To connect a wireless keyboard to your Samsung TV, you need to pair the keyboard through the TV's Bluetooth settings, but the exact menu path depends on your TV's model year. Most Samsung TVs from 2014 onward support Bluetooth keyboards, so you can type more easily than with the remote once the connection is established.
Check your Samsung TV model year and compatibility
Samsung confirms that most 2014-and-newer Samsung TVs support external input devices like keyboards and mice. The exact menu path for pairing a Bluetooth keyboard varies by model year, so identifying your TV's model year is essential to finding the correct settings. You can usually find the model year in the TV's model number (for example, a letter like T, A, B, or C indicates the year).
Bluetooth menu paths for 2023-2020 Samsung TVs
For 2023 through 2020 Smart TVs, which include T, A, B, and C models, the path is: Settings > Connections > Bluetooth Device List. Once you open this menu, your TV will search for nearby Bluetooth devices.
Bluetooth menu paths for 2019-2018 Samsung TVs
For 2019 and 2018 Smart TVs, which include N and R models, navigate to: Settings > General > External Device Manager > Input Device Manager > Bluetooth Device List. This menu lists all available Bluetooth devices, including your keyboard.
Bluetooth menu paths for 2017 Samsung TVs
For 2017 Smart TVs, which are M models, use: Settings > General > External Device Manager > Keyboard Manager > Add Bluetooth Keyboard. This path is specifically designed for adding a keyboard.
Bluetooth menu paths for 2016 Samsung TVs
For 2016 Smart TVs, which are K models, the path is: Settings > System > Input Device Manager > Add Bluetooth Keyboard & Gamepad. On these models, a pairing code will appear on the TV screen, and you must enter that code on your keyboard to complete the connection.
Bluetooth menu paths for 2015-2014 Samsung TVs
For 2015 and 2014 Smart TVs, which are J and H models, navigate to: MENU > System > Device Manager > Keyboard Settings > Add Bluetooth Keyboard. Like the 2016 models, these TVs require you to enter the on-screen pairing code on your keyboard to finish setup.
How to connect a wireless keyboard to your Samsung TV: Step-by-step pairing instructions
- Turn on your TV and put your wireless keyboard into Bluetooth pairing mode so it is discoverable.
- Open the TV menu and follow the model-specific Bluetooth keyboard menu path listed above for your TV's year.
- Select your keyboard from the list of available devices on the TV screen.
- If the TV does not detect the keyboard, move it closer to the TV and select Refresh on the TV screen.
- Follow any on-screen instructions to complete pairing. On 2016 and earlier TVs, enter the code shown on the TV into the keyboard when prompted. For 2016 and earlier TVs, Samsung says a code appears on the TV during pairing and must be entered on the keyboard to finish setup.
What to do if your keyboard does not appear
If your keyboard does not show up in the Bluetooth device list, first confirm that the keyboard is in pairing mode. Move the keyboard closer to the TV to improve the signal, then select Refresh on the TV screen to rescan for devices. Samsung recommends these steps for troubleshooting a missing keyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions about Samsung TV keyboards
Do all Samsung TVs support Bluetooth keyboards?
Samsung states that most 2014-and-newer Samsung TVs support external input devices, but the official support path varies by model year. Older TVs may not have Bluetooth capabilities for keyboards.
Do older TVs need a pairing code?
Yes. Samsung confirms that 2016 and earlier TVs display a pairing code on the screen, which must be typed on the keyboard to complete the connection. This code is not required on newer models.
Can I use a wireless keyboard for wireless audio for your TV?
No. A wireless keyboard is designed for typing and navigation, not for connecting wireless audio for your TV. For audio, you would need to pair Bluetooth speakers or headphones separately through the TV's audio settings.
Does Samsung document keyboard brand compatibility or battery requirements?
The official guidance focuses on the pairing steps and model-year-specific menu paths.
Can I use my phone as a keyboard for my Samsung TV?
Yes, but through a different feature. Samsung's SmartThings app allows you to use your phone as a TV keyboard, where a notification appears on the phone and you can type within the app. This does not replace the physical Bluetooth keyboard pairing steps described above. Samsung's mobile-device page documents a different feature: using a nearby phone as a TV keyboard in SmartThings, where a notification appears on the phone and the user can type in SmartThings.
