If your Samsung remote is having issues, 9 times out of 10, resetting it will get it working again. Resetting a Samsung remote is very easy and it can be done in under 20 seconds. I’ll show you how to do that below. Try this before buying a new remote!
How to Reset a Samsung Remote
To reset a Samsung remote, remove the batteries, and hold down the power button on the remote for about 10 seconds.
Next, unplug your TV and wait 60 seconds. The remote will automatically pair with your TV and it should work.
If your remote does not automatically pair to your TV, point the remote at the TV while holding down the Return and Play/Pause buttons. After about three seconds, a message saying “Pairing Complete” will appear on your TV.
Resetting Samsung Remote Not Working
Resetting the remote will almost always get it working again, but sometimes the problem can persist. Here are some alternative solutions that can fix issues with your remote.
Power Cycle TV
Unplug the TV from the power and wait for 60 seconds. Press and hold the power button on your TV for 10 seconds. Plug the TV back into the power, wait for it to boot, and see if your remote is working again.
If it does not work the first time, I suggest leaving the power cable unplugged for longer, maybe an hour or more, before trying again. In many cases, the issue is with your TV not recognizing the remote, even though the remote is working normally. Power cycling the TV will usually fix that issue.
Note: This also clears up issues with Xbox. For example, when an Xbox won’t connect to the internet.
Replace the Batteries
An easy solution is to replace the remote’s batteries with a brand-new set. The most common reason why a remote stops working is due to dead batteries.
Liquid damage can also prevent the batteries from working correctly. Make sure the batteries are clean. If you notice any corrosion, leaking, or swelling on the batteries, immediately remove them from the remote and safely dispose of them. Cleaning inside the battery compartment is a good idea too.
Update TV Firmware
When connected to the internet, most TVs will automatically download and install firmware updates. On a Samsung TV, open Settings, Support, and Software Update. If an update is available, select Update Now. Software updates often fix bugs and keep the TV’s software running smoothly.
Check for an Infrared Signal
You can use your phone to check if the remote is sending out an infrared signal. Infrared signals are invisible to the human eye, but cameras can pick them up.
Open your phone’s camera app and point it at the remote’s IR sensor while pressing the power button on the remote. To make it easier, switch your phone’s camera to selfie mode, and point the remote at the selfie camera.
If you see a flashing red, white, or purple light coming from the remote, it means it’s sending out an infrared signal. Good, it means the remote is working as intended. The remote is sending out infrared signals.
Don’t see a light in the camera? Make sure your remote has batteries, and try with another camera. Webcams will also pick up infrared signals, so you can also use your laptop’s webcam to test the remote for an infrared signal.
If none of your cameras are detecting an infrared signal from the remote, the IR sensor is probably broken. In that case, there’s not much you can do besides contacting Samsung for a replacement or buying a new remote.
On the subject of infrared, make sure there’s a clear line of sight between the remote and your TV. If there’s an object in front of your TV’s infrared sensor, it will block the signals, and you might think the problem is with your remote.
Mash all the Remote Buttons
Remove the batteries from your remote and mash all the buttons. Press all of the buttons on the remote firmly and then slap it against the palm of your hand a few times.
Slapping it against the palm of your hand will dislodge any debris that could be interfering with the buttons. Don’t worry, the remote is very durable. The buttons on your remote could also be damaged by soft drinks and whatnot.
Another easy way to clean a remote is to spray it with alcohol or hand sanitiser and use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub it. The bristles on the brush should scrape away any dirt from the creases in the remote. There could be something holding down one of the buttons which makes all the other buttons unresponsive. Dry the remote with a microfiber cloth and reinsert the batteries.
Either way, it’s a good idea to clean your remotes from time to time.
Additional Tips for Resetting a Samsung Remote
Repeat the Process a Few Times
You might need to repeat the process of resetting your remote a few times for it to work. Try at least three times. I also recommend holding down the power button for longer after each attempt.
For example, start with the default 10 seconds, then 30 seconds, and then finally a full minute. You might even need to leave the remote out overnight without any batteries to make sure all the excess electricity is drained.
Contact Samsung Support
While you should be able to bring new life to your remote using these steps, there’s always the possibility of the remote being damaged beyond repair. In that case, I would contact Samsung’s official support for advice. You might have to resort to buying a new remote.
Buy a Universal Remote
Confident your TV remote is the problem? Consider buying a universal remote. They’re much cheaper than Samsung remotes, and they work with a wide range of Samsung TVs.
Conclusion
To reset a Samsung remote, try the following steps:
- Remove the batteries
- Hold down the power button for at least 8 seconds
- Reinsert the batteries
- Pair the remote to your TV
- Unplug the TV from the power for 30 seconds
- Replace batteries
- Update TV firmware
- Use a camera to check the remote for an infrared signal
- Mash all the buttons on the remote
- Repeat steps if necessary
These steps will reset 99% of Samsung remotes. When all else fails, you’ll have to contact Samsung’s support for further advice.
