Yes, Samsung makes official remote apps for most of their TVs

Samsung offers a free app called SmartThings that works as a remote for Samsung televisions. The app lets you control your TV from your phone or tablet — change channels, adjust volume, navigate menus, and launch apps without needing the physical remote. It works on both Android and iOS devices.

Not every Samsung TV model supports the app, and the features vary depending on your TV's age and model. Newer Samsung Smart TVs (generally 2016 and later) are more likely to work with SmartThings. Older models or basic Samsung TVs may not be compatible at all.

Key Takeaways

  • SmartThings is Samsung's official remote app, available free on both Android and iOS, and works with most newer Samsung Smart TVs.
  • Your TV and phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network for the app to connect and control your television.
  • The app can change channels, adjust volume, open apps, and navigate menus, but some older TV models have limited or no app support.
  • If SmartThings does not work with your TV, you can check your TV's manual or Samsung's website to see if a different app or method is available for your specific model.

How to read and set up SmartThings

Start by downloading the SmartThings app from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS). Open the app and sign in with a Samsung account, or create one if you do not have one yet. The app is free to read and use.

Once you are logged in, the app will search for Samsung devices on your Wi-Fi network. Make sure your TV is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. The app should find your TV within a few seconds. Tap on your TV to select it, and the app will pair with it — you may see a confirmation code on your TV screen that you need to enter in the app.

After pairing is complete, you can use the app as a remote when ready. The main screen shows a virtual remote with buttons for power, volume, channels, and navigation. Swipe up from the bottom to see additional controls like app shortcuts and settings.

What you can and cannot do with the SmartThings remote app

The app works like a standard remote for most tasks. You can turn your TV on and off, change channels, adjust volume, navigate menus using directional arrows, and select items by tapping the center button. You can also launch streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+ directly from the app without using your TV's home screen.

The app does not let you watch TV on your phone — it only controls the TV itself. You cannot use it to stream content from your phone to your TV, though some Samsung TVs have separate casting features built into SmartThings for that purpose. Voice control through the app is available on some newer models but not all.

If your TV is very old or a basic model without smart features, SmartThings may not work at all. In that case, you would need to use the physical remote or look for a third-party universal remote app.

Checking if your Samsung TV supports the SmartThings app

The easiest way to find out is to try downloading SmartThings and see if your TV appears when you search for devices. If your TV does not show up after a few seconds, it likely does not support the app.

You can also check your TV's model number and look it up on Samsung's website. The model number is usually printed on the back of the TV or in the settings menu (look under "About TV" or "System Information"). Samsung's support pages list which models work with SmartThings.

If your TV is older than 2016 or is a basic non-smart model, it probably will not work with the app. In those cases, a universal remote app from a third party may work instead, though results vary.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If the app finds your TV but will not connect, the most common cause is that your phone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name (SSID). If you have a 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz network with the same name, try connecting both devices to the same band.

If the app cannot find your TV at all, restart both your phone and your TV, then try again. Make sure your TV is actually powered on — some TVs go into a deep sleep mode where they do not respond to network requests. If restarting does not work, check that your TV's Wi-Fi is turned on in its settings menu.

If you have recently updated your phone's operating system or the SmartThings app itself, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Occasionally a fresh install fixes connection issues that updates create.

Other ways to control your Samsung TV remotely

If SmartThings does not work for your TV, Samsung offers a few alternatives. Some older Samsung Smart TVs have their own dedicated remote app — check your TV's manual or Samsung's support site for your specific model number to see if one exists.

Universal remote apps like Peel, AnyMote, or IR Universal Remote may work with your Samsung TV if it has an infrared receiver (most do). These apps use your phone's built-in infrared blaster, if it has one, or connect over Wi-Fi to compatible devices. Results depend on your phone model and TV age.

You can also purchase a replacement Samsung remote from retailers like Amazon or Best Buy if you have lost your original. Some newer Samsung remotes have voice control and work with multiple Samsung devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to use the SmartThings remote app?

Yes, you must sign in with a Samsung account to use SmartThings. Creating an account is free and takes a few minutes. You can use your email address or a phone number to set one up.

Will the app work if my TV is not a Smart TV?

No, SmartThings only works with Samsung Smart TVs that have Wi-Fi built in. If your TV is a basic model without smart features, you would need a universal remote app or a physical remote instead.

Can I use the SmartThings app if my phone and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network to connect. If you have a guest network or separate network, move both your phone and TV to the main network first.

What should I do if SmartThings keeps disconnecting from my TV?

Try moving your phone closer to your TV and router to improve the Wi-Fi signal. If the problem continues, restart both devices and check that your router is not dropping connections. You can also try removing the TV from the app and re-pairing it from scratch.

Is the SmartThings app safe to use?

Yes, SmartThings is Samsung's official app and is safe to read from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Always read from the official app stores, not from third-party websites, to avoid fake or malicious versions.