Connect external devices and control them with your Samsung TV remote
Connecting external devices to your Samsung TV can greatly enhance your entertainment experience. Using only your Samsung TV remote, you can easily control your TV as well as a wide range of external devices, including gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, streaming boxes, and sound systems. This is possible thanks to the Universal Remote feature built into Samsung TVs, which eliminates the need to juggle multiple remotes and offers a seamless way to manage your connected devices. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up and use your Samsung TV remote to control all your compatible external devices.
Notes:
- This guide is intended for Samsung TVs available in Canada.
- The appearance of screens and settings may vary depending on your TV model and software version.
- The Universal Remote feature supports a wide range of external devices from various third-party brands. If your device’s brand is not listed during setup, it is currently not supported.
- Only devices connected via HDMI are compatible with the Universal Remote feature.
Things to know before you start
- HDMI connection required: To control external devices using your Samsung TV remote, the devices must be connected via HDMI. Make sure the device is turned on when connecting, as the TV will attempt to automatically recognize it.
- Enable Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC): For the best experience, enable HDMI-CEC (Anynet+) on your Samsung TV (you’ll find step-by-step instructions for your Samsung TV in a section below). This allows direct control without requiring additional programming.
- Infrared control considerations: If your device relies on infrared control, it must be positioned within the line of sight of the TV’s infrared sensor. Keeping the device unobstructed and near the TV improves remote responsiveness.
Supported devices
The Universal Remote feature can control a wide range of external devices, including:
- Gaming consoles
- Blu-ray and DVD players
- Sound systems and AV receivers
- Set-top boxes from cable and satellite providers
Brand and model compatibility
The Universal Remote feature supports most major third-party brands. During setup, you will be prompted to select the brand of your device from an on-screen list. If your device’s brand is not listed, it means the TV’s code library currently does not support it.
Keeping your Samsung TV’s software up to date can also improve compatibility, as new device codes may be added with firmware updates.
Most Samsung TVs available in stores and on our website come with a Samsung One Remote. This remote can control third-party devices that are connected to the TV via HDMI. Setting up the Universal Remote feature is simple and takes only a few minutes.
Limitations and troubleshooting:
- HDMI devices only: The Universal Remote feature supports only devices connected via HDMI.
- Device not listed: If your device’s brand or model isn’t available during setup, the Samsung One Remote won’t be able to control it. In this case, you’ll need to use the device’s original remote.
- Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) support: For seamless control, make sure that Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) is enabled on both your Samsung TV and any connected CEC-compatible devices (you’ll find step-by-step instructions for your Samsung TV in a section below).
- Re-registering devices: If a connected device doesn’t respond after setup, try removing it and going through the Universal Remote setup again. This can help fix syncing issues. You may also need to restart (power cycle) the external device to restore the connection.
Samsung’s menu interface has changed slightly over the years. Here’s how to find the Universal Remote setup on different TV models:
- 2022 models: Navigate to Menu > Connected Devices > Universal Remote Setup in the Smart Hub interface.
- 2016 to 2021 models: Navigate to Home > Source > Universal Remote Setup in the Smart Hub interface.
- 2015 models: Navigate to Home > Source > Universal Remote Setup.
- 2014 models: Navigate to Menu > System > Universal Remote Setup.
Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) allows your Samsung TV to communicate directly with compatible external devices over HDMI. When it’s enabled, you can control supported devices using your TV remote without additional setup. Follow the steps below to make sure Anynet+ is turned on.
Note: You can find more information about the Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) feature in our detailed guide.
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