Control a Samsung TV With Your Phone: Easy Setup Guide

You can control a Samsung TV with your phone using the official Samsung SmartThings app, which turns your phone into a full-featured remote control. To do this, you need a Samsung Account logged in on both devices, both connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and compatible hardware.

Check if your phone can control a Samsung TV

Your Samsung TV must be a Smart TV or Smart Monitor released in 2016 or later (for example, the 2016 K5500+ series, 2017 M5500+ series, 2020 TU8500+ series, 2021 AU9000+ series, or any 2022 B series model). Your phone needs to run Android 6.0 or higher or iOS 10.0 or higher. The SmartThings app is the only official method for this setup.

Setting up the SmartThings connection

Download and install the SmartThings app from your phone’s app store.
Sign into the same Samsung Account on both your phone and your TV.
Connect both your phone and your TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
Open the app, tap the Devices tab, tap Add (+), then Add device, select By brand, choose Samsung, and then select TV.
If your TV is on and nearby, the app may automatically detect it and show a registration pop-up; tap Add Now and follow the on-screen instructions. Otherwise, confirm the pop-up that appears on your TV screen to complete pairing.

Using the on-screen remote control

Once connected, open the SmartThings app, tap the Devices tab, select your TV, and then tap the Remote control icon to access the on-screen remote. This remote lets you adjust volume, change channels, mute, navigate menus, access Home, Back, and Guide functions, launch apps, and switch between input sources. The SmartThings app remote allows you to control media playback including play, pause, rewind, and fast forward. The Samsung Remote Control app provides a touchpad feature using your phone's touchscreen for intuitive navigation. The Samsung Remote Control app includes a channel guide feature to browse what's playing on different channels without interrupting current viewing. You can also turn your Samsung TV on and off using the app, a feature supported on all 2016 and later models.

Using your phone keyboard and voice commands

For text input, the SmartThings app can use your phone’s keyboard for Smart Hub apps that support the Samsung keyboard. However, this does not work with streaming services like Netflix or YouTube, which use their own keyboards. For voice control, the SmartThings app supports Bixby, Google Assistant, or other compatible voice assistants if your TV supports them. For voice commands, ensure minimal background noise for best results. Use voice commands to change channels, launch apps, or search for content without needing the physical remote.

Troubleshooting tips

If the app does not detect your TV, first confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and logged into the same Samsung Account. Restart both your TV and your phone, then try again. Ensure the SmartThings app on your phone and your TV’s software are updated to the latest versions. Ensure your phone is in close proximity to the TV and that there are no obstacles blocking the infrared (IR) sensor on the TV. Close other apps running in the background on your phone to free up system resources and improve performance. If the issue persists, reset the app by uninstalling it, restarting your phone, and reinstalling it from your app store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn the TV on with my phone?

Yes, for Samsung TVs released in 2016 and later, the SmartThings app can turn the TV on and off remotely using the power button in the on-screen remote.

What if my TV isn't detected?

Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same Samsung Account. Also, verify your TV model is from 2016 or later and that both devices have the latest software updates installed.

Can I control my Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?

No, the SmartThings app requires both your phone and TV to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to function as a remote control. There is no Bluetooth or infrared option in the official app.

Is there a difference between the SmartThings app and the Samsung Remote Control app?

The SmartThings app is the official and recommended method. Samsung also offers a separate Samsung Remote Control app, but SmartThings provides the most reliable compatibility and additional smart home integration features.

Can I cast content from my phone to the TV using the remote?

The SmartThings app remote does not directly handle casting your phone to a TV. For that, use the built-in screen mirroring or casting features on your phone, or open a streaming app and select the cast icon to send content to the TV.