Samsung TV Remote Not Working: Here’s A Quick Fix
When you buy a Samsung TV, chances are you’ll find the remote control to operate your TV along with all the other accessories and manuals. Samsung is one of the most trusted brands, but it can go wrong at some point. A common problem is when the TV remote control stops working or the TV does not respond to button presses.
There is a number of reasons why this occurs. The first step to do is to replace your remote’s batteries if your Samsung TV stops responding to the remote control. The problem may be due to weak or poor-quality batteries. If the TV does not respond to the remote control, it may be a more specific issue.
The best method to fix your Samsung remote is to first discover the cause of the problem. In some cases, pressing some buttons may not respond or the TV may not receive the signal from the remote control. This post explains possible reasons why your Samsung TV isn’t responding to your remote control and the steps you can take to identify and fix the problem.
Steps To Fix Samsung TV Remote Issues
Reset Your Remote & Samsung TV
First, open the back of the remote control and remove the batteries. Then unplug the TV from the wall and wait 60 seconds. Wait the full 60 seconds. When the time comes, turn the TV back on and wait for the home screen to load. Then put the batteries back into the remote and see if it works.
If that does not work, try removing the batteries from the remote control again. And press and hold the power button on the remote for 60 seconds. This will discharge any residual energy stored in the remote and completely reset it. Put the batteries back into the remote and see if it works.
Replace Weak/Empty Remote Control Batteries
Battery existence depends on many factors, including brand, operating temperature, and damage. If you drop the remote, for example, batteries are quite strong to damage, and lesser-known battery brands may be more prone to leaks and corrosion than others.
Check the top and bottom of the battery for white powder, crystallized grains, or green coloration. This is corrosion and can be caused by a bad or old battery, or a damaged battery. If there is corrosion, remove the battery right away and dispose of it properly. Next, clean the connectors inside the remote to remove any signs of corrosion. Lastly, put new batteries in the remote and see if it works.
Pair Your Remote Again With Your TV
In time, your remote may become unpaired from your TV. Pairing is connecting the remote control with the TV so that the TV can recognize which remote control it responds to. Your remote and TV usually pair automatically when you turn them on or after a reboot due to a software update, but you may need to manually pair or resync them. This can happen especially after a sudden power outage like during storms or power surges.
1) Point the remote control at the TV you have switched on.
2) Press and hold the “Back and Play/Pause buttons” on your remote for five seconds.
3) The TV and remote control will start pairing and synchronizing with each other.
4) After syncing, test the remote by trying out some menu commands.
Verify The Remote’s IR Sensor Is Working
Both remote controls and TVs use infrared beams to send and receive signals. If the beam is not working properly with your remote, it may be the direct cause of your remote not working. One of the easiest ways to check if your remote’s IR is working is to use your phone’s camera.
On your phone, open the camera app and look at the remote through the screen. Press any button or series of buttons on the remote control. A working remote flashes a red light through the camera screen each time you press a button. If the red light doesn’t come on, the remote may be faulty or the batteries are dead.
Clear Any Obstructions From The IR Sensor
Interference between the remote control and TV is another common problem. Remote controls use infrared beams, and TVs have IR sensors, so they need to be able to send and receive that beam without obstructions. Obstacles can include walls, other electronic signals such as Bluetooth, and large objects such as furniture and speakers.
If you notice an obstruction between the remote and the TV, try moving to another location or pointing the remote directly at the TV’s sensor. In some cases, simply sitting in a different part of the house or moving a decorative piece of furniture can solve the problem.
Check Your TV’s Software Updates
Samsung may sometimes release software updates for smart products. Most updates complete automatically, but you may need to check manually for updates. Delayed updates can cause remotes and TVs to act strangely, be slower than usual, or be unable to connect to some services.
To do this:
- From the main menu screen, access the settings options.
- Choose the “Software Updates and Network” options.
- If you notice a pending update, manually select it to install now.
- Your TV will restart once the update is installed.
- Try different commands to see if the problem you were having is fixed.
Reset The Modem Or Router
It’s not uncommon for the Samsung Smart Touch remote to lose sensitivity after frequent use daily. This can cause the Touch Pad to become less sensitive or decalibrate over time. To fix this issue, manually recalibrate the remote control itself.
To do this:
- Press and hold a number button for 3-5 seconds.
- You will be notified that calibration is about to begin.
- This should only take 1-2 minutes.
- When complete, the LED light on the remote will flash twice.
- Test your remote to see if the problem is resolved.
Conclusion
This does not happen to Samsung TV remotes only, but you may also notice the same issue with any other brand too. If the troubleshooting mentioned above still not works, you may also try to use universal remote control. We hope this post is able to help you with your Samsung TV remote problems.
