Program Your DirecTV Remote Using the TV Code Method
You can program your DirecTV remote to control your Samsung TV by entering a four-digit code that tells the remote how to communicate with your specific TV model. The remote will then send power, volume, and input commands directly to your Samsung without needing a separate TV remote. This takes about two minutes and requires only your remote and TV.
The DirecTV remote has a built-in learning mode that works with most Samsung televisions made in the last 15 years. You do not need to connect anything to your TV or install software — the remote learns your TV's signal through infrared, the same invisible light that standard TV remotes use.
Key Takeaways
- DirecTV remotes control Samsung TVs using four-digit manufacturer codes entered through the remote's menu.
- You will need to locate your Samsung TV's model number (usually on a sticker on the back or in the TV's settings menu) to find the correct code.
- If you do not know your TV's code, you can use the auto-search feature to have the remote find it automatically, which takes three to five minutes.
- Once programmed, your DirecTV remote will control power, volume, and input switching on your Samsung TV without needing a second remote.
Find Your Samsung TV's Model Number
Before you start programming, locate your TV's model number. On most Samsung televisions, this sticker is on the back panel near the power cord or HDMI ports. The model number starts with letters like "UN" or "QN" followed by numbers — for example, "UN55AU8000" or "QN65Q80B".
If you cannot reach the back of your TV, you can find the model number in your TV's settings menu. Press the Menu button on your Samsung remote, navigate to Support or About This TV, and look for Model Number or Model Code. Write down the full number exactly as it appears.
Enter the Code Using Your DirecTV Remote
Hold down the red SELECT button on your DirecTV remote until the green light at the top blinks twice, then release. This puts the remote into programming mode. You will see the green light stay on.
Press 9-9-1 on the number pad. The green light should blink twice to confirm you are in TV code-entry mode. Now enter your Samsung TV's four-digit code. You can find Samsung codes by searching online for "DirecTV Samsung TV code" plus your model number, or use the list below for common Samsung models.
After you enter the code, press the SELECT button once. The green light should blink twice again. Point the remote at your TV and press the Power button. If your TV turns off, the code worked. If nothing happens, repeat the process with a different code for your model.
Common Samsung TV Codes for DirecTV Remotes
| Samsung TV Series | DirecTV Code |
|---|---|
| Samsung 2022–2024 models (QN series) | 1089 |
| Samsung 2020–2021 models (AU, RU series) | 1089 |
| Samsung 2018–2019 models (NU, RU series) | 1089 |
| Samsung 2016–2017 models (KU, MU series) | 1089 |
| Samsung older models (H, J series) | 1002 |
If the code 1089 does not work for your model, try 1002 or 1003. If none of these work, move to the auto-search method below.
Use Auto-Search If You Do Not Know the Code
If you cannot find your TV's code or the codes above do not work, the DirecTV remote can search for the correct code automatically. Hold down the red SELECT button until the green light blinks twice. Press 9-9-0 on the number pad. The green light will blink twice to confirm auto-search mode is active.
Point the remote at your TV and press the Power button repeatedly. The remote will cycle through codes one at a time. When your TV turns off, stop pressing the button. Press SELECT once to save that code. Your remote is now programmed.
Auto-search usually takes three to five minutes. Keep the remote pointed at the TV during the entire process. Do not press any other buttons or the search will restart.
Test All Functions After Programming
Once the code is saved, test the remote on your TV. Press Power to turn it on and off. Use the volume buttons to raise and lower the sound. Press the up and down arrow buttons to change the input or navigate your TV's menu. If all of these work, your remote is fully programmed.
If some buttons work but others do not, the code may be incomplete. Try a different code from the table above or run auto-search again. Some older Samsung models may not support all functions through a DirecTV remote, but power and volume almost always work.
Troubleshoot If the Remote Does Not Control Your TV
If your TV does not respond after entering a code, first check that the green light on the remote blinks when you press buttons. If it does not blink, the remote batteries may be dead — replace them with fresh AA batteries and try again.
Make sure you are pointing the remote directly at your TV's infrared receiver, usually a small dark window on the front panel. If the receiver is blocked by a soundbar or cabinet, move the obstruction or angle the remote toward the TV. Test from about six feet away.
If the green light blinks but your TV still does not respond, the code may be wrong. Go back to the code-entry steps and try the next code on the list. If you have tried all codes and auto-search does not work, your TV model may not be compatible with DirecTV remote programming — in that case, you will need to use your Samsung remote for TV controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reprogram the remote if I get a new Samsung TV?
Yes. Each Samsung TV model has its own code. If you replace your TV with a different model, follow the same programming steps with the new TV's model number and code. The old code will not work on the new TV.
Can I program the DirecTV remote to control multiple TVs?
No. The DirecTV remote stores one TV code at a time. If you have multiple Samsung TVs in different rooms, you would need a separate DirecTV remote for each one, or use your Samsung remote for the second TV.
What if my DirecTV remote is not a standard model?
DirecTV makes several remote models, including the RC73, RC72, and newer voice-command remotes. The steps above work for most models, but some newer remotes may have different button layouts. Check your remote's manual or the DirecTV website for your specific model's programming instructions.
Will programming the remote erase my DirecTV settings?
No. Programming the remote to control your TV only adds a TV code to the remote. It does not change any DirecTV receiver settings or channels. Your remote will still control your DirecTV box normally.
Can I program the remote if my Samsung TV is connected to a soundbar?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the soundbar's position. If the soundbar is blocking the TV's infrared receiver on the front panel, the remote signal cannot reach the TV. Move the soundbar slightly to the side or angle the remote upward toward the TV's receiver during programming.