How to reprogram your Samsung remote in three steps
To reprogram a Samsung TV remote, you hold down the Code Set button (or Set button on some models) until the light on the remote blinks twice, then enter a four-digit code for your TV brand. The remote will blink twice again to confirm. If you don't know your TV's code, you can use the auto-search method instead, which cycles through codes automatically until your TV responds.
The exact button names and steps vary slightly depending on whether you have a Samsung standard remote, a Samsung Smart Remote, or a universal remote programmed to work with Samsung. This guide covers the most common scenario: a standard Samsung remote that came with your TV or a replacement you bought separately.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Samsung remotes use the Code Set button and a four-digit code; Smart Remotes pair using Bluetooth and do not need a code.
- You can find your TV's code in the TV manual, on Samsung's support website, or by using the auto-search method if you do not have the code.
- If the remote still will not control your TV after reprogramming, check that batteries are fresh and the TV is not in a mode that blocks remote signals.
- Universal remotes sold at retailers require their own programming steps, which differ from Samsung brand remotes.
Programming a standard Samsung remote with a code
Find the Code Set button on your remote. On most Samsung standard remotes, this button is on the back or side of the remote. On some older models, it may be labeled Set instead. Hold it down for three to five seconds until the light on the front of the remote blinks twice, then release.
Enter the four-digit code for your TV brand. You will find this code in your TV manual, on the Samsung support website by searching your TV model number, or in the list below for common brands. The light will blink once for each digit you enter. After you enter all four digits, the light should blink twice to confirm the code was accepted.
Test the remote by pressing the power button. If your TV turns off, the remote is programmed. If nothing happens, try the next code for your brand or move to the auto-search method below.
Common TV brand codes for Samsung remotes
| TV Brand | Code |
|---|---|
| Samsung | 0000 |
| LG | 1010 |
| Sony | 1111 |
| Vizio | 1008 |
| TCL | 1009 |
| Panasonic | 1014 |
| Philco | 1018 |
| RCA | 1019 |
These codes work with most Samsung standard remotes sold in North America. If your TV brand is not listed, check your TV manual or the Samsung support site for the correct code. Samsung's support website has a searchable database where you can enter your TV model number and see all compatible codes.
Keep in mind that older TV models may use different codes than newer ones from the same brand. If a code does not work on your first try, the auto-search method is often faster than testing multiple codes one by one.
Using auto-search if you do not have a code
If you do not have your TV's code, the auto-search method will find it for you. Hold down the Code Set button for three to five seconds until the light blinks twice. Then press the Power button and hold it. The remote will cycle through codes automatically, turning your TV off each time it finds a match.
When your TV turns off, release the Power button when ready. The light will blink twice to confirm the code has been saved. Test the remote with other buttons to make sure it is working fully. If the TV turns back on during the search, the code was not saved correctly—repeat the process.
Auto-search can take several minutes because the remote tests many codes in sequence. Stay in the same room so you can see when your TV responds. This method works even if you have no documentation for your TV, making it the most reliable option when you are stuck.
Pairing a Samsung Smart Remote
Samsung Smart Remotes (the newer models with a microphone and touchpad) do not use codes. Instead, they pair with your TV using Bluetooth. Point the remote at your TV and hold down the Pairing button (usually on the back) for three seconds. The remote will search for your TV automatically.
Your TV should display a pairing message on screen. Once the pairing is complete, the remote will control your TV without needing a code. If pairing fails, make sure your TV is powered on and within 10 feet of the remote, then try again. Smart Remotes are more convenient than standard remotes because they do not require you to know or enter any codes.
Troubleshooting when the remote still will not work
If the remote does not control your TV after reprogramming, first check that the batteries are fresh. Remove the batteries, wait 30 seconds, and reinsert them. Weak batteries are the most common reason a reprogrammed remote stops working. Replace the batteries with new ones if they have been in the remote for more than a few months.
Next, check whether your TV is in a mode that blocks remote signals. Some Samsung TVs have a Remote Control Lock setting in the menu that disables the remote. Use your TV's physical buttons to enter the menu, look for System or Settings, and search for any lock or parental control options. Turn off any remote locks you find.
If you are using a universal remote (not a Samsung brand remote), the programming steps are different. Refer to the manual that came with the universal remote, as each brand has its own button sequence and code system. Universal remotes often have a different Code Set button or require you to enter a brand code before the TV code.
When to reprogram your remote
You will need to reprogram your remote if you buy a replacement remote for a TV you already own, if you switch to a different TV brand, or if your remote stops responding after a power outage. You do not need to reprogram if you are replacing batteries or if your TV receives a software update.
If you lose your remote entirely, you can buy a replacement Samsung remote online or at a retailer. Make sure the model number matches your TV or that it is listed as compatible with your TV model. Once you have the replacement, follow the steps above to program it. Replacement remotes are usually inexpensive and widely available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reprogram my remote every time I change the batteries?
No. The code stays stored in the remote's memory even when batteries are removed. You only reprogram when you first set up a new remote or when switching to a different TV brand.
What if my remote has no Code Set button?
Some very old Samsung remotes or universal remotes use different button names. Check your remote's manual for the correct button—it may be called Set, Mode, or Program. If you cannot find the manual, try holding down each button on the back of the remote for a few seconds to see which one makes the light blink.
Can I use a Samsung remote on a non-Samsung TV?
Yes, if you reprogram it with the correct code for your TV brand. Samsung remotes are universal and work with most major TV brands. Use the code table above or search your TV brand on the Samsung support website.
Why does my remote keep losing its programming?
This usually means the batteries are dying. Replace them with fresh batteries and reprogram the remote. If it loses programming again within a few days, the remote itself may be faulty and need replacement.
Can I program my remote to control other devices like a soundbar or cable box?
Standard Samsung remotes can control some soundbars and cable boxes if you reprogram them with the correct code for that device. Check your device manual for the code, then follow the same Code Set steps. Samsung Smart Remotes may have additional pairing options in your TV's settings menu.