Program your DirecTV remote to your Samsung TV in three steps

Your DirecTV remote can control your Samsung TV's power, volume, and input without switching devices. The process takes about two minutes and requires only your remote and TV. You will enter a four-digit code specific to Samsung, and the remote will communicate with your TV using infrared.

The steps work the same whether you have a standard DirecTV remote or the newer Genie remote. If your remote has a red button at the top, follow the method below. If it has a green button, your remote uses a different pairing system — see the section on newer Genie remotes.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard DirecTV remotes use a four-digit Samsung code (usually 10030 or 10031) entered after pressing the TV button and holding Mute and Select.
  • Genie remotes with a green button pair through the DirecTV menu instead of manual code entry.
  • The remote must have a clear line of sight to your TV — infrared signals do not travel through walls or cabinets.
  • If the code does not work, try the alternate Samsung code or check whether your TV model requires a different code from DirecTV's online list.

Standard DirecTV remote: the code entry method

Locate the TV button on your remote — it is usually near the top, separate from the channel and volume buttons. Press it once so the remote is in TV control mode. You will see a small light near the TV button turn on or stay lit.

Hold down the Mute button and the Select button (the center button with a circle) at the same time for about three seconds. Do not release them. The light next to the TV button will blink twice, then stay on. This means the remote is ready to receive a code.

Enter 10030 using the number pad. The light will blink twice again when the code is accepted. Point the remote at your Samsung TV and press the power button. If your TV turns off, the pairing is complete. If nothing happens, release the buttons, wait five seconds, and try code 10031 instead.

Genie remote with green button: the menu method

Press the Menu button on your Genie remote. Navigate to Settings or Preferences — the exact name depends on your DirecTV box model. Look for an option labeled Remote Control, Devices, or Connected Devices.

Select Add Device or Pair Remote. The box will ask what type of device you want to control. Choose TV. When prompted, select Samsung from the manufacturer list. The remote will send a pairing signal to your TV.

Your TV may display a pairing code on screen. If it does, read the code aloud or write it down, then enter it into the DirecTV box using the remote's number pad. Once entered, test the power button. If your TV responds, the pairing is done.

What to do if the remote does not respond

The most common reason a remote fails to control the TV is a blocked infrared path. Make sure nothing is between the remote and the TV — not a soundbar, picture frame, or furniture. Infrared travels in a straight line and cannot bend around obstacles. Move the remote to point directly at the TV's front panel.

If the path is clear and the remote still does not work, try entering the code again. Press the TV button, hold Mute and Select for three seconds, then enter the code slowly — one digit per second. Some older Samsung models use code 10002 or 10003 instead of 10030. You can find your specific TV model's code on the DirecTV website under Remote Control Codes.

If you have a very new Samsung TV, it may not be on DirecTV's code list yet. In that case, try the auto-search feature: press TV, hold Mute and Select, then press the power button repeatedly. The remote will cycle through codes automatically. When your TV turns off, release the buttons — that code is the correct one.

Testing all the functions after pairing

Once the power button works, test the volume and mute buttons. Point the remote at the TV and press the volume up button. The TV's volume should increase. If volume does not work but power does, the code may be partially compatible — some older codes control only power and input, not volume.

Test the input or source button if your remote has one. This button switches between HDMI inputs and the TV's built-in tuner. Not all DirecTV remotes have this button, and not all Samsung codes support it. If you need to change inputs frequently, you may need to use your Samsung remote for that function.

Switching back to your Samsung remote

Your DirecTV remote will not disable your Samsung remote — both will work at the same time. If you want to use only the Samsung remote, straightforward stop using the DirecTV remote for TV functions. If you want to unpair the DirecTV remote from your TV, press the TV button, hold Mute and Select for three seconds, then press the power button ten times in a row. This clears the code and returns the remote to its default state.

You can also reprogram the remote to a different device. If you buy a new TV or move the DirecTV box to a different room, follow the same code entry steps with the new TV's manufacturer code. The remote stores only one TV code at a time, so pairing a new device will overwrite the old one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the DirecTV remote to control my Samsung TV's apps and smart features?

No. The DirecTV remote controls only basic functions — power, volume, mute, and input. It cannot navigate Samsung's smart TV menu, launch apps, or adjust picture settings. You will need your Samsung remote for those tasks. The DirecTV remote is meant to replace your Samsung remote for everyday use, not to replace it entirely.

Why does my remote work for power but not volume?

Some Samsung TV models have codes that control only power and input, not volume. Try the alternate code (10031 if you used 10030, or vice versa). If neither code controls volume, check DirecTV's code list for your specific TV model number — you may need a different code. You can find your TV model number on the back of the TV or in the Samsung settings menu.

Do I need to reprogram the remote if I move my DirecTV box?

No. The code is stored in the remote itself, not in the DirecTV box. As long as you keep the same remote and TV, the pairing will work in any room. If you move the TV to a different location, make sure the remote has a clear line of sight to the TV's front panel.

What if my Samsung TV is too old to be on the code list?

Try the auto-search method: press TV, hold Mute and Select for three seconds, then press power repeatedly until your TV turns off. Write down the code that worked, then you can use it anytime. Older Samsung models often respond to codes 10002, 10003, or 10030 even if they are not listed on the current DirecTV website.

Can I program the DirecTV remote to control multiple TVs?

No. A DirecTV remote stores one TV code at a time. If you have two Samsung TVs in different rooms, you would need two remotes, or you would need to reprogram the same remote each time you move between rooms. Some newer Genie remotes support multiple devices, but you would need to check your specific remote model in the DirecTV menu.