Control Samsung Smart TV with Android or iPhone

This guide shows you how to turn your Android phone or iPhone into a remote for your Samsung Smart TV. You’ll be able to change channels, adjust volume, launch apps, and even type text using your phone’s keyboard—no physical remote needed. Before starting, make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

What You’ll Need

A Samsung Smart TV (2016 model or newer, running Tizen OS) that is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi.
An Android phone (Android 6.0+) or iPhone (iOS 12+) with Wi-Fi enabled.
The SmartThings app installed on your phone (free from Google Play or the App Store).
Your Samsung account credentials (or the ability to create one).

Step-by-Step

Install the SmartThings app. Open the app store on your phone, search for “SmartThings,” and install it. This is Samsung’s official app for controlling their smart devices.
Create or sign in to your Samsung account. Launch SmartThings and either log in with your existing Samsung account or create a new one. This account links your phone and TV together.
Make sure your TV is on the same Wi-Fi network. On your TV, go to Settings → General → Network → Network Status to check the connected network. Your phone must be on the exact same network (not a guest network or a different band).
Add your TV to SmartThings. In the app, tap the “+” icon (usually at the top right) and select “Add Device.” The app will scan for nearby devices. When your TV appears, tap it.
Enter the PIN if prompted. Your TV will display a 4-digit PIN on the screen. Type it into the app to pair the devices. If you don’t see a PIN, check your TV’s Settings → General → External Device Manager → Device Connect Manager and ensure it’s enabled.
Wait for the connection to complete. The app will show a confirmation once the TV is added. This may take a few seconds.
Use the remote control in the app. Tap on your TV in the SmartThings home screen. A virtual remote will appear with buttons for power, volume, channel, direction pad, and a touchpad for navigation. Tap the buttons to control your TV.
Use the keyboard for text entry. When a text field appears on your TV (like a search bar), a keyboard icon will show up on your phone. Tap it and type using your phone’s keyboard—this is much faster than the on-screen TV keyboard.
Launch apps directly. The SmartThings remote often has shortcut buttons for Netflix, YouTube, and other apps. You can also use the app’s “Apps” section to open any installed app on your TV.
Control the TV with your voice (optional). If your phone supports Google Assistant or Bixby, you can use voice commands through the app to change channels or launch apps, as long as the TV is paired.

Common Mistakes

Phone and TV on different Wi-Fi networks. This is the most common issue. Make sure both are on the same network, including the same band (2.4GHz vs 5GHz). If your router broadcasts both, try connecting both to the same one.
TV not in pairing mode. If the app can’t find the TV, you may need to put the TV in pairing mode manually. Go to Settings → General → External Device Manager → Device Connect Manager and turn on “Access Notification” or “Device Connection.”
Old version of the app. Using an outdated SmartThings app can cause connection issues. Always update the app to the latest version.
Ignoring the PIN prompt. Some users skip the PIN because they think it’s not necessary. The PIN is required for security and to complete the pairing.
Using a different Samsung account on the TV. If your TV is logged into a different Samsung account than your phone, the connection may fail. Log into the same account on both.

Tips

Keep the app updated. Samsung regularly improves SmartThings with bug fixes and new features, so enable auto-updates.
Use the touchpad mode. For easier navigation, switch to the touchpad in the remote view—it acts like a laptop trackpad and makes scrolling through menus faster.
Pin the remote to your home screen. On Android, you can add a SmartThings widget or shortcut to quickly open the remote without launching the full app.
Use the app to turn on the TV. Even if your TV is off, the app can wake it via Wi-Fi (as long as it’s not completely unplugged). This is handy if you’ve lost the physical remote.
Pair multiple phones. You can have more than one phone control the same TV—just add the TV to each phone’s SmartThings app using the same Samsung account.

Troubleshooting

App can’t find the TV. First, confirm both devices are on the same network. Restart your router, then restart the TV (unplug it for 30 seconds) and the phone. If that doesn’t work, check if your TV is compatible—very old models (pre-2016) may not support SmartThings. You can also try using the “Scan for nearby devices” option in the app.

Connection drops frequently. This usually points to a weak Wi-Fi signal. Move your router closer to the TV or consider a Wi-Fi extender. Ensure no other devices are heavily using the bandwidth. Also, check for interference from other electronics near the TV.

Remote works but is laggy. Close other apps on your phone to free up resources. Restart both the app and the TV. If the issue persists, forget the TV in the app and re-add it.

PIN doesn’t appear on TV. Go to your TV’s Settings → General → External Device Manager → Device Connect Manager and enable “Access Notification.” If it’s already enabled, toggle it off and on. Also, make sure your TV’s software is updated (Settings → Support → Software Update).

Voice commands not working. Ensure your phone’s microphone permission is granted to SmartThings. Also, check that the TV supports the voice feature—some older models don’t. You can also try using the TV’s built-in Bixby if available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I control my Samsung TV without the SmartThings app?
A: Yes, you can use the Samsung TV Remote app (for older TVs) or the built-in “Remote Access” feature on some models. However, SmartThings is the most reliable and feature-rich option for current models.

Q: Does the app work when the TV is in standby mode?
A: Yes, as long as the TV is plugged in and has network standby enabled, the app can turn it on. You may need to enable “Network Standby” in the TV’s settings.

Q: Can I control multiple Samsung TVs with one phone?
A: Absolutely. Add each TV to the SmartThings app, and you can switch between them from the home screen.

Q: Why does my TV show “Connection Failed” when I try to pair?
A: This usually means the PIN was entered incorrectly or the connection timed out. Try again, ensuring you enter the PIN quickly. Also, restart both devices and try again.

Q: Is there a way to control the TV without Wi-Fi?
A: No, the SmartThings app requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you don’t have Wi-Fi, you’ll need to use the physical remote or an IR blaster (if your phone has one).

Q: Can I use the app to adjust picture settings?
A: Yes, SmartThings allows you to access some picture modes and settings, but for full picture calibration, you’ll need to use the TV’s own settings menu (which you can navigate using the app’s remote).

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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