How to Control Your Samsung Smart TV From Your iPhone and Android
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your Samsung Smart TV remote suddenly stopped working? Maybe the channel buttons or the number pad just wouldn't respond. Frustrating, right? But don't worry, there's a solution! You can actually control your Samsung Smart TV using your smartphone, thanks to Samsung's official app called SmartThings. Let's find out how.
Before We Begin
Before we get into the details, there are a few things you need to do:
- Make sure you have an active internet connection on both your phone and TV.
- You must have a Samsung Account.
- Download the SmartThings app on your iPhone or Android phone.
How to Use Your Phone to Control Your Samsung TV
Now that you have everything set up, let's go through the complete setup process to connect your phone to your Samsung Smart TV.
- Open the SmartThings app on your phone and grant all the necessary permissions.
- Sign in to your Samsung account.
- Switch to the Devices tab and tap on the Add devices (+) button.
- Tap the Scan for nearby devices button and select your TV when it appears.
- During the setup process, you'll be asked to enter the verification code displayed on your Samsung Smart TV. Simply enter the code on your phone and hit Done.
- Once the pairing is completed, you can customize the location, room, and device name. Tap Done.
That's it! Your Samsung TV is now added to the Devices tab in the SmartThings app. To use your phone as a TV remote control, tap on the Samsung TV tile, and a mini remote control will appear. If you prefer a full-size remote control UI, simply tap on the Hamburger Menu (represented by two lines).
With the remote control, you can power on/off the TV, adjust volume, change channels, and more. You can even add app shortcuts from the Samsung TV to your phone for easy access.
Removing a Samsung TV From the SmartThings App
If you want to unlink a TV from your phone in the future, follow these steps:
- Open the SmartThings app and go to the Devices tab.
- Tap on the Kebab Menu (three-dotted icon) and select the Remove device option.
- Hit the Remove Icon (circle with minus icon) on top of the device you want to remove and select Remove.
Alternative Apps to Control Samsung Smart TV
If you're looking for alternative apps to control your Samsung Smart TV, there are several decent third-party options available. Android users can use the TV (Samsung) Remote Control app, while iPhone users can try the Smart TV Remote for Samsung app. These apps work just as effectively as the SmartThings app and don't require a Samsung account.
Benefits of Using Your Phone as a TV Remote Control
There are many benefits to using your phone as a Samsung TV remote control:
- You can still control your TV even if you lose your remote or the batteries are low.
- You can turn off the TV remotely if you accidentally left it on.
- You can open apps directly from your phone instead of navigating through menus on the TV.
- You can control multiple Samsung devices with a single app.
- Typing on your phone is much easier than using an on-screen keyboard on the TV.
- Your data stays on Samsung's server, so if you reinstall the app on your phone or another device, you can easily control your TV without any hassle.
FAQs
- What Samsung TV models are compatible with the SmartThings app?
- Most Samsung televisions from 2016 and later come pre-installed with the SmartThings app. If you're unsure, check the TV specifications or contact Samsung support for assistance.
- I can't connect my Samsung TV to SmartThings. What should I do?
- If you're having trouble connecting your phone to your Samsung Smart TV, try closing the SmartThings app and then reopening it. You can also clear the app cache (Android only) or reinstall the app on your phone.
- Can I use the SmartThings app to control my Samsung TV from anywhere in the world?
- Yes, as long as both your phone and TV are connected to the internet, you can control your TV from anywhere.
- Can I use the SmartThings app to control other Samsung devices besides my TV?
- Yes, if the device supports SmartThings, you can control it using your phone.
- Are there any alternative methods for controlling a Samsung TV?
- Yes, there are alternative methods such as using a universal remote control, the buttons on the TV itself, or a wireless keyboard.
- Do I need an internet connection to control the Samsung Smart TV?
- Yes, an internet connection is required to control your Samsung Smart TV using the SmartThings app or any other third-party apps.
Controlling your Samsung Smart TV with your phone is not only convenient but also offers additional features and flexibility. Give it a try and see how it enhances your TV viewing experience!

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”