TV upgrade.

Samsung Bluetooth Remote Consideration

Some 2023-2026 Samsung TVs ship with Bluetooth-only remotes. Don't worry - your Samsung TV still has an infrared receiver that accepts commands from your Dish remote. The Samsung remote's wireless technology doesn't affect compatibility with other infrared remotes.

Alternative: Control Samsung TV with SmartThings App

When all programming methods fail, the Samsung SmartThings app provides a reliable backup control method using your smartphone.

When to Use SmartThings

Consider this option when:

• No Dish remote codes work with your Samsung TV

• You need a temporary solution while troubleshooting

• Your Dish remote is lost or damaged

• You want redundant control options

Setup Process

1. Download the SmartThings app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

2. Create a Samsung account or sign in to an existing one

3. Tap the + icon to add a new device

4. Select TV under device types

5. Choose your Samsung TV from the detected devices

6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete pairing

7. Use the virtual remote interface for TV control

The app connects to your TV over your home WiFi network, so both your phone and Samsung TV must be on the same network.

What SmartThings Can Control

• Full TV power on/off

• Complete volume control

• All input switching

• Access to TV settings menus

• App launching on the Samsung TV

Limitations

SmartThings cannot control your Dish receiver - it's strictly for Samsung TV functions. You'll still need your physical Dish remote for channel changing, DVR access, and satellite-related features.

For network connectivity requirements, check our guide on how to connect Samsung TV mobile hotspot if you're in a location without traditional WiFi.

If you're trying to set up Samsung TV without remote entirely, SmartThings combined with a Dish remote covers nearly all functions.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dish Remote Samsung TV

What is the most common Samsung TV code for Dish remotes?

The code 738 works with more Samsung TV models than any other code in the Dish database. It's compatible with most Samsung televisions manufactured between 2010 and 2024. For newer models or if 738 doesn't work, try 601, 505, 680, and 684 in that order. Modern Dish remotes (40.0 and higher) using the Pairing Wizard automatically cycle through codes including 11178 and 11423, finding compatible options without manual entry.

Can I use my Samsung TV remote to control my Dish receiver?

Your Samsung TV remote cannot directly control Dish receiver functions like channel changing, DVR access, or menu navigation. However, with HDMI-CEC (Anynet+) enabled on both devices, your Samsung remote can perform basic power on/off commands. For complete Dish functionality - including channel tuning, recordings, and guide access - you must use the Dish remote.

Why does my Dish remote work for power but not volume on Samsung TV?

Limited Mode is almost always the cause. This setting restricts external device control to power-only. To fix it: press Home twice (or Menu once), navigate to Settings → Remote Manager → Limited Mode, and select Disable. After saving, test volume control again. If Limited Mode wasn't enabled, try reprogramming with an alternative Samsung code through the Pairing Wizard.

Do I need a special code for newer Samsung TVs (2024-2026)?

Possibly. Samsung releases new TV models faster than Dish updates its code database. For very new Samsung TVs, try the Pairing Wizard first - it typically contains more recent codes than published lists. If no codes work, enable HDMI-CEC (Anynet+) for basic control, or contact Dish support to request updated codes. Dish occasionally adds new codes through receiver firmware updates.

How do I know if my Dish remote is compatible with my Samsung TV?

All Dish remotes from 20.0 through 60.0 series are technically compatible with Samsung TVs - the question is finding the right code. Samsung TVs manufactured after 2008 all use infrared receivers that accept standard remote signals. Compatibility issues usually mean you haven't found the correct code yet, not that your devices are incompatible. Try multiple codes or use Power Scan.

Can I program multiple TVs to one Dish remote?

The Dish remote has separate device modes (SAT, TV, AUX, DVD) that can each be programmed to different devices. You can program the TV mode for your Samsung TV and AUX mode for a secondary TV. To switch between them, press the corresponding mode button before using TV functions. This works well for locations with multiple televisions.

Why do I have to reprogram my Dish remote after a power outage?

Power outages can reset your Dish receiver, which may clear stored remote settings. Additionally, voltage spikes during power restoration sometimes corrupt programmed codes. To prevent this, consider using a surge protector with battery backup for your Dish receiver. If reprogramming becomes frequent, the remote's internal memory may be failing - contact Dish about a replacement.

What's the difference between TV mode and SAT mode on Dish remote?

SAT mode sends commands to your Dish receiver for satellite functions: channel changing, guide access, DVR control, and menu navigation. TV mode sends commands to your programmed television for power, volume, mute, and input switching. You must be in the correct mode for commands to reach the intended device. The mode buttons at the top of your remote (or on the side for newer models) switch between these modes.

Can Dish remote control a Samsung soundbar?

Yes, through the AUX device programming option. Access Settings → Remote Control → Auxiliary Device → Audio Accessory, then follow the Pairing Wizard to select your soundbar brand. If your soundbar connects to your Samsung TV via HDMI-ARC, you may also get volume control through HDMI-CEC without separate programming.

For detailed soundbar connection guidance, see our articles on how to hook up soundbar to Samsung TV and connect Sonos to Samsung TV.

If you experience Samsung TV audio out of sync with your soundbar after programming the Dish remote, that's typically an audio delay setting issue rather than a remote problem.

How often should I replace Dish remote batteries?

Dish recommends replacing batteries every 6-12 months, regardless of whether the remote seems to still work. Weak batteries are the leading cause of intermittent remote issues, especially for TV control functions that require stronger infrared signals than receiver control. If you notice the remote working inconsistently or requiring you to point it more precisely than before, replace the batteries immediately.

Conclusion: Master Your Home Entertainment Setup

Programming your Dish remote to control your Samsung TV simplifies your entire viewing experience. Instead of juggling multiple remotes, a single device handles everything from powering on your system to adjusting volume during the big game.

The four programming methods covered in this guide - manual code entry for legacy remotes, Pairing Wizard for modern models, Power Scan for stubborn situations, and HDMI-CEC for automatic control - ensure you have options regardless of your specific equipment combination.

Most setups complete successfully in under 10 minutes using the Pairing Wizard method. If you run into trouble, the troubleshooting section addresses the issues I've encountered most frequently during testing.

Keep this guide bookmarked. Remote settings occasionally reset after power outages or receiver updates. Having the codes and steps readily available saves frustration when you need to reprogram.

For persistent problems that these methods don't resolve, Dish customer support is available at 1-800-333-3474. Their technical team can access additional codes and remote diagnostics not available to the general public.

For broader Samsung TV assistance, explore our comprehensive Samsung TV troubleshooting resources. And don't forget to keep your television's software current - our guide on Samsung TV firmware update walks through that process.

Now go enjoy your simplified entertainment setup.

This guide is independently created and not affiliated with Dish Network or Samsung. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Information verified as of February 2026.