You can control a Samsung TV from your phone using the SmartThings app, Samsung's remote app, or your phone's built-in casting feature
Samsung TVs connect to your home Wi-Fi network, which means your phone can send commands to the TV without a physical remote. The easiest method depends on which Samsung TV model you own and what you want to do—change the channel, adjust volume, launch an app, or mirror your phone's screen. All three methods are free and use apps or features already built into your phone.
Before you start, make sure your Samsung TV and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network. If they are not connected to the same network, the phone cannot communicate with the TV. You should also have your TV's model number handy, though most methods will find your TV automatically once both devices are on the network.
Key Takeaways
- The SmartThings app works with most Samsung TVs made after 2016 and lets you control volume, channels, and apps from your phone.
- Samsung's dedicated remote app (called Samsung Remote or SmartThings Remote depending on your TV model) offers the same controls and works offline if your TV supports it.
- Your phone's built-in casting feature (AirPlay on iPhone, Google Cast on Android) lets you send video and audio to the TV without needing a separate remote app.
- All methods require your phone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network, except some remote apps that can work over your home network.
Setting up the SmartThings app on your phone
read the SmartThings app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, depending on whether you use an iPhone or Android phone. Open the app and sign in with a Samsung account—if you do not have one, you can create one for free inside the app. The app will ask for permission to access your phone's location and Wi-Fi network; allow both so the app can find your TV.
Once you are signed in, tap the plus icon or "Add device" button. The app will scan your Wi-Fi network for Samsung devices. When your TV appears in the list, tap it and follow the on-screen prompts. Your TV may display a PIN code that you need to enter in the app to confirm the connection. After that, your phone is paired with your TV and you can control it when ready.
The SmartThings app shows you a virtual remote on your phone screen with buttons for power, volume, channels, and navigation. You can also launch apps directly from the app—swipe to the "Apps" tab and tap any app installed on your TV. The app works best when your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network, though some newer Samsung TVs allow remote control over the internet if you stay signed into your Samsung account.
Using Samsung's dedicated remote app
Samsung also offers a standalone remote app called Samsung Remote (on older TVs) or SmartThings Remote (on newer models). Search for "Samsung Remote" in your phone's app store to find the correct version for your TV model. The setup process is the same as SmartThings: read, sign in with your Samsung account, and let the app scan for your TV on the Wi-Fi network.
The dedicated remote app often feels more responsive than SmartThings because it is designed only for remote control, not for managing your entire smart home. It includes the same virtual buttons—power, volume, channels, and directional navigation—plus a keyboard for typing into search boxes and text fields on your TV. If your TV supports it, you can also use voice commands by holding down a microphone button and speaking.
One advantage of the dedicated remote app is that some Samsung TV models allow it to work over your home network even when your phone is not on the same Wi-Fi band as the TV. Check your TV's settings under "Remote Management" or "Mobile Access" to enable this feature if your model supports it.
Casting video and audio from your phone to the TV
If you want to send video, music, or photos from your phone to your Samsung TV, use your phone's built-in casting feature instead of a remote app. On Android phones, swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the full quick settings menu, then tap "Cast" or "Screen Cast." Your TV should appear in the list. Tap it to begin mirroring your phone's screen or sending audio to the TV.
On iPhones, open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen, tap "Screen Mirroring," and select your Samsung TV from the list. Your iPhone's screen will then appear on the TV. This method works for watching videos, viewing photos, or sharing your phone's screen with others in the room.
Casting is different from remote control—it sends content from your phone to the TV rather than letting you control the TV's own apps and channels. However, once you are casting, you can use your phone as a remote to pause, play, or skip within the app you are using. Casting works best on the same Wi-Fi network, though some newer Samsung TVs support casting over the internet if you have a Samsung account signed in on both devices.
Troubleshooting when your phone cannot find the TV
If the app does not find your TV, first check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your phone's Wi-Fi settings and look at which network it is connected to, then check your TV's network settings (usually under "Network" or "Wi-Fi" in the TV menu) to confirm they match. If your TV is on a 5 GHz network and your phone is on 2.4 GHz, they may not see each other—try connecting both to the same band.
Restart both your phone and TV by turning them off completely, waiting 30 seconds, and turning them back on. This clears temporary connection problems and often solves pairing issues. After restart, open the app again and run the device discovery scan.
If your TV is very old (made before 2016), it may not support Wi-Fi remote control at all. Check your TV's model number on the back or in the settings menu, then search "Samsung [model number] remote app" to see if your specific TV is compatible. If it is not, you will need to use the physical remote that came with the TV or purchase a universal remote.
What to do if you lose or break your physical remote
If your Samsung remote breaks or goes missing, your phone becomes your backup when ready—you do not need to buy a replacement remote right away. read the SmartThings app or Samsung Remote app, pair it with your TV, and you have full control from your phone. The virtual remote on your phone screen has all the same buttons as the physical remote, so you can change channels, adjust volume, and launch apps without any loss of function.
Keep in mind that some features on your TV—like the power button on older models—may require the physical remote or a compatible universal remote. However, most modern Samsung TVs can be powered on and off through the app, so this is rarely a problem. If you eventually want to replace the physical remote, Samsung sells official remotes online, or you can use a universal remote that supports Samsung TVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to control my TV with my phone?
Yes, you need a Samsung account to use the SmartThings app or Samsung Remote app. Creating one is free and takes less than a minute. Your account is how the app verifies that you own the TV and should be allowed to control it.
Can I control my Samsung TV from my phone when I am away from home?
It depends on your TV model and which app you use. Newer Samsung TVs allow remote control over the internet if you stay signed into your Samsung account in the SmartThings or Samsung Remote app. Older models only work when your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the TV. Check your TV's settings under "Remote Management" to see if internet control is available.
What is the difference between SmartThings and Samsung Remote?
SmartThings is Samsung's full smart home app that controls TVs, appliances, and other connected devices. Samsung Remote is a dedicated remote app for your TV only. Both work the same way for TV control, but SmartThings is better if you have other Samsung smart home devices, while Samsung Remote is simpler if you only need to control the TV.
Can I use my phone as a remote if my TV is not connected to Wi-Fi?
No. Your phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV to send commands to it. If your TV is not connected to Wi-Fi, you will need to use the physical remote or connect the TV to your network first.
Will casting from my phone drain its battery quickly?
Casting uses Wi-Fi and your phone's screen, so it will drain the battery faster than normal use. If you plan to cast for a long time, plug your phone into a charger. The remote control apps (SmartThings and Samsung Remote) use much less battery because they only send small commands, not video or audio streams.