Have you lost or broken your TV remote control Samsung? Don’t rush to buy a new one - yours Android smartphone can become a full replacement. Modern TVs Samsung support several methods of remote control via mobile devices, and most of them do not require additional equipment. Even if your TV was released 5-7 years ago, the chances of success remain high.

In this article we will look at all working methods turning on the TV Samsung without a physical remote control: from the official application SmartThings to hidden Android features that few people know about. We will pay special attention to the nuances of connecting to different models (series QLED, Crystal UHD, The Frame etc.) and solving typical problems. If your TV does not respond to commands from your smartphone, at the end of the article you will find a diagnostic checklist.

Spoiler: on Samsung TVs 2018 and newer, turning on via smartphone works even when completely turned off ("Always On" mode)if the TV is connected to a Wi-Fi network. For older models, you will need to first activate the function Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) or use the IR port.

1. Method: the official SmartThings application is a universal solution from

SmartThings is a universal solution from Samsung to manage the entire ecosystem of brand devices, including TVs. The application allows you not only to turn on/off the TV, but also to completely duplicate the functions of the remote control, set up channels, launch applications (Netflix, YouTube) and even broadcast content from a smartphone.

To turn on the TV via SmartThings, follow these steps:

  • 📱 Install application SmartThings from Google Play (free, weighs ~50 MB).
  • 🔍 Launch the application and allow access to location, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi - this is necessary to search for devices.
  • 🖥️ Click Add device → select a category TV → wait until the application finds your Samsung TV.
  • 🔗 Confirm the connection on the TV screen (if it is turned on) or enter the PIN code (usually 0000 or indicated on the sticker on the back of the TV).

If the TV is turned off, but connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the smartphone, try sending the power-on command via Remote control in the device menu. On models with Wake-on-LAN function (series Q60B and above), this will work even without preliminary setup.

The TV and smartphone are connected to the same network Wi-Fi

Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) mode is enabled on the TV

SmartThings application has been updated to the latest version

Bluetooth on the smartphone is activated (for models with BLE support)-->

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung 2016–2017 (series KU, MU) for remote activation, the TV must be activated at least once with the original remote control. If this is not the case, use the method with IR transmitter (section 3).

2. Method: control via HDMI-CEC (Anynet+)

Technology HDMI-CEC (called Samsung ) allows you to control the TV through other devices connected via HDMI - for example, set-top boxes Anynet+) allows you to control the TV through other devices connected via HDMI - for example, set-top boxes Android TV, Apple TV or game consoles. If your smartphone supports image output via HDMI (via an adapter USB-C → HDMI), you can turn on the TV via this protocol.

Instructions:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the TV via an HDMI adapter (for example, Samsung USB-C to HDMI or a universal one Baseus).
  2. On your TV, go to Settings → General → External devices → Anynet+ settings (HDMI-CEC) and activate the function.
  3. On your smartphone, in the HDMI settings, select the mode Duplicate screen or Second screen.
  4. After connecting, use the remote control from the connected device (for example, the remote control from Xiaomi Mi Box) to control the TV.

If you do not have an adapter, but there is Android TV set-top box (for example, NVIDIA Shield or Mi Box S), connect it to the TV and control the TV through its remote control. Many set-top boxes allow you to turn on the TV with the power button on your remote control if Anynet+ is activated.

TV model Anynet+ support Is pre-configuration required
QLED (2018–2026) Yes No (works out of the box)
Crystal UHD (2020–2026) Yes Requires manual activation
The Frame (2017–2026) Yes No
KU/MU series (2016–2017) Partly Requires an original remote control for activation
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If the TV does not respond to commands via HDMI-CEC, try disconnecting all devices from the HDMI ports, then connect only one (for example, a set-top box) and reboot the TV by holding the power button on the case for 10 seconds.

3. Method: using a smartphone's IR transmitter

Some smartphones Samsung (for example, series Galaxy S20 Ultra, Note 10+, Galaxy Z Fold) are equipped with a built-in infrared port (IR-blaster). With its help you can emulate the signals of the original remote control. If your phone supports this function, you will not need additional devices.

How to check and configure:

  • 🔦 Make sure that there is a small IR transmitter window on the top end of the smartphone (usually next to the front camera).
  • 📲 Install the application Samsung Smart Remote or Peel Smart Remote from Google Play.
  • 🎯 Launch the application, select Add device → TV → Samsung.
  • 📶 Point the IR port of the smartphone at the TV (distance up to 5 meters) and test the commands.

If there is no built-in IR transmitter, you can use an external one Bluetooth-IR adapter (for example, BroadLink RM4 Pro or Xiaomi Mi Remote). These devices connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth and relay infrared signals. The cost of such an adapter is from 1,500 rubles.

Yes, there is a built-in one|No, but I’m ready to buy an adapter|I don’t know how to check|I don’t need it-->

⚠️ Attention: IR signals only work in line of sight. If there are obstacles between the smartphone and the TV (glass, walls), the command will not reach. Also note that IR port cannot turn on a TV that is completely turned off only switch it from standby mode to working mode.

4. Method: remote control via Wi-Fi Direct

If your TV and smartphone support Wi-Fi Direct, you can connect directly, without a router. This method is useful when there is no access to your home network or the TV is not connected to Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi Direct creates an access point between devices, which allows you to control your TV even without the Internet.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. On the TV, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct and activate the function.
  2. On your smartphone, open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
  3. Select your TV from the list of available devices and confirm the connection.
  4. Launch the application SmartThings or Samsung TV Remote —now you can control your TV without a router.

Method limitations:

  • 🔋 The distance between devices should not exceed 10 meters.
  • 📵 If the connection is lost, the TV may go into sleep mode again.
  • 🔄 Some models require reconnection after turning off the TV.
How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on older Samsung TV models?

On TV series JU (2015) and KU (2016) Wi-Fi Direct is hidden in the developer menu. To activate it:

1. Press the buttons on the remote control Info → Menu → Mute → Power (sequentially).

2. Go to Service menu → Wi-Fi Direct and enable the function.

3. Connect from your smartphone as described above.

⚠️ Do not change other settings in the service menu - this may reset the TV to factory settings!

5. Method: control via Google Assistant or Bixby

Voice assistants Google Assistant i Bixby can turn on the TV Samsung by command if it is connected to an account Samsung Account or Google Home. This method is convenient when the remote control is not at hand, but the smartphone is always nearby.

Setting via Google Assistant:

  1. Make sure that the TV is connected to the same account Googleas the smartphone.
  2. Open Google Home, press + → Set up device → Already have a device?.
  3. Select your TV Samsung from the list and confirm the connection.
  4. Say with your voice: "Okay Google, turn on the TV in the living room".

For Bixby (on smartphones Samsung Galaxy):

  • 🗣️ Activate Bixby Voice by holding the side button.
  • 🔊 Say: "Hi Bixby, turn on the Samsung TV".
  • 📱 If the TV does not respond, check in SmartThingsthat the device is added to Favorites.
⚠️ Attention: Voice control only works for TVs with support SmartThings Cloud (2018 and newer). On older models, voice commands can only activate applications, but not the TV itself.

6. Alternative methods: what to do if nothing works

If neither one of the listed methods did not work, try the following solutions:

  • 🔌 Hardware button: There is a mechanical power button on the TV body (usually under the logo or on the side). Hold it for 5-10 seconds to force it to turn on.
  • 🔄 Reset settings: On the TV turned off. press Menu + Up on the joystick + Power (for models with a joystick) or Info + Menu + Mute + Power (for older series). This will reset the network settings, but will save personal data.
  • 📡 Universal remote control: Buy an inexpensive universal remote control (for example, One For All or Huayu) and app it to your TV according to the instructions.
  • 🖥️ USB keyboard: Connect a USB keyboard to the TV - on most models Samsung key Power (or F12) turns on the TV.

If the TV does not respond to buttons at all, check:

  • 🔌 Power cable and socket (try another device in the same socket).
  • 🔋 Power indicator on the front panel (if it blinks, the TV is in protection mode).
  • 📡 Availability of firmware updates (sometimes bugs interfere with remote control).
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If the TV turns on with a button on the case, but does not respond to the smartphone, the problem is in the network settings. Reset the network in the menu Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings and reconnect.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to turn on a Samsung TV via a smartphone if it is completely turned off (not in sleep mode)?

Yes, but only on models 2018 and newer (series QLED, Crystal UHD 2020+, The Frame 2019+). To do this, the TV must be connected to a Wi-Fi network and have the Wake-on-LAN function activated (turns on automatically the first time you connect to SmartThings). On older models, the smartphone can only control the TV in standby mode.

Why doesn’t SmartThings find my TV?

The reasons may be the following:

  • The TV and smartphone are connected to different networks Wi-Fi.
  • Disabled on TV Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) or Remote control.
  • Outdated TV firmware (update in Settings → Support → Software update).
  • The router's firewall blocks local interaction between devices.

Solution: reset the network settings on the TV or connect via Wi-Fi Direct.

How to turn on a Samsung TV without a remote control if it is not connected to Wi-Fi?

In this case, the following are available options:

  1. Use IR transmitter a smartphone or an external adapter (if the TV supports IR signals).
  2. Connect USB keyboard or a mouse - they can turn on the TV button Power.
  3. Use hardware button on the TV body (hold for 5-10 seconds).
  4. If available HDMI set-top box (for example, Android TV-box), turn it on - the TV is activated by the signal HDMI-CEC.
Is it possible to control a Samsung TV via a smartphone on iOS?

Yes, but with limitations. The application SmartThings is available for iPhone, however:

  • The function Wake-on-LAN (turning on a switched off TV) is unstable.
  • No support IR transmitter (even on an iPhone with an IR port).
  • Voice control via Siri requires additional configuration via Shortcuts.

For full control it is better to use Android smartphone or a universal remote control.

How to reset a Samsung TV to factory settings without a remote control?

Resetting is possible in two ways:

Method 1 (software):

  1. Connect the USB keyboard to the TV.
  2. Press Menu (or Home) → go to Settings → Support → Self-diagnosis → Reset.
  3. Enter the PIN code (default 0000and confirm the reset.

Method 2 (hardware):

With the TV turned off, hold down the combination of buttons (depending on the model):

  • For series QLED/Crystal UHD: Info + Menu + Mute + Power (hold for 10 seconds).
  • For series KU/MU: Exit + Up on the joystick + Power.

After the reset, the TV will turn on automatically and offer the initial setup.