Samsung TV remote not working? 10 quick fixes you can try

There is nothing more disruptive than a TV remote failing to work when you are in the middle of a movie night or trying to catch a live game. A non-responsive TV remote is not only frustrating but can be difficult to fix at times. If you have a Samsung TV and your Samsung TV remote is not working, then instead of worrying, here are some fixes you can try at home.

Samsung TV remote not working: Quick fixes

Remote control issues are among the most common problems faced by TV owners. When your Samsung TV remote stops working, you can follow some basic and easily doable solutions instead of complex replacements. Here are 10 quick fixes you can try when the Samsung TV remote is not working:

Replace the batteries

The most common cause for a TV remote not working is weak or dead batteries. If your TV remote stops working, the first solution is to replace both batteries with fresh ones and make sure they are inserted in the right orientation.

Clean the remote sensor

Your TV remote could also be malfunctioning because of dust or smudges on the infrared (IR) sensor. You can fix this by gently cleaning the remote’s IR emitter with a microfiber cloth.

Try a camera test

If your Samsung TV remote is still not working, it is time to check if it is sending a signal. To do this, open the camera app on your smartphone and point your remote at it. Press any button and see if the IR light flashes on the camera screen. If it does, the remote is sending a signal.

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Re-pair the remote

If your Samsung TV uses a smart remote, then there is a possibility that the pairing between the remote and the TV is lost. You can re-pair or resync the connection by pressing and holding the ‘Return’ and ‘Play/Pause’ buttons simultaneously for five seconds.

Check for interference

Your TV remote can stop working if other electronic devices or bright lights interfere with the remote signal. See if there are any interferences and move any nearby devices or dim harsh lighting to see if the remote works again.

Reset the remote

If none of the above fixes work, it is time to reset the remote. To do this, remove the batteries, press and hold any button for 20 seconds. Now, reinsert the batteries, and this will clear any residual memory limiting the performance of the remote.

Update the TV software

Outdated software can also limit the function of your TV remote. On your TV, go to Settings >> Support >> Software Update to check and install any available updates.

Power cycle the TV

You can also perform a TV power cycle by unplugging your Samsung TV from the power outlet, pressing and holding the power button on the TV for 30 seconds, and plugging the TV back in. Now, turn on the TV using the TV’s power button (not the remote), and test the remote again.

Use the Samsung SmartThings App

If your Samsung TV remote still doesn’t work, then try using the SmartThings app. The SmartThings app on your smartphone offers most remote control features and will be a temporary workaround to operate your TV without the remote.

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Replace the remote

If none of the above fixes work, then the remote may be faulty. You can buy a replacement remote from Samsung or a compatible remote from a third-party seller. You can also use a universal remote to operate your TV again.

More things to try

While the above fixes work for all Samsung TV remotes, Samsung Smart TVs use a Bluetooth remote to deliver features like voice control. These remotes can also disconnect or malfunction, and if your Samsung Smart TV remote is unresponsive, here are a few things to check:

– Ensure the remote is paired correctly.

– Keep the remote within the Bluetooth range.

– Avoid any obstacles or interference between the remote and the TV.

– Reset the remote and re-pair it.

When your Samsung TV remote or any TV remote becomes unresponsive, it doesn’t always mean that you need to buy a new one. Sometimes the remote fails to work because of the most common issues, and they can be fixed in minutes. For the best and uninterrupted experience, we recommend that you do regular battery checks and run software updates to keep your remote and TV updated and connected.