To pair a Samsung smart TV remote manually, point it at the TV's sensor and press and hold the Return and Play/Pause buttons simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until an on-screen message confirms the connection. This is the direct method for when your Samsung Smart Remote loses its Bluetooth link or fails to pair automatically.
How to pair a Samsung smart TV remote
Samsung Smart Remotes, including SolarCell models, typically pair automatically with the TV when first turned on. However, if the connection is lost or the remote did not pair automatically, you can manually re-establish it using the steps below. This guide focuses on the manual pairing process so you can get back to controlling your TV.
Before you start pairing
Before attempting to pair, complete these checks to ensure a smooth process:
- Power on the TV using its physical power button (located on the TV itself) or a working remote. The TV must be on and displaying its home screen.
- For Smart Remotes that use batteries, verify the batteries are working and correctly inserted. Low batteries can cause pairing issues.
- For SolarCell remotes, ensure the remote is charged via its built-in solar panel or a USB-C cable.
Pair the remote with your TV
Once the TV is on and the remote has power, follow this core manual pairing step:
- Point the remote at the TV's remote control sensor, usually located on the lower right-hand side or bottom center of the TV.
- Press and hold the "Return" (⏎) and "Play/Pause" (▷||) buttons simultaneously for at least 3 to 5 seconds.
- Release the buttons when a message appears on the TV screen indicating that the remote is connecting or has successfully paired.
Verify the remote is working
After pairing, test the remote to confirm the Bluetooth connection is stable:
- Use the remote to navigate through menus and adjust the volume. Basic functions should respond without delay.
- Test any advanced features, such as voice control, to ensure they function correctly.
- Move around the room while using the remote to verify the signal remains strong within the typical 20-foot (6-meter) range.
What if the remote still won't pair?
If the remote does not pair after the manual step, try these troubleshooting actions:
- Reboot the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in. This clears temporary glitches that may block pairing.
- Reset the remote by removing its batteries (if applicable), holding the power button for 8-10 seconds, and then reinserting the batteries. For newer Samsung Smart TVs (2021 and newer) with a SolarCell remote, press and hold the "Return" and "Enter" (center of navigation pad) buttons for 10 seconds to reset, then re-pair the remote.
- If you lose your remote or cannot pair it, the Samsung SmartThings app can be used as a virtual remote on your smartphone. This lets you control the TV while you resolve the hardware issue.
If you're unsure how to use your Samsung smart TV remote after pairing, simply point it at the TV and press any button; the Bluetooth connection will re-establish automatically if the remote was previously paired. Standard Samsung remotes with separate Play and Pause buttons are typically IR remotes and pair automatically by simply using them within close range with working batteries; no manual pairing steps are usually required.
