What You Need to Know Before Buying a New Remote

Samsung remotes are not all the same. A remote that works with a 2015 Samsung TV will not work with a 2022 model, and a remote made for a soundbar will not control your television. Before you order a replacement, you need to identify which remote you have and which Samsung device it controls.

The fastest way to find the right remote is to look at your current one. On the back or bottom, you will see a model number that starts with letters like BN59, BN63, or RM. Write down that full number. You can also find your TV or soundbar model number in the settings menu or on a sticker on the back of the device itself. Both pieces of information will help you order the correct replacement.

Samsung remotes are sold through several channels: the Samsung website, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and electronics retailers. Prices range widely depending on the model — basic IR remotes cost $20 to $40, while newer smart remotes with voice control and touchpads run $50 to $100 or more. Older or discontinued models may cost more because they are harder to find.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your remote model number on the back of the remote itself, usually starting with BN59, BN63, or RM, before you search for a replacement.
  • Match the remote to your specific TV or soundbar model, because Samsung remotes are not interchangeable across all devices.
  • Basic infrared remotes cost $20 to $40, while smart remotes with voice control and touchpads cost $50 to $100.
  • Buy from Samsung directly, Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart to may support you receive an authentic remote with a warranty.
  • Test the new remote when ready after it arrives to confirm it pairs with your device before the return window closes.

Finding Your Remote Model Number

The model number is printed on the back or underside of your remote. Look for a label with text like "Model: BN59-01312A" or "RM-G1900." This number is the most reliable way to order the exact replacement. If the label is worn or missing, you can find the same information in your TV or soundbar settings.

On a Samsung TV, go to Settings, then About This TV or Device Info. You will see the model number of your TV displayed there. Write it down. Then search online for "[your TV model number] remote" to see which remotes are compatible. Samsung's support website also has a tool where you can enter your TV model and see all compatible remotes listed.

If you have a Samsung soundbar, the model number is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of the unit. Soundbar remotes are often different from TV remotes, so do not assume they are the same. Check the manual or the Samsung support site to confirm which remote controls your soundbar.

Types of Samsung Remotes and What They Cost

Standard infrared (IR) remotes are the most common and least expensive. They work by sending an infrared signal to your TV or soundbar. You point them at the device and press buttons. These remotes work with almost all Samsung TVs and soundbars made in the last 10 years. They cost $20 to $40 and do not require pairing or batteries beyond standard AA or AAA.

Smart remotes with voice control and touchpads are newer and more expensive. They connect to your TV via Bluetooth or WiFi and let you speak commands like "turn on the news" or "volume up." Some models have a small touchpad for typing. These remotes cost $50 to $100 and require charging via USB or AA batteries. They work only with newer Samsung TVs, usually 2016 and later.

Replacement remotes for older models (2010 to 2015) can be harder to find and sometimes cost more because they are no longer in regular production. If your TV is very old, check the Samsung support site first to confirm a replacement is still sold. If not, a universal remote may work, though it will not have all the same buttons or features.

Where to Buy and How to Verify Authenticity

Buy directly from Samsung, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, or other major electronics retailers. Avoid third-party sellers on marketplace sites unless they have a high rating and clear return policy. Counterfeit remotes exist and may not work reliably or may stop working after a few months.

When your remote arrives, check the packaging and label. Authentic Samsung remotes have clear printing, proper weight, and a label with the model number that matches what you ordered. The remote should come with a user manual or a card with setup instructions. If the packaging looks damaged or the label is blurry, contact the seller for a return.

Keep your receipt and the original packaging for at least 30 days. Most retailers offer returns within that window if the remote does not work with your device. Test it as soon as it arrives so you know whether it is compatible before the return period closes.

How to Pair a New Smart Remote

If you ordered a smart remote with Bluetooth or WiFi, you will need to pair it with your TV before it works. The process is straightforward and takes less than a minute. Turn on your TV, then press and hold the Pairing button on the back of the remote (usually marked with a Bluetooth symbol or labeled "Pairing"). A light on the remote will blink.

On your TV, go to Settings, then Remote Management or Bluetooth Devices. Select "Add Remote" or "Pair New Device." The TV will search for the remote. When it finds it, select it from the list and confirm. The light on the remote will stop blinking once pairing is complete. You can now use the remote to control your TV.

If pairing fails, make sure the remote has fresh batteries and is within 10 feet of the TV. Restart both the remote and the TV, then try again. If it still does not work, check the manual that came with the remote or visit Samsung's support site for your specific model.

What to Do If Your Remote Model Is Discontinued

If your TV is older and the original remote is no longer sold, you have two options: buy a used original remote from a reseller, or buy a universal remote that works with Samsung devices.

Used original remotes are sold on eBay, Amazon, and specialty electronics sites. Prices vary widely depending on rarity. Buy only from sellers with good ratings and clear return policies. Test the remote as soon as it arrives, because used items may not work reliably.

Universal remotes are made by companies like GE, Philips, and RCA. They work with most Samsung TVs and soundbars, though they may not have every button your original remote had. Universal remotes cost $15 to $50. You will need to program it to your TV by entering a code or using a learning mode. Check the manual to see if your TV model is listed as compatible before you buy.

Troubleshooting a New Remote That Does Not Work

If your new remote does not control your TV or soundbar, start with the basics. Check that the batteries are fresh and installed correctly. Remove the batteries, wait 10 seconds, then reinsert them. Press a button to see if the remote responds.

If the remote has a light on the front or back, it should blink when you press a button. If it does not blink, the batteries are dead or the remote is broken. If it does blink but your TV does not respond, the remote model may not match your device. Double-check the model number on the remote against your TV model number on Samsung's support site.

For smart remotes, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your TV settings. Go to Settings, then Bluetooth or Wireless, and confirm it is enabled. If the remote still does not work, unpair it and pair it again from scratch. Restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

If none of these steps work, contact the retailer where you bought the remote and request a return. You should not have to troubleshoot a brand-new remote for more than 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use one Samsung remote to control multiple devices?

Some smart remotes can control both a TV and a soundbar if they are the same brand and model year. Standard IR remotes work with any Samsung device you point them at, but they do not have a way to switch between devices. Check your remote manual to see if it supports multiple devices.

What if I lose my remote and cannot find the model number?

Look up your TV or soundbar model number in the settings menu or on a sticker on the back of the device. Then search online for "[your device model] compatible remotes" to see which ones work. Samsung's support site also has a search tool where you can enter your device model and see all compatible remotes.

Do I need to return my old remote when I buy a new one?

No. Retailers do not require you to return the old remote. You can keep it as a backup, recycle it at an electronics recycling center, or donate it. Do not throw it in the trash — remotes contain batteries and electronics that should be recycled.

Will a Samsung remote work with a TV from a different brand?

No. Samsung remotes are designed to work only with Samsung devices. If you need to control a different brand of TV, you will need a universal remote or the remote made for that brand.

How long do Samsung remotes usually last?

A standard IR remote lasts five to seven years with normal use. Smart remotes with batteries last three to five years before the battery capacity degrades. If you use your remote heavily or drop it often, it may fail sooner. Most remotes are not repairable, so replacement is the only option.