Samsung offers a large assortment of televisions that range from entry-level to some of the most expensive models in the market, but that doesn't mean the remote is any less prone to getting lost. The good news is that Samsung TVs come with a TV controller for times when the remote has disappeared or needs replacement batteries. The TV controller is a set of buttons that allows users to turn the TV on and off, change the volume, and switch between inputs. Most models can also access the Menu, Settings, and Smart Hub features. However, finding the TV controller can be tricky as its location depends on the model.

The TV controller is typically located near the small red light, which is active when the TV is turned off, but connected to a power outlet. According to Samsung, there are three main locations for the TV controller – on the back of the TV, in the middle under the front panel, or on the side under the front panel. The bottom right corner on the back of the TV is the most common location for the TV controller. Users can long-press on the center button to turn on/off the TV, and then press the center button to bring up the menu. Pressing the buttons at the top, bottom, and sides lets users navigate, adjust volume, or change channels.

Related: How To Download Peacock On A Samsung Smart TV

Manually Turn On A Samsung TV Without A Remote

Promo image of the Samsung Q80B 4K QLED TV.
Image: Samsung

The TV controller located under the front panel has varied layouts. For TVs with a TV controller in the middle, there is either a five-button or single-button design. The five-button layout will have center, up/down, and left/right buttons. A long press of the center button will turn the TV on or off, while a single press makes a selection. The up/down buttons will change the channel and the left/right buttons will control the volume. A control menu will appear on the TV screen when the center button is pressed and there will be on-screen options for each button.

Certain 2018 models will have a single-button design at the front. A long press will turn on the TV, a single press will move between options, while a long-press will make a selection. Users will be able to maneuver to the 'Power' option in the on-screen control menu to turn off the TV. The single-button layout is present for all models that have a TV controller located on the side under the front panel. Finally, there are some TV models that have the controller that's located on the bottom-right of the screen. These models also feature a single button design, and navigation works the same way as described above.

Control A Samsung TV With The SmartThings App

Samsung Smart Things TV Control

While using the controller on a Samsung TV works in a pinch, a better way to use the TV without the remote is by installing the SmartThings app. SmartThings is available on the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. To get started, users will need to open the app, tap the '+' icon, and select 'Device.' Next, tap 'TV' and then tap 'Samsung.' Select 'TV' again and tap 'Start.' All that's left to do is to select the TV's location and room and tap 'Next.' And that's it – the SmartThings app will now be connected to the TV. Samsung notes that TVs made before 2020 will require a PIN to connect to the app.

Once the app is installed and connected, users can proceed to use their phone as a remote. To do this, tap the TV device card in the SmartThings app. To turn the TV on or off, tap the 'TV on/off' button. Tapping on 'Remote' will let users control TV channels, volume, the home page, and settings. Users can also browse apps on the TV from their phone, or search for content on the TV by typing on their phone's keyboard and starting playback. It's worth noting that if users have a set-top box or media streamer like Fire TV or Roku, they can use the provided universal remote to power on and control their Samsung TV.

Buying A Replacement Remote For Your Samsung TV

Samsung TV with interface and remote

If a user has damaged or lost their remote, they can buy a replacement remote from Samsung. There are a few options here. Users can buy the same remote that came with their TV from Samsung's Parts website. Just enter the model number and search for the compatible remote. It's also worth noting that Samsung's IR remotes work with all its TVs, even if the model number isn't listed as being compatible. A good example of this is the BN59-01301A remote.

Another option is buying a universal remote from a third-party brand. These universal remotes work with most TVs, Samsung included, and can be picked up from Amazon for under $10. It's worth noting that universal remotes need to be pre-programed to work with Samsung TVs, but if not, users will need to use a code provided by the remote manufacturer.

Finally, if users have an older Samsung TV at home, they can try using that remote. Any Samsung TV remote can perform a few basic functions, including turning the TV on or off, changing the channels and volume, and accessing settings. However, if the newer Samsung TV uses a smart remote, some functions may not be accessible with an older remote.

Source: Samsung 1, 2, 3