Modern Samsung Smart remotes (the slim ones without a number pad) connect to the TV via Bluetooth rather than infrared. This means they need to be paired before they will work – they do not automatically connect just by pointing at the TV.

How to Pair a Samsung Smart Remote

1. Make sure the TV is powered on (use the physical TV button if the remote is not yet paired).
2. Point the remote at the TV and press and hold the Return button and the Play/Pause button simultaneously for about 3 seconds.
3. A pairing message will appear on the TV screen confirming the connection.

On some Samsung remote models, the pairing buttons differ. Try holding the Back button and the Volume Down button simultaneously if the above does not work.

Alternative Pairing Method

1. Turn on the TV using the physical button on the TV body.
2. Point the remote directly at the TV’s IR sensor (usually the center-bottom of the screen).
3. Press and hold the OK/Select button for 3 seconds.
4. The remote should pair and the cursor or selection highlight will appear on screen.

Re-Pairing a Remote That Stopped Working

If a previously paired remote suddenly stops responding:

1. Remove the batteries from the remote for 30 seconds, then reinsert them.
2. Try the pairing procedure again (hold Return + Play/Pause for 3 seconds).
3. If that fails, go to Settings, General, External Device Manager, Bluetooth Device List, and remove the remote from the paired device list. Then pair it fresh.

Pairing via TV Settings (Manual Method)

1. Using the physical TV button, navigate to Settings.
2. Go to General, then External Device Manager.
3. Select Input Device Manager, then Bluetooth Device List.
4. Put the remote in pairing mode (press and hold a button combination as above) and select it from the device list.

Checking Remote Battery Level

Press the Home button on the paired remote and look at the top right corner of the screen. A battery icon shows the remaining charge. Samsung Smart remotes use AAA batteries or, on some models, a built-in rechargeable battery charged via USB-C or solar panels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to re-pair my Samsung remote after a factory reset?

Yes. A factory reset unpairs all Bluetooth devices including the remote. After the reset, use the physical TV button to navigate the setup screen and pair the remote using the pairing procedure above.

Can I pair multiple Samsung remotes to one TV?

Yes. Samsung TVs support multiple paired Bluetooth remotes simultaneously, which is useful in households where different family members use different remotes.

My Samsung remote has a red light but won’t pair – what is wrong?

A red light usually indicates the batteries are too low for Bluetooth pairing even if the light still illuminates. Replace the batteries with fresh ones and try pairing again.