The Complete Guide to Samsung TV Remote with Voice Control: Setup, Commands, Troubleshooting & Best Options [2026]

Your Samsung TV remote with voice control can transform how you interact with your television - turning spoken words into instant actions without fumbling through menus or memorizing button sequences. Whether you're adjusting picture settings while cooking dinner or searching for a specific movie without typing a single character, voice control makes your TV genuinely smarter.

Quick Reference: Samsung TV Voice Control at a Glance

Here's an important update many guides miss: Google Assistant is no longer available on Samsung TVs as of March 1, 2024. Samsung discontinued this integration, leaving Bixby and Amazon Alexa as your two voice assistant options. If you're coming from a setup that previously used Google Assistant, you'll need to switch to one of these alternatives.

This guide covers everything you need to master voice control on your Samsung TV. You'll learn how to set up Bixby and Alexa, discover over 150 voice commands organized by category, troubleshoot common issues, understand the different Samsung remote types including the innovative SolarCell remote, and find the right replacement if your current remote isn't cutting it.

For those just unboxing a new television, our Samsung TV setup guide walks through the initial configuration process. Once your TV is running, voice control becomes the natural next step to unlock its full potential.

Compatible Samsung TV series include Neo QLED, QLED, Crystal UHD, OLED, The Frame, The Serif, and Samsung Smart Monitors from 2019 onward. If you encounter any issues along the way, our comprehensive Samsung TV troubleshooting resource covers solutions beyond just voice control problems.

Understanding Samsung Voice Remote Technology: How Voice Recognition Works

The microphone button on your Samsung remote does far more than simply record your voice - it initiates a sophisticated process that transforms spoken words into TV actions in roughly one to two seconds.

How Voice Commands Are Processed

When you press and hold the microphone button (or say "Hi Bixby" if Voice Wake-up is enabled), your remote captures your voice through its built-in microphone. This audio data travels via Bluetooth to your Samsung TV, which then sends it to Samsung's cloud servers for processing. The servers interpret your command using natural language processing, determine the appropriate action, and send instructions back to your TV to execute.

This cloud-based approach explains why voice control absolutely requires an active internet connection. Your commands cannot be processed offline - there's no local processing fallback. If your WiFi drops or your network becomes unstable, voice control simply won't work until connectivity is restored.

For reliable voice command performance, a stable network connection is essential. If WiFi proves unreliable, consider using a wired internet connection for your Samsung TV via ethernet cable. Alternatively, you can connect your Samsung TV to a mobile hotspot as a temporary solution.

Two Ways to Activate Voice Control

Samsung provides two distinct methods for activating voice recognition:

1. Press-and-Hold Method: Press and hold the microphone button on your remote while speaking your command, then release when finished. A blue indicator appears at the bottom of your screen showing Bixby is listening.

2. Hands-Free "Hi Bixby" or "Alexa": With Voice Wake-up enabled, simply say your wake word without touching the remote. Your TV's far-field microphone picks up your voice from across the room - effective up to approximately 20 feet in most environments.

The hands-free option requires enabling Voice Wake-up in your TV's settings (covered in the setup section below). While convenient, it does mean your TV is always listening for the wake word, which some users prefer to avoid for privacy reasons.

Bluetooth vs. Infrared: Why It Matters for Voice

Samsung Smart Remotes use Bluetooth for voice data transmission rather than traditional infrared (IR). This offers several advantages over older IR remotes.

Bluetooth doesn't require line-of-sight pointing at the TV, meaning you can speak commands while holding the remote at any angle. The connection also allows for two-way communication - your TV can send data back to the remote, enabling features like the SolarCell remote's battery level display.

If your remote loses its Bluetooth pairing, it automatically falls back to IR mode for basic functions like volume and channel control. However, voice commands won't work in IR-only mode. You'll need to re-pair the remote via Bluetooth to restore voice functionality.

Privacy Considerations

Samsung processes voice data on cloud servers to interpret commands. According to Samsung's privacy policy, voice data is encrypted during transmission and used to improve voice recognition accuracy. No voice data is permanently stored on the TV itself, and Samsung states that voice data on servers is not used for advertising purposes.

The newer AI-powered Bixby on 2025 Samsung TVs is secured by Samsung Knox, their enterprise-grade security platform. Users can access AI-driven personalized features without voice data being stored locally or on cloud servers beyond what's needed for processing.

Samsung Voice Remote Types: One Remote, SolarCell & Smart Remote Compared

Not all Samsung remotes support voice control, and understanding the differences helps you identify what you have - and what you might need to purchase separately.

Samsung Remote Comparison Table

SolarCell Remote (2021-2026)

The SolarCell Remote represents Samsung's most innovative approach to TV remotes. A solar panel on the back continuously trickle-charges the internal battery from both indoor and outdoor light sources. When faster charging is needed, a USB-C port provides quick charging using any standard phone charger.

The current model (VG-TM2560EN) is compatible with 2019-2025 Samsung TVs, excluding FHD and HD models. It incorporates 24% recycled PET materials and includes full voice control capabilities via Bluetooth. The 2025 models also feature a dedicated Vision AI button for accessing Samsung's new AI features.

Smart Remote / One Remote (2018-Present)

This is the most common voice-capable remote shipped with Samsung Smart TVs. It uses two AA batteries and connects via Bluetooth for voice commands while maintaining IR capability for basic functions.

The Smart Remote includes the microphone button essential for voice control, along with dedicated streaming service buttons (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+) and smart home integration through SmartThings.

Standard IR Remote (No Voice Control)

Here's what trips up many Samsung TV owners: budget models in the DU6000 and DU7000 series often ship with IR-only remotes that lack voice control entirely. These remotes have no microphone button and use only infrared signals.

If your remote doesn't have a microphone icon on any button, you have an IR-only remote. Voice control will require purchasing a compatible Smart Remote or SolarCell Remote separately.

Identifying Your Remote by Model Number

Samsung remote model numbers follow the BN59-xxxxx format. Common voice-enabled models include:

• BN59-01385A - Standard Smart Remote

• BN59-01432A - 2023+ Smart Remote

• BN59-01455A - Recent Smart Remote with updated design

• BN59-01357A - Older Smart Remote (still voice-capable)

• VG-TM2560EN - Current SolarCell Remote

If your model number is BN59-01199F or BN59-01315A, you have an IR-only remote without voice control.

Understanding how to use your Samsung TV remote effectively starts with knowing exactly what capabilities your specific remote offers. The Samsung TV remote with voice control unlocks features that IR-only remotes simply cannot access.

Setting Up Bixby Voice Control on Your Samsung TV: Step-by-Step Guide

Bixby is Samsung's native voice assistant and offers the deepest integration with your TV's features. While Alexa handles basics well, Bixby can access settings and functions that third-party assistants cannot.

Before You Begin: Prerequisites

Setting up Bixby requires three things:

1. Active Internet Connection - WiFi or ethernet connected and working

2. Samsung Account - You must be signed into a Samsung account on your TV

3. Compatible Remote - Smart Remote or SolarCell Remote with microphone button

If you haven't completed your Samsung TV first-time setup, do that first. The initial setup wizard typically prompts you to create or sign into a Samsung account.

Step-by-Step Bixby Setup

Step 1: Press the Home button on your remote to access the main menu.

Step 2: Navigate to Settings using the directional pad.

Step 3: Select General & Privacy (on older models, this may just be "General").

Step 4: Choose Voice from the menu options.

Step 5: Select Voice Assistant.

Step 6: Choose Bixby from the available options.

Step 7: Select OK to confirm Bixby as your voice assistant.

If prompted to sign into your Samsung account, follow the on-screen instructions. Voice control requires an active Samsung account - there's no way around this requirement.

Enabling Hands-Free "Hi Bixby" Voice Wake-Up

To activate Bixby without pressing any buttons, enable Voice Wake-up:

Step 1: Go to Settings > General & Privacy > Voice.

Step 2: Select Voice Wake-up.

Step 3: Toggle the switch to On.

Once enabled, you can say "Hi Bixby" followed by your command even when the TV is in standby mode (on supported models). This allows you to turn on your TV entirely by voice.

Customizing Bixby Voice Settings

Fine-tune Bixby's behavior through Bixby Voice Settings:

If Bixby activates accidentally from background sounds or TV audio, lower the sensitivity setting. If it's not responding reliably, try increasing sensitivity.

Verifying Successful Setup

Test your setup by pressing the microphone button and saying "Hi Bixby" or a simple command like "What time is it?" You should see:

• A blue indicator bar at the bottom of your screen showing Bixby is listening

• Your spoken command displayed as text

• Bixby's response (voice and/or on-screen)

If nothing happens or you see error messages, check that your Samsung account is signed in properly and your internet connection is stable. Our Samsung TV troubleshooting guide covers additional solutions if setup doesn't work as expected.

The 2025 AI-Powered Bixby Upgrade

Samsung rolled out a significant Bixby upgrade starting August 2025 for their 2025 TV lineup (Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame, QLED models). This enhanced version uses generative AI to understand context and follow-up questions, enabling more natural conversations.

The upgraded Bixby integrates with Vision AI and Click to Search features, allowing you to ask questions about what's on screen - identifying actors, finding recipes, or getting information about products shown in content. It also provides deeper SmartThings integration for controlling compatible smart home devices directly through your TV.

How to Set Up Amazon Alexa on Samsung TV: Complete Integration Guide

If you're already invested in the Amazon ecosystem with Echo devices or routinely use Alexa on your phone, setting up Alexa on your Samsung TV creates a unified voice control experience across all your devices.

Prerequisites for Alexa Setup

Before starting, ensure you have:

• Amazon Alexa app installed on your smartphone

• Amazon account (free to create if you don't have one)

• Samsung TV connected to internet on the same network as your phone

• TV model from 2020 or newer with built-in Alexa support

Step-by-Step Alexa Setup

Step 1: On your TV, navigate to Settings > General & Privacy > Voice > Voice Assistant.

Step 2: Select Alexa from the available voice assistants.

Step 3: Select OK to confirm.

Step 4: A QR code will appear on your TV screen.

Step 5: Open your phone's camera and scan the QR code. This opens a link to Amazon's authorization page.

Step 6: Sign into your Amazon account when prompted.

Step 7: Tap Allow to authorize the Samsung TV-Alexa connection.

Step 8: Follow any remaining on-screen instructions to complete setup.

Enabling Alexa Voice Wake-Up

Just like Bixby, you can enable hands-free activation for Alexa:

Navigate to Settings > General & Privacy > Voice > Voice Wake-up and toggle On.

With this enabled, simply say "Alexa" followed by your command. Alexa can even turn on your TV from standby mode when Voice Wake-up is active.

Bixby vs. Alexa: Which Should You Choose?

Both assistants work well for basic TV control, but they have different strengths:

Choose Bixby if: You want maximum control over TV-specific features like picture modes, sound settings, and Samsung's built-in features.

Choose Alexa if: You have existing Echo devices, use Amazon services frequently, or want to control a wide variety of smart home brands.

For extensive smart home setups, Alexa's integration allows you to connect your Sonos to Samsung TV and control it alongside your TV through voice commands.

If you encounter issues with Alexa after setup, our guide on Alexa not working on Samsung TV covers common problems and solutions.

Complete Samsung TV Voice Commands Reference: 150+ Bixby & Alexa Commands

Voice commands work best when you know exactly what to say. This comprehensive reference organizes every useful command by category, noting which assistant supports each function.

Power & Basic Controls

Volume & Audio Controls

You can adjust Samsung TV sound settings through voice commands or manually through the settings menu for more detailed audio configuration.

Channel Navigation

The Samsung TV channel guide provides a visual overview of programming, which you can access instantly through voice commands.

App Controls

For app management beyond launching, learn how to close apps on Samsung TV to free up memory and improve performance.

Media Playback Controls

Search & Discovery

Picture & Display Settings

Access Samsung TV picture settings for more detailed calibration options beyond what voice commands provide.

Smart Home / SmartThings Commands

System & Settings Commands

For dual-screen viewing experiences, Samsung TV split screen mode lets you watch two sources simultaneously, controllable entirely through voice commands.

Bixby Control Commands

Pro Tips for Better Voice Recognition

• Speak clearly at normal volume - you don't need to shout

• Wait for the blue indicator before speaking when using the microphone button

• Use natural language variations - "Make it louder," "Turn up the volume," and "Volume up" all work

• Minimize background noise when giving commands

• Position yourself within 20 feet of the TV for hands-free commands

How to Pair Your Samsung Voice Remote: Pairing, Reset & Re-Pairing Instructions

Samsung Smart Remotes pair automatically with your TV during initial setup, but connections can be lost. Here's how to restore pairing and troubleshoot connection issues.

Automatic vs. Manual Pairing

When you first power on a new Samsung TV with its included Smart Remote, pairing happens automatically - the remote finds the TV and establishes a Bluetooth connection without any input from you.

However, manual pairing becomes necessary when:

• You purchase a replacement remote

• Batteries were removed for an extended period

• Bluetooth connection was lost

• You're using the remote with a different Samsung TV

To pair your Samsung TV remote, follow the detailed steps below.

Manual Pairing Steps

Step 1: Turn on your Samsung TV.

Step 2: Point the Smart Remote at the TV's IR sensor (located on the lower right or bottom center of most models).

Step 3: Press and hold the Return and Play/Pause buttons simultaneously.

Step 4: Hold for 3 seconds or more until you see the LED on the remote blink.

Step 5: Wait for the "Pairing Complete" or "Connected" message on your TV screen.

The entire process takes about 10 seconds once you begin holding the buttons.

Resetting Your Samsung Remote

If pairing fails or the remote behaves erratically, a reset often resolves the issue:

Soft Reset: Press and hold Return + Voice (microphone) buttons simultaneously for 3+ seconds. This resets the remote's software without affecting pairing.

Hard Reset (SolarCell Remote): Press and hold Return + Enter buttons simultaneously for 10+ seconds. This performs a deeper reset.

Battery Remote Reset:

1. Remove batteries from the remote

2. Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds

3. Press every button once to discharge residual power

4. Wait 30 seconds

5. Reinsert batteries

6. Attempt pairing again

Re-Pairing After Battery Replacement

Some Samsung Smart Remotes require re-pairing after battery changes. If your remote worked before the battery swap but doesn't respond properly now:

1. Insert the new batteries correctly (check +/- orientation)

2. Point remote at the TV

3. Press and hold Return + Play/Pause for 3 seconds

4. Wait for pairing confirmation

SolarCell remotes generally maintain their pairing unless the battery completely depletes. A partial charge won't affect the Bluetooth connection.

Using One Remote with Multiple TVs

A Samsung Smart Remote can only be paired with one TV at a time. If you have multiple Samsung TVs, you'll need to manually re-pair the remote each time you switch between them.

This design prevents accidentally controlling the wrong TV but means keeping separate remotes for each Samsung TV is more practical for multi-TV households.

Troubleshooting Pairing Failures

Remote LED doesn't blink during pairing attempt:

• Check battery charge (replace if low)

• For SolarCell, charge via USB-C for 10 minutes

• Try holding buttons longer (up to 10 seconds)

TV doesn't show pairing message:

• Ensure you're pointing at the correct TV

• Move closer (within 3 feet) for initial pairing

• Power cycle the TV (unplug for 30 seconds, reconnect)

Pairing succeeds but voice control doesn't work:

• Verify TV has internet connection

• Check that Bixby or Alexa is configured as voice assistant

• Confirm Samsung account is signed in

If your Samsung TV is frozen or unresponsive, you may need to address that issue before the remote can pair successfully.

Samsung SolarCell Remote Guide: Features, Charging & Troubleshooting

The SolarCell Remote eliminates battery waste while providing full voice control functionality. Understanding how it charges and maintains power helps you avoid frustrating dead-remote situations.

How SolarCell Charging Works

The SolarCell Remote contains a rechargeable battery that charges through two methods:

Solar Panel Charging: The back of the remote features a solar panel that continuously trickle-charges from any light source - indoor lamps, sunlight through windows, or even your TV's glow during use. Simply leave the remote with its solar panel facing upward when not in use, and it maintains its charge indefinitely.

USB-C Fast Charging: For quick charging, connect the included USB-C cable to any USB charger (your phone charger works fine). You can also use your TV's Samsung TV USB port for charging. The red LED on the remote lights up during charging and turns off when complete. A full charge takes about 40 minutes; a 5-minute charge provides enough power for several days of normal use.

Finding the charging port is simple - locate the Samsung TV power cord location guide's methodology to identify ports on Samsung devices, and look for the USB-C port on the remote's bottom edge.

Checking Battery Level

Navigate to: Settings > General & Privacy > Power and Energy Saving > Available Remote Battery

This displays your current battery percentage. If you can't access this menu, the battery may be critically low - charge via USB-C immediately.

LED Indicators:

• No LED when pressing buttons: Battery healthy, Bluetooth connected

• LED flashes twice when pressing buttons: Bluetooth connection lost (remote in IR mode)

• LED shows for 5+ seconds: Battery critically low, needs charging

• Red LED solid during USB-C charging: Charging in progress

• LED off during USB-C connection: Charging complete

Remote Grip Sensor Feature

2025 SolarCell Remotes include a Grip Sensor that notifies you when you're holding the remote incorrectly (with your hand covering the solar panel). While helpful for maximizing solar charging, some users find the notifications annoying.

To disable: Settings > General & Privacy > System Manager > Remote Grip Sensor > Off

SolarCell Remote Specifications

Troubleshooting SolarCell Remote Issues

Remote not responding at all:

1. Charge via USB-C for at least 10 minutes

2. Check for red LED indicating charging

3. If no LED appears during charging, try a different USB-C cable

4. Test with a different USB power source

Voice commands not working but buttons work:

• Remote may be in IR-only mode (Bluetooth disconnected)

• Re-pair using Return + Play/Pause held for 3 seconds

• Verify TV has active internet connection

Battery draining faster than expected:

• Ensure solar panel gets light exposure when remote is idle

• Avoid storing in dark drawers or cabinets

• Check for stuck buttons that may be draining power

Grip Sensor notifications are annoying:

• Disable via Settings > General & Privacy > System Manager > Remote Grip Sensor

Samsung's eco-friendly design saves an estimated 200 million batteries from landfills over seven years. The Samsung TV screensaver and Ambient Mode features pair nicely with a solar-charged remote for an always-ready entertainment experience.

Samsung TV Voice Control Not Working: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

When voice commands stop working, a systematic approach identifies the problem faster than random troubleshooting attempts. Work through this diagnostic checklist before jumping to complex solutions.

Quick Diagnostic Checklist

Before diving deeper, verify these basics:

Network Troubleshooting

Voice control depends entirely on internet connectivity. If your network is the issue:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Connection > Network > Network Status

Step 2: Check that the connection shows a complete path from TV to Router to Internet (no red X marks)

Step 3: If connection fails, try:

• Restarting your router

• Reconnecting to your WiFi network

• Switching to 5GHz network if available

• Using a wired ethernet connection for your Samsung TV

Step 4: Run Network Status again to confirm connectivity

Samsung Account Issues

Bixby requires an active Samsung account sign-in. If you see messages about account issues:

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > General > System Manager > Samsung Account

Step 2: Verify you're signed in (your email should display)

Step 3: If signed out, sign back in with your credentials

Step 4: If sign-in fails repeatedly, try signing out completely, restarting the TV, then signing in again

Microphone Troubleshooting

Remote Microphone Issues:

• Clean the microphone hole on your remote with a dry cloth

• Ensure nothing is blocking the microphone opening

• Test different voice commands to rule out specific command issues

• Try speaking at different distances and volumes

TV Built-in Microphone (Q7+ models): Some Samsung TVs have a physical microphone switch on the bottom bezel. If the mic is off, a crossed-out microphone icon appears on screen, and voice recognition won't work even with Bixby enabled.

Check the bottom of your TV for a small switch. Sliding it to the left (or back) typically enables the microphone. A pop-up notification confirms the change.

Remote Reset and Re-Pairing

If voice commands worked previously but stopped:

Step 1: Reset the remote - hold Return + Voice for 3+ seconds

Step 2: If that doesn't help, hard reset - hold Return + Enter for 10+ seconds

Step 3: Re-pair the remote - hold Return + Play/Pause for 3+ seconds while pointing at TV

Step 4: Test voice commands after pairing confirmation appears

Firmware Updates

Outdated firmware can cause voice control issues, especially after Samsung releases updates to Bixby or Alexa integration.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Support > Software Update

Step 2: Select Update Now

Step 3: If an update is available, allow it to download and install

Step 4: The TV will restart automatically after installation

Step 5: Test voice commands after restart completes

Keep your Samsung TV firmware updated regularly to avoid voice control bugs and security issues.

Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, a factory reset returns your TV to original settings. Warning: This erases all your apps, accounts, and settings.

Step 1: Go to Settings > General > Reset

Step 2: Select Factory data reset

Step 3: Enter your PIN (default is 0000)

Step 4: Confirm the reset

Step 5: Go through initial setup again, including voice assistant configuration

When to Contact Samsung Support

Contact Samsung if:

• Factory reset doesn't resolve the issue

• You suspect hardware failure (microphone, Bluetooth module)

• Error messages reference specific error codes

• Multiple replacement remotes exhibit the same problem

The Samsung TV troubleshooting resource covers additional diagnostic steps for related issues. If your Samsung TV keeps freezing along with voice control problems, the underlying issue may be performance-related. You might also try to clear cache on Samsung TV to resolve memory-related glitches. Slow overall performance could also be the culprit - check why your Samsung TV is so slow.

Using SmartThings App as Your Samsung TV Remote Control

Lost your remote? Battery dead at the worst time? The SmartThings app transforms your smartphone into a fully functional Samsung TV remote - including voice control through your phone's microphone.

Setting Up SmartThings as Your TV Remote

Step 1: Download the SmartThings app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)

Step 2: Sign in with your Samsung account (same account used on your TV)

Step 3: Tap the + icon to add a device

Step 4: Select Samsung devices > TV

Step 5: Ensure your phone and TV are on the same WiFi network

Step 6: Select your TV from the discovered devices

Step 7: Approve the connection request on your TV screen

Step 8: Access the virtual remote from your TV's device card in the app

If you need to control your TV without any remote at all during initial setup, our guide on how to set up Samsung TV without a remote provides button-based alternatives. You can also learn how to change channels without a remote using the physical buttons on your TV.

Virtual Remote Features

The SmartThings virtual remote includes:

• Volume and channel controls - Same as physical remote

• Navigation arrows - Navigate menus and apps

• Home, Back, and Guide buttons - Quick access to common functions

• Voice command button - Uses your phone's microphone

• Number pad - Direct channel entry

• App shortcuts - Launch streaming services

The layout may vary slightly depending on your TV model and SmartThings app version.

Mobile Remote Feature (2025 TVs)

Samsung's 2025 Smart TVs introduced Mobile Remote, which appears automatically on compatible Galaxy phones when you're near your TV - no need to open the SmartThings app.

The Mobile Remote notification can appear:

• On your lock screen

• In the notification panel

• As a Quick Settings tile

To enable: SmartThings app > Menu > Settings > Advanced Features > Quick Remote > On

To disable the automatic notification: Follow the same path and toggle Quick Remote Off

Limitations of App-Based Control

While convenient, SmartThings has some limitations compared to physical remotes:

• Requires same WiFi network - Won't work if your phone switches to cellular

• Slight response lag - Commands take 100-300ms longer than physical remote

• Some features unavailable - Certain advanced settings may not be accessible

• Battery drain - Keeping your phone connected uses battery

For temporary use when the physical remote is unavailable, SmartThings works excellently. For daily use, a physical remote remains more responsive and practical.

If your TV experiences Samsung TV buffering while streaming, the same network issues affecting SmartThings could be the cause.

Buying a Replacement Samsung Voice Remote: Official vs Third-Party Options

When your original remote breaks, gets lost, or you need to upgrade from an IR-only remote to voice control, choosing the right replacement matters.

When to Buy a Replacement

Common scenarios requiring a replacement remote:

• Original remote damaged or lost - Most obvious reason

• Upgrading from IR-only - DU6000/DU7000 owners wanting voice control

• SolarCell upgrade - Moving from battery remote to solar charging

• Second remote needed - For another room or family member

Official Samsung Remote Options

Where to buy official Samsung remotes:

• Samsung.com (accessories section)

• Authorized retailers (Best Buy, Amazon official Samsung store)

• Samsung Service Centers

Official remotes guarantee full compatibility, warranty coverage, and complete feature support including voice control.

Third-Party Remote Considerations

Amazon and other retailers sell many "Samsung compatible" remotes at lower prices. Before purchasing:

Verify voice control support:

• Must explicitly state "voice control" or "microphone included"

• Should mention Bluetooth connectivity (not just IR)

• Look for reviews mentioning successful voice commands

Models to AVOID (no voice control):

• BN59-01199F

• BN59-01315A

• Any remote without a visible microphone button/hole

Potential third-party limitations:

• Voice functionality may be limited compared to official remotes

• Some commands might not work

• Build quality varies significantly

• No Samsung warranty coverage

Official vs Third-Party Comparison

Buying Recommendations

Buy official Samsung if:

• You need guaranteed voice control functionality

• Warranty coverage matters to you

• You have a newer (2023+) Samsung TV

• Budget isn't the primary concern

Consider third-party if:

• You mainly need basic functions (volume, channels, power)

• Voice control is a nice-to-have, not essential

• Budget is tight

• You've researched specific models with positive voice control reviews

For universal remote options, learn how to sync a universal remote to Samsung TV. Note that universal remotes typically lack Samsung voice control features.

Samsung TV Voice Control Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Samsung TV support voice control?

Samsung Smart TVs from 2019 onward generally support voice control, but the included remote matters. Check if your remote has a microphone button (small mic icon). If it does, voice control is supported. DU6000 and DU7000 series TVs may ship with IR-only remotes - you'd need to purchase a Smart Remote or SolarCell Remote separately to enable voice control.

Can I use voice commands without pressing a button?

Yes, by enabling Voice Wake-up. Navigate to Settings > General & Privacy > Voice > Voice Wake-up and toggle it on. Then say "Hi Bixby" or "Alexa" (depending on your configured assistant) to activate voice control hands-free. This feature can even turn on your TV from standby on supported models.

Why did Google Assistant stop working on my Samsung TV?

Samsung discontinued Google Assistant support on all Samsung TVs effective March 1, 2024. This affects all Samsung TV models regardless of when they were manufactured. Your alternatives are Bixby (Samsung's native assistant) or Amazon Alexa. Both are configured through Settings > General & Privacy > Voice > Voice Assistant.

Will a third-party voice remote work with my Samsung TV?

Many third-party remotes labeled "Samsung compatible" work for basic functions, but voice control may be limited or non-functional. Before purchasing, verify the remote explicitly mentions Bluetooth connectivity and voice/microphone support. IR-only third-party remotes will never support voice commands. For guaranteed voice functionality, official Samsung remotes are the safest choice.

How do I turn off voice control if I don't want it?

You can disable hands-free activation by going to Settings > General & Privacy > Voice > Voice Wake-up and toggling it Off. This prevents "Hi Bixby" from activating your TV while still allowing voice commands when you press the microphone button. You cannot completely remove Bixby from Samsung TVs, but you can avoid using it entirely by simply not pressing the microphone button.

Can voice control work without internet?

No, Samsung TV voice control requires an active internet connection. Voice commands are processed on Samsung's cloud servers - there's no local/offline processing option. If your internet goes down, voice control stops working until connectivity is restored. Basic remote functions (volume, channels, power via IR) continue working offline.

What's the difference between Bixby and Alexa on Samsung TV?

Bixby offers deeper TV integration - it can control picture settings, ambient mode, and navigate TV-specific menus that Alexa cannot access. Alexa excels at smart home control and integrates with the broader Amazon ecosystem (Echo devices, Amazon Music, thousands of Alexa skills). Choose Bixby for maximum TV control or Alexa if you're invested in Amazon's smart home ecosystem.

How far away can I be for voice commands to work?

Samsung's Smart Remote is effective up to about 20 feet (6 meters) for microphone button commands. Hands-free "Hi Bixby" voice wake-up using the TV's built-in microphone (on supported models) works at similar distances but performs best within 10-15 feet with minimal background noise. Speaking clearly at 75-80 dB (normal conversational volume) produces the best recognition accuracy.

Why does Bixby keep activating accidentally?

Background sounds, TV audio, or conversations may trigger Voice Wake-up unintentionally if sensitivity is set too high. Lower the sensitivity: Settings > General & Privacy > Voice > Bixby Voice Settings > Sensitivity > select Low or Medium. Alternatively, disable Voice Wake-up entirely and use only the microphone button for voice commands.

Can I control my soundbar with Samsung TV voice remote?

Yes, if your soundbar connects via HDMI-ARC or eARC and supports Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC). Voice commands like "Volume up" will control the soundbar instead of TV speakers. Samsung soundbars work seamlessly; third-party soundbars may require enabling CEC in both TV and soundbar settings. Learn how to connect a soundbar to Samsung TV for detailed setup instructions.

If you need to manage who can access voice features or certain content, Samsung TV parental controls allow you to restrict various functions.

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Samsung TV Voice Control Experience

Samsung TV voice control fundamentally changes how you interact with your television - replacing button presses and menu navigation with simple spoken commands. Whether you choose Bixby for its deep TV integration or Alexa for smart home convenience, mastering voice control makes your Samsung TV genuinely smarter.

The key takeaways from this guide: Bixby and Alexa are your two voice assistant options since Google Assistant was discontinued in March 2024. Voice control requires internet connectivity and a signed-in Samsung account. Over 150 commands let you control everything from volume to picture settings to smart home devices. And the SmartThings app serves as a reliable backup when your physical remote isn't available.

For basic users getting started, begin with Bixby's default setup - it's already optimized for your Samsung TV and doesn't require additional apps or accounts. For power users wanting maximum functionality, explore the complete voice commands reference and customize Bixby's settings to match your preferences. For smart home enthusiasts, connect Alexa and integrate SmartThings to control your entire connected home through your TV.

Voice control works best when you actually use it. Start with simple commands - "Volume up," "Open Netflix," "What's the weather?" - and gradually expand to more complex operations as voice commands become second nature. Within a week, reaching for buttons will feel oddly inefficient.

If issues arise, the troubleshooting section covers everything from network problems to remote pairing failures. For broader TV problems beyond voice control, our Samsung TV troubleshooting hub addresses the full range of common issues. If you encounter a Samsung TV no signal error or your Samsung TV turns on by itself, those guides provide targeted solutions. And for those still setting up their TV, the Samsung TV setup guide ensures your foundation is solid before adding voice control capabilities.

Your Samsung TV remote with voice control isn't just a convenience - it's an accessibility feature for hands-free operation, a productivity tool for multitasking, and a gateway to controlling your entire smart home ecosystem. Put it to use.