Smart TVs, in general, and Samsung TVs in particular, have been getting more and more control choices in recent years.
This naturally benefits the user, who can select the solution that best suits his wants or tastes.
Furthermore, because of the advancements in connectivity and the connections themselves, you may now control multiple devices with a single remote control or remote control.
The disadvantage is that all of this can go wrong at any time, and you have no control over anything.
Fortunately, correcting these issues is pretty simple, but before we do that, let’s look at the various control choices available.
- Traditional infrared remote control: The traditional infrared remote control is the original and most basic.
All of the TV’s functionalities can be managed via an IR port on the remote’s tip and a receiver on the TV. - Remote control using Bluetooth:
These are the newest and, at the same time, the most useful.
Because Bluetooth connectivity allows you to move freely, it doesn’t matter whether something gets in the way of the remote and the TV.
Furthermore, you can change the channel, volume, switch on and off, and so on while in another room as long as you enter inside the range of action. - Control via HDMI CEC: A television can be controlled from the remote control of another device connected to it thanks to the usage of HDMI CEC-compatible connectors.
For example, with gadgets like Apple TV or a Blu-Ray player, you can turn on and off the television, adjust the volume, and even control additional features (depending on the device and its remote). - Control by Smartphone: Many modern televisions may be controlled remotely using a smartphone application.
This is an intriguing feature that makes text entry easier thanks to the usage of a virtual telephone keyboard.
- Voice control: Although only available on the most modern models, high-end smart TVs include integration with voice assistants and, in some cases, a microphone built into the TV itself, eliminating the need for a remote.
As you can see, there are numerous choices available nowadays.
As a result, it’s unusual not to locate the control strategy that best matches each individual.
Of course, some controllers are more prone to becoming disconnected or experiencing minor issues.
So, let’s see what we should do in each situation.
How to connect the remote control of a Samsung TV
The new Samsung Smart Remotes have Bluetooth-enabled remote controllers.
We’ve already addressed the benefits of them, but they may fail to function properly at some point.
As a result, it will be essential to reconnect it.
To do so, you must first understand how it is paired, which is as simple as pushing the “Play / Pause” and “Back” buttons at the same moment for three seconds or more when the TV is turned on for the first time.
This starts the pairing process on the TV and displays the results on the screen.
How to set up a remote control as a universal remote
One of the most intriguing features of some Samsung Smart TVs is the ability to program your remote to function as a universal remote.
You may use it to control other devices that are connected to it as well.
You only need to follow a few basic steps, which we will outline below.
As a result, you can manage everything from a single device.
Here’s what you need to do:
- On the remote, press the home button.
- Then, using the steering wheel, scroll to the left until you reach the Source choice on your Samsung Smart TV’s screen.
- Select the Universal remote configuration option from the pop-up menu that appears.
- Select the device you want to control from the Smart Remote by pressing the Start button (set-top box, home theater system or Blu-Ray player)
- After that, look for the device’s brand, and then choose how it’s linked (optical connection, HDMI, etc.)
- Test the power-on function to determine if everything is working properly; if it responds, proceed.
- When you’re ready, press Done, and you’re ready to utilize the Smart Remote as a universal remote control.
As a result, the number of controls required to control the devices connected to your Samsung TV will be reduced.
My Samsung remote doesn’t work, what can I do?
Now that you know that your Samsung Smart TV’s infrared remote requires no setting, that the Bluetooth remote is paired by pressing a few buttons, and that you can use it to control other devices connected to the TV, what if everything suddenly stops operating as it should?
The first step is to figure out what’s going on.
As a result, there are a few simple checks to make:
- The first step is to make sure you have enough batteries.
Replace your old ones with fresh ones and give it a shot. - If it’s an infrared remote control, the second step is to make sure it works.
To do so, simply point the IR port at the camera on your smartphone while the app is running.
When you click a button, the screen will show whether it turns on or not.
If it does, it could be an issue with the television receiver; if it isn’t, it could be a problem with the remote. - The third possibility is that if it’s a Bluetooth remote control, it’s become unpaired, and you’ll need to reconnect.
Rep the preceding procedures to accomplish this. - Finally, the TV remote can be reset or re-calibrated.
To accomplish this, either remove the batteries and wait 3 minutes, or press and hold the power button for around 10 seconds to ensure it “turns off.”
By the way, while Samsung’s Bluetooth controls already employ a set of keys to pair or force the device to the TV, there are some older controls that require you to push a pairing button on the rear.
Finally, if your remote has died or has been permanently damaged, your only choice is to purchase a new one.
There are some previous compatible third-party models, but we recommend going with the official one.
It is more expensive, but you eliminate potential difficulties in the future.
It is not a good plan to go around fighting with remote controls while you have to sit and enjoy your favorite programs and movies for a while.