The fastest way to program your Xfinity remote to Samsung
Most Xfinity remotes will control a Samsung TV using the auto-search method, which takes about two minutes. You hold down the TV button on your remote until the TV turns off, then release. The remote sends codes to your TV one at a time until it finds the right one. Once the TV responds, you're done — the pairing is permanent until you reprogram it.
If auto-search doesn't work, you can enter a Samsung code manually using the number pad. Xfinity publishes a list of codes for different Samsung TV models, and you enter the code while holding the TV button. This method works when auto-search times out or when you know your TV's model number.
Both methods work on Xfinity's standard remote (the black one with the Xfinity logo) and on the newer voice-activated XR15 remote. The process is identical.
Key Takeaways
- Auto-search is the easiest method: hold the TV button until your Samsung TV turns off, then release and test the volume buttons.
- If auto-search fails, you can manually enter a Samsung code using your remote's number pad while holding the TV button.
- The TV button on your Xfinity remote is what tells it to control the television instead of the cable box.
- Once programmed, your Xfinity remote will control power, volume, and input on your Samsung TV without needing to reprogram unless you factory-reset the remote.
Using auto-search to pair your remote and TV
Auto-search is the method Xfinity recommends first because it requires no code lookup. Point your Xfinity remote at your Samsung TV. Press and hold the TV button (located near the top of the remote, above the colored buttons). Keep holding it down.
While you hold the TV button, the remote will begin sending infrared codes to your TV. After a few seconds, your Samsung TV will turn off. The moment it turns off, release the TV button. This signals to the remote that it has found the correct code for your TV model.
Test the pairing by pressing the volume-up button on your remote. If your Samsung TV's volume increases, the pairing worked. If nothing happens, the auto-search did not find a match, and you will need to try the manual code method instead.
Manual code entry if auto-search does not work
If your TV did not turn off during auto-search, you can enter a code manually. Xfinity maintains a list of codes for Samsung TVs organized by model year and screen size. You will need to know your Samsung TV's model number, which is printed on a sticker on the back of the TV or in your TV's settings menu (usually under Settings > Support > About This TV).
Once you have the model number, find the matching code in Xfinity's remote code list. You can locate this list on Xfinity's website or by calling their support line. Write down the code — it is usually three or four digits.
Point your remote at the TV. Press and hold the TV button. While holding it, use the number pad to enter the code you found. Release the TV button. The TV should turn off. Test the volume buttons to confirm the pairing worked. If the TV did not respond, try the next code listed for your model and repeat the process.
What the TV button does and why you need it
Your Xfinity remote has three main control buttons: Cable Box, TV, and Audio. Each one tells the remote which device to send commands to. When you press the TV button, you are switching the remote into television mode. All button presses after that — volume, power, input — go to your TV instead of your cable box.
The TV button is not a power button. It is a mode switch. Once you press it, the remote stays in TV mode until you press Cable Box or Audio to switch modes. This is why programming works: you hold TV down during setup so the remote knows to send codes to the television.
Controlling specific functions after programming
After your remote is programmed, you can control power, volume, mute, and input selection on your Samsung TV. The power button turns the TV on and off. The volume buttons adjust sound. The mute button silences audio. The input button (sometimes labeled "Source") lets you switch between HDMI inputs, antenna, and other sources.
Some Samsung TV functions — like smart TV apps, picture settings, or voice commands — may not work through the Xfinity remote because they require the TV's native remote or the Samsung SmartThings app. The Xfinity remote is designed for basic TV control, not full access to every menu.
Reprogramming if you change your TV or reset your remote
If you buy a new Samsung TV, you will need to reprogram your Xfinity remote to the new model. The old code no longer works because each TV model responds to a different infrared frequency. Run auto-search again, or look up the code for your new TV's model and enter it manually.
If you factory-reset your Xfinity remote (usually by holding a reset button on the back for 10 seconds), all programming is erased. You will need to reprogram the TV code, the cable box code, and any other devices you had set up. Auto-search is the fastest way to redo this.
Troubleshooting when the remote will not program
If auto-search times out without turning off your TV, the remote may be too far away or there may be an obstruction between the remote and the TV. Move closer to the TV — within 3 feet — and try again. Make sure nothing is blocking the infrared sensor on the front of the remote or on the TV.
If you entered a manual code and the TV did not respond, you may have the wrong code for your model. Double-check the model number on the back of your TV against the code list. Samsung model numbers can be long and include letters; make sure you are matching the exact model, not just the screen size.
If your remote works for a few days and then stops controlling the TV, the batteries may be low. Replace the batteries in your Xfinity remote and test again. Low batteries can cause the infrared signal to weaken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Xfinity remote to control a Samsung TV and a cable box at the same time?
Yes. Press the TV button to control your Samsung TV, then press the Cable Box button to switch back to controlling your Xfinity box. You do not need two remotes. The remote remembers both codes and switches between them when ready.
Do I need to program my remote differently for a Samsung Smart TV versus a regular Samsung TV?
No. The programming process is the same for all Samsung TVs, whether they are smart TVs or standard models. The Xfinity remote sends the same infrared codes regardless of the TV's features.
What if I lost the code list and do not know my TV's model number?
Use auto-search first — it does not require a code. If auto-search fails, look at the back of your TV for a sticker with the model number printed on it. If the sticker is worn, go to your TV's settings menu and find the model number there. Then contact Xfinity support with the model number and they will give you the correct code.
Will the Xfinity remote work with my Samsung soundbar or other Samsung devices?
The Xfinity remote is designed for TVs and cable boxes. It may not work with Samsung soundbars, projectors, or other devices. Check Xfinity's code list to see if your specific device is listed. If it is not, you will likely need the device's native remote.
Can I program the Xfinity remote to turn on my TV automatically when I turn on the cable box?
No. The Xfinity remote does not have a macro or automation feature that links commands between devices. You will need to press the TV button and then the power button separately each time.