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How to Control a Samsung TV with a Phone: Your Ultimate Guide

Controlling your Samsung TV with your phone is simpler than you might think, unlocking a world of convenience and features beyond the standard remote. You can control your Samsung TV with your phone by using the SmartThings app, Samsung’s Smart View app (for older models), or a universal remote app. These options utilize Wi-Fi or infrared (IR) to communicate with your TV, allowing you to change channels, adjust volume, navigate menus, and even cast content directly from your mobile device.

The Power in Your Pocket: Multiple Control Methods

While the basic function of changing channels might seem sufficient, controlling your Samsung TV with your phone provides a wealth of additional benefits. Imagine effortlessly typing in search terms with your phone’s keyboard instead of tediously scrolling through an on-screen keyboard using the remote. Picture seamlessly casting photos and videos from your phone directly to the big screen to share with friends and family. These conveniences, and many more, are easily within reach. Let’s explore the primary methods for achieving this digital symbiosis:

1. The SmartThings App: Your Central Hub

Samsung’s SmartThings app is the recommended and most feature-rich option for controlling modern Samsung TVs. It’s designed to be the central control point for your smart home ecosystem, but its TV control capabilities are particularly impressive.

Setup: Download the SmartThings app from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS). Ensure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app, sign in to your Samsung account (or create one), and follow the on-screen instructions to add your TV. The app will typically detect your TV automatically, but you may need to manually select it from a list and enter a PIN displayed on the TV screen for verification.
Functionality: Once connected, the SmartThings app offers a comprehensive virtual remote. You’ll find a power button, channel and volume controls, a number pad for direct channel entry, a navigation pad for menu exploration, and dedicated buttons for accessing streaming services. Beyond the basics, you can use the app to control TV settings, view ambient mode photos, and even use your phone as a keyboard for text input.
Voice Control: The SmartThings app integrates seamlessly with Bixby, Samsung’s voice assistant. Tap the microphone icon within the app, and you can control your TV with voice commands, such as “Change the channel to CNN” or “Turn up the volume.” If your TV is compatible, you can also integrate with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for even more hands-free control.

2. Smart View App: A Legacy Option (For Older Models)

While SmartThings is the preferred method for newer TVs, Samsung’s Smart View app remains a viable option for controlling older Samsung Smart TVs. However, note that Smart View is no longer actively developed or supported by Samsung, and its functionality may be limited compared to SmartThings.

Setup: Similar to SmartThings, download the Smart View app from your respective app store. Ensure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. The app should automatically detect compatible TVs. If not, manually select your TV from the list.
Functionality: Smart View provides basic remote control functionality, mirroring many of the features of a traditional remote, including channel and volume control. One notable feature is the ability to stream content directly from your phone to the TV, allowing you to easily share photos, videos, and even music.

3. Universal Remote Apps: Broad Compatibility

If neither SmartThings nor Smart View is suitable (perhaps due to TV compatibility issues or personal preference), consider using a universal remote app. These apps typically rely on either Wi-Fi or Infrared (IR) to communicate with your TV.

Wi-Fi Based Apps: Many universal remote apps, such as “Sure Universal Remote” and “AnyMote Universal Remote,” connect to your TV over Wi-Fi. Ensure your phone and TV are on the same network, and follow the app’s instructions to select your TV brand and model. These apps often offer similar functionality to SmartThings, including channel and volume control, menu navigation, and text input.
IR Based Apps: Some phones, particularly older models, have a built-in infrared (IR) blaster. Apps that utilize this feature, like “Unified Remote,” can control a wide range of devices, including TVs. To use an IR remote app, you typically point your phone’s IR blaster directly at your TV. The app will usually require you to select your TV brand and test different remote codes to find one that works.

Choosing the Right Method

Newer Samsung Smart TVs: SmartThings is the ideal choice.
Older Samsung Smart TVs: Try Smart View first; if it’s incompatible, explore universal remote apps.
Phones with IR Blasters: IR-based universal remote apps can be a good alternative.
Focus on Smart Home Integration: SmartThings is the clear winner due to its broader smart home capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding and troubleshooting abilities:

1. Why isn’t my phone connecting to my Samsung TV?

Ensure both your phone and Samsung TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Double-check that Wi-Fi is enabled on both devices. If using SmartThings, verify you’re logged into your Samsung account on both devices. Restart both your phone and TV. For IR-based remotes, ensure there’s a clear line of sight between your phone’s IR blaster and the TV.

2. The SmartThings app isn’t detecting my TV. What can I do?

Make sure your TV is powered on and connected to the Wi-Fi. In the SmartThings app, try manually adding your TV by selecting “Add device” and choosing “Samsung” and then your TV model. Ensure your TV’s firmware is up to date. Sometimes, temporarily disabling and re-enabling Wi-Fi on your TV can resolve detection issues.

3. Can I control multiple Samsung TVs with one phone?

Yes, the SmartThings app allows you to control multiple Samsung TVs, as long as they are all connected to the same Wi-Fi network and associated with your Samsung account. You can easily switch between controlling different TVs within the app.

4. Does controlling my TV with my phone consume a lot of battery?

Using Wi-Fi to control your TV will consume some battery power, but the impact is usually minimal, especially with modern smartphones. IR control generally consumes very little battery. If you’re concerned about battery drain, close the remote app when not in use.

5. Can I use my phone to control my Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?

Generally, no. The primary methods for controlling your Samsung TV with your phone, such as SmartThings and Smart View, rely on Wi-Fi. The exception is if your phone has an IR blaster and you use an IR-based universal remote app.

6. How do I update my Samsung TV’s firmware?

Navigate to the Settings menu on your TV. Look for an option like “Software Update” or “Support,” then select “Update Now” or a similar command to check for and install any available updates. Keeping your TV’s firmware up to date ensures optimal performance and compatibility.

7. Is it safe to connect my TV to my phone via SmartThings?

Yes, it is generally safe, provided you download the SmartThings app from the official app stores (Google Play Store or Apple App Store). Ensure you are using a strong and unique password for your Samsung account, and keep your phone’s operating system and SmartThings app updated to benefit from the latest security patches.

8. My phone doesn’t have an IR blaster. What are my options?

If your phone lacks an IR blaster, your primary options are to use the SmartThings app (for newer TVs) or a Wi-Fi-based universal remote app. You could also consider purchasing a separate universal remote control.

9. Can I use my phone to control my Samsung TV from outside my home network?

Yes, with SmartThings, you can control your Samsung TV remotely as long as both your phone and TV have an active internet connection. This allows you to turn on or off your TV or adjust settings even when you’re away from home.

10. I forgot my Samsung account password. How do I reset it?

You can reset your Samsung account password on the Samsung website or through the SmartThings app. Look for the “Forgot password?” link on the login screen and follow the instructions to verify your identity and create a new password.

11. The volume buttons on the SmartThings app aren’t working. What should I do?

First, ensure that the volume is not muted on your TV. Also, check that your phone’s volume is turned up. Try restarting the SmartThings app and your TV. If the problem persists, check the TV’s sound settings to ensure the external control options are enabled.

12. Can I use a Bluetooth remote app to control my Samsung TV?

While some TVs support Bluetooth connectivity, it’s not the standard method for remote control apps. SmartThings and Wi-Fi-based universal remote apps are more common and reliable. Bluetooth is typically used for connecting accessories like headphones or speakers.

By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you can seamlessly integrate your phone into your Samsung TV viewing experience, unlocking a new level of control and convenience. Enjoy!