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Updated November 11, 2022 by Steve Larner to reflect current Android and iOS/iPhone processes.
Our smartphones can do many amazing things, including replacing a TV remote control. How often have you found yourself searching for the remote control and not finding it anywhere?
Maybe it was within your reach, but the batteries died just as you were about to turn up the volume. On the other hand, your phone is likely close to you when you’re watching TV, so having it as a backup remote control comes in handy.
Before you can use your phone to control your Samsung TV, you need to set it up correctly. The process is similar for all Android and iOS phones. The appearance is the only difference apart from the safety instructions and actions. Here’s how to use your Android or iOS/iPhone phone to control your Samsung TV.
Control a Samsung TV using your Samsung phone
If you have a Samsung smart TV at home and use a Samsung smartphone, you’ve hit the jackpot when it comes to device compatibility. However, their app is also available on the Play Store and Apple App Store for those with a different Android phone or an iPhone; more on this below.
Samsung’s app for controlling smart home devices, including TVs, is called SmartThings and is built into all Samsung smartphones. You may not have used it before because you didn’t need it, but if you want to control your Samsung TV, you’ll need to set it up.
Make sure your TV is turned on and follow these steps for Samsung devices.
- Install and run the “smart things”App on your Samsung phone.
- Play the “Devices” icon at the bottom of the screen.
- To add your Samsung TV, tap the “+” symbol in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Select “Scan nearby” to allow the phone to find the TV.
- Select your Samsung TV from the devices that the phone has found.
- When you see a PIN on the TV screen, enter the same numbers on your phone.
- Tap “Made.”
- Start the “smart things”App on your Samsung phone.
- choose your “Samsung TV” from the list of stored devices and select “Remote.”
This remote control has all the functions of the TV remote control and will allow you to control your TV until you find the remote control or replace the batteries.
How to control a Samsung TV with an iPhone
If you have a Samsung smart TV and an iPhone, you can still connect them and control the TV. The good news is that iOS devices are compatible with the SmartThings app. Here’s how to do it.
- Download the iOS”smart things”Samsung application.
- Start the newly installed “Smart things” app on your iPhone.
- Tap “OK” in the permissions pop-up window to use Bluetooth.
- Continue the introduction by tapping “Next” or skip it by selecting “Hop.” It might be a good idea to watch the intro.
- Tap on the “Log in” button at the bottom.
- Tap “OK” in the permissions pop-up window to search for and connect to devices on your local network.
- Tap “OK” in the permissions popup to allow notifications.
- Log in to your “Samsung account” or scroll down and select “Create an account.”
- Play the “Devices icon” in the background.
- Select “Add devices”.
- Tap on “Add device.”
- Choose to scan a QR code or search for nearby devices by tapping the corresponding “Scan” button.
- Tap “OK” in the permissions pop-up window to allow access to the microphone.
- SmartThings now searches for Samsung devices compatible with the app, including the Samsung TV you want to control.
- The list of found devices appears. touch your “Samsung TV” of the list.
- A PIN is displayed on the TV screen. Enter that number into your iPhone.
- Select “Made.”
- Relaunch the “Smart things” application.
- Select your “Samsung TV” from the device list.
- Choose the “Remote” option.
That’s all. You’re good to go. Your iPhone can now control your Samsung TV.
Note: You need to make sure that your Samsung TV and phone use the same wireless connection.
How to control a Samsung TV with an Android phone
Even with an Android phone, using it to control your Samsung TV is easy. Smartphones from different brands, such as LG, run on the Android operating system.
This is another situation where the SmartThings app saves the day. You can download the Android version of the app from the Google Play store and use it to connect your Android phone to your Samsung TV.
Here are all the steps you must follow.
- Install “Smart things” by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. from the play store.
- Open the “smart things”App on your Android phone.
- Tap on “Log in” in the top right p, which opens the login screen in the default browser.
- For non-Samsung Android phones, you may receive a “browser is incompatible” notice depending on your default browser, such as when using Kiwi Browser. Follow the instructions in the notice. In Android 11, for example, you navigate to “Apps and notifications > Advanced > Default apps > Browser app” to change your default browser.
- On the login screen that appears in the default web browser, enter your Samsung login credentials. If you need to create an account, tap “Create an account” and follow the instructions.
- Follow the “Two-Step Verification” process to log in. Don’t tap “Extend time” after entering your verification code; select “Verify” on the bottom.
- The main “SmartThings” screen opens again, except that you are now signed in. Select the “Devices” tab located at the bottom of the screen.
- Make sure your Samsung TV is turned on. Tap on “Add device” or hit the “+” icon and then select “Add a device.”
- Choose to search for nearby devices by tapping the corresponding “Scan” button.
- When your Android phone has finished scanning, select the name of your Samsung TV on the Android device.
- When a PIN appears on the TV screen, enter the PIN on your Android phone that appears on your Samsung TV.
- Tap “Made.”
- Your Android phone and Samsung TV are now connected.
- Open the “Smart things” application.
- Select your Samsung TV from the list and choose “Remote.”
Now you can change the volume and channels and control other functions of your TV using your Android phone.
How to control a TV with a phone without Wi-Fi
If your remote doesn’t work, but you also don’t have access to Wi-Fi, how do you control your TV with your phone? All is not lost, as there’s a chance Make sure your phone has a built-in infrared emitter.
This small device, which allows communication with the TV, used to be very common on Android phones, but newer models do not support it. If you have an iPhone, you may be out of luck. To be sure, you can check the manufacturer’s website and try to get the information.
Even if your phone has the IR blaster, you will need to download a universal remote control app on your phone, using mobile data. So, make sure it fits your mobile data plan.
You can find many great universal remote control apps on both the Google Play Store and the Apple/iOS App Store, and you may even find one Samsung TV Remote App which precisely replaces the physical device.
If your smartphone does not have an IR blaster, the only option left is to purchase an IR blaster adapter that fits into your phone’s charging port.
Keep in mind that you will need to look for an adapter that fits your phone model and incorporate that factor into your research. Infrared adapters typically cost between $1 and $20, depending on the type, such as 3.5mm (headphone jack) or USB-C.
How to control television with your phone without an infrared emitter
Potential solutions are limited if your phone does not have an IR blaster or if you are not interested in purchasing one.
You can purchase a screen mirroring device, such as Miracast or Chromecast, but they rely on wireless connectivity. Either way, you’ll need to invest in an external device to get the functionality you need.
Finally, owning a Samsung TV comes with all the benefits of the SmartThings app, designed to allow easy access to smart home devices. If you are a Samsung phone user, the SmartThings app is now at your fingertips; it is not necessary to download it.
iPhone and other Android phone users must first get the free app. With a quick setup, your smartphone becomes a Samsung remote control and you can easily navigate all the functions of your TV.
Without Wi-Fi, your best chance is for your phone to have an IR blaster so you can download a universal remote app and control your TV.
