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Get Your Samsung TV Under Control: How to Easily Program Remote Controls

Do you have a Samsung smart TV hanging on the wall looking pretty but untouchable due to a misplaced remote? Or perhaps you need to sync a new universal remote but don‘t know where to begin. Don‘t worry my friend – you‘ve come to the right place.

Programming remotes for Samsung televisions is a useful skill all owners should know. By following this easy, step-by-step guide, you‘ll soon gain back control of your beloved Samsung TV.

Why Program a Samsung Remote Control?

With Samsung holding 15.2% market share in the global smart TV industry, learning to reprogram remotes ensures you get the most out of your cutting-edge device.

You may need to sync your remote if:

  • Purchasing a new Samsung TV
  • Switching to a universal remote
  • Adding secondary remotes
  • Replacing dead batteries
  • Fixing connectivity issues

Either way, this guide has you covered! Continue reading to master remote pairing in minutes.

Step 1: Connect Official Samsung Remote Using Pairing Method

Official Samsung remotes use automatic infrared (IR) pairing to link with your television. By emitting coded signals, the remote communicates directly with IR receivers located on your TV.

Samsung Remote Sensor Locations

TV Model Year Sensor Position
2016 – 2023 Bottom center of TV
2010 – 2015 Bottom right corner
Older models Behind front Samsung logo

Tip: Ensure no obstructions are blocking signals between remote and sensor.

Follow these instructions to pair your official Samsung remote using the quick pairing method:

  1. Stand facing the IR receiver location with remote in-hand. Avoid pointing away at angles.

  2. Press and hold Return [↶] and Play/Pause [►||] buttons simultaneously for 3+ seconds.

  3. The remote LED may flash indicating pairing mode activation.

  4. A sync notification will display on-screen once successful!

Struggling to connect? Double check batteries and repeat the steps. Consult Samsung support if connection issues continue – a manual reboot of your television may be required.

Step 2: Code Search Method for Universal Remotes

Universal remotes utilize pre-programmed infrared codes to control each type of television brand. Samsung thankfully provides compatibility for most top universal remote makers – but functionality varies across models.

Here is how to sync universal remotes with Samsung TVs using the standard code search method:

a) Locate Samsung Device Code

  1. Flip to the Samsung section in remote coding manual/website.

  2. Find 4-5 digit code for Samsung televisions. Common options:

  • RCA/GE remotes: 10812
  • Sony remotes: 11828
  • Logitech Harmony: 10587

b) Activate Code Search Mode

  1. Turn Samsung TV on.

  2. Locate TV or Device button on universal remote.

  3. Hold button down until remote LED stays lit. The code search mode is now active!

  4. Use number pad to enter your Samsung device code from Step 1.

Tip: Try multiple codes if needed until buttons function.

Once correctly paired, your universal remote will have full control of TV capabilities! Easy right?

For advanced universal remotes utilizing apps or Wi-Fi connectivity, follow manufacturer instructions for getting set up. Methods differ across brands like Logitech Harmony or Amazon FireTV remotes.

Step 3: Make Your Smartphone the Remote

In addition to programming physical remote controls, modern Samsung televisions also allow app-based controllers for added convenience.

The Samsung SmartThings mobile app converts your smartphone or tablet into a fully-functional swipeable remote:

To set up:

  1. Download and install SmartThings app from Google Play/App Store.

  2. Ensure TV and mobile device are connected to same WiFi network.

  3. Register Samsung account and follow app instructions to add television.

  4. Customize dashboard widgets and begin controlling your TV!

SmartThings taps into advanced ConnectShare capabilities for next-level control. Bit lost on older models unfortunately lacking WiFi modules.

Third party universal apps like SureUniversal Remote also let you ditch multiple remotes by combining support for thousands of devices. Try different apps to see which customizable setup you prefer.

Finding Replacement Remotes

Uh oh…Can‘t locate the remote anywhere?before shelling out for pricey smart remotes, consider an affordable basic replacement:

Remote Model Description Price
Samsung BN59-01199F Basic Infrared Remote $10
Samsung BN59-01268A Smart Bluetooth Remote $28
Orignal model# from TV sticker Full remote identical to lost one $20-50

Samsung directly sells replacement parts on their website to rescue stranded users. Search using your specific television model number for guaranteed compatibility.

Or save money with basic third party options available on Amazon lacking fancy voice control but still handling IR/Bluetooth signals.

Either way – take back control of your beloved device ASAP! A universe of stellar content awaits.

Let‘s Recap: Master Samsung Remote Programming

Learning remote pairing tricks keeps your viewing experience running smoothly:

  • Official Remotes – Press simultaneously Return + Play/Pause
  • Universal Remotes – Input pre-set Samsung code
  • Phone Remotes – Download Samsung SmartThings App

Now you can confidently reprogram lost, replacement, and secondary remotes for your Samsung TV.

Stick this guide somewhere handy in case batteries die or kids misplace controllers down the road. Knowing Samsung-specific steps prevents future headaches.

Got any other handy tips for fellow Samsung TV enthusiasts? Share your insight below!