Control third-party devices with a Samsung universal remote

Did you know there's an easier way to control all devices connected to a Samsung TV or smart monitor? The TV and smart monitor come with a Samsung universal remote control that can launch apps on connected devices like a Roku or Amazon Fire Stick, or search for something to play on your gaming systems. The universal remote can also control a cable set-top box. You can visit our website to find the latest Samsung TVs and smart monitors with the universal remote included.
A hand holding a Samsung TV remote while a gaming console interface is displayed on the screen.
A hand holding a Samsung TV remote while a gaming console interface is displayed on the screen.

Control third-party devices with a Samsung universal remote

Streaming devices

Streaming devices like an Amazon Fire Stick, Google ChromeCast, or Roku allow you to stream content directly to your Samsung TV through an internet connection. To control these devices with a Samsung universal remote, just plug them into the TV’s HDMI (ARC) port and turn them on. That’s it! The remote should be able to control the streaming device’s interface automatically.

If it’s the first time using the streaming device, you may need to go through its initial setup first before your Samsung remote can control it.

If there's trouble connecting the remote to the device, try turning on the Anynet+ feature. On the TV, navigate to Settings, and then select External Device Manager. From here, make sure that Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) is enabled.

Note
On older TVs, navigate to Settings, and then select System. Select Expert Settings, and then make sure Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) is enabled.
Read less

Gaming consoles

The Samsung universal remote can be used to control a video game console as well, like Microsoft Xbox systems. Please be aware that the setup process may vary depending on how the console is connected to the Samsung TV.

Control a gaming console connected directly to the TV

  1. Make sure your gaming console is connected to the TV via HDMI and is turned on.
  2. Using the Samsung universal remote, press the Home button, and then select Source.
  3. Select Universal Remote, select New Device, and then select OTT Box/Game Console.
  4. Next, choose TV directly. Select the brand of the gaming console. You may need to search for it if it doesn’t appear in the featured list.
  5. Select the HDMI the console is connected to.
  6. The TV will prompt you to test the controls on the universal remote. Use the directional arrows to test the controls, and then follow the on-screen prompts.
  7. Select Done on the Setup Complete screen to finish. Now, you can control the console with the Samsung universal remote.

Control a gaming console connected via a home theater system

  1. Make sure the gaming console is connected to the TV via HDMI and is turned on.
  2. Using the Samsung universal remote, press the Home button, and then select Source.
  3. Select Universal Remote, select New Device, and then select OTT Box/Game Console.
  4. Next, choose Via home theater system and select the brand of the home theater system. You may need to search for it if it doesn’t appear in the featured list.
  5. Select the HDMI the console is connected to.
  6. Select Power Test, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the test.
  7. Then, choose the brand of the gaming console. The TV will now prompt you to test the controls on the universal remote. Use the directional arrows to test the controls, and then follow the on-screen prompts.
  8. Select Done on the Setup Complete screen to finish. Now, you can control the console with the Samsung universal remote.
Read less

Cable set-top boxes

If you’re using a cable set-top box with a Samsung TV, you can control it using the Samsung universal remote. Keep in mind that the setup process may differ depending on the type of set-top box. It will also change based on how the box is connected to the TV.

Control a set-top box connected directly to the TV

  1. Using the Samsung universal remote, press the Home button, and then select Source.
  2. Select Universal Remote, select New Device, and then select Cable/Satellite Box.
  3. Next, choose TV directly.
  4. Enter your zip code and select your service provider when prompted.
    Note: If you can’t find your provider, select My service provider is not listed. Using the search bar, search for and select your provider.
  5. Select the HDMI port that the  set-top box is connected to.
  6. The TV will prompt you to test the controls on the universal remote. Select Channel Up or Channel Down to test the controls, and then follow the on-screen prompts.
  7. Select Done on the Setup Complete screen to finish. Now, you can control your set-top box using your Samsung universal remote.

Control a set-top box connected via a home theater system

  1. Using the Samsung universal remote, press the Home button, and then select Source.
  2. Select Universal Remote, select New Device, and then select Cable/Satellite Box.
  3. Next, choose Via home theater system and select the brand of the home theater system, such as Samsung.
  4. Select the HDMI port that the set-top box is connected to.
  5. Select Power Test, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the test.
  6. Enter your zip code and select your service provider when prompted.
    Note: If you can’t find your provider, select My service provider is not listed. Using the search bar, search for and select your provider.
  7. The TV will prompt you to test the controls on the universal remote. Select Channel Up or Channel Down to test the controls, and then follow the on-screen prompts.
  8. Select Done on the Setup Complete screen to finish. Now, you can control the set-top box using the Samsung universal remote.
Read less
Recommended Articles
Master control of your Samsung TV and connected devices
Master control of your Samsung TV and connected devices
Set up Samsung universal remote Samsung TVs available in stores and on our website come with a universal One Remote. The remote can control third-party devices that are connected to the TV via HDMI only. For instance, if a Blu-ray player or Xbox is connected via HDMI, you can point the universal remote at the Blu-ray player to begin controlling its
 Use a Samsung universal remote to control devices connected to your TV
Use a Samsung universal remote to control devices connected to your TV
Use a Samsung universal remote to control devices connected to your TV These days, most TVs are hooked up to all sorts of external devices like gaming consoles, streaming services, Blu-ray players, and even set-top boxes. This can make it confusing when you want to turn on the TV or turn off a console - which remote should you be using? You can str
 Master control of your Samsung TV and connected devices
Master control of your Samsung TV and connected devices
Master control of your Samsung TV and connected devices These days, most TVs are hooked up to all sorts of external devices like gaming consoles, streaming services, Blu-ray players, and even set-top boxes. This can make it confusing when you want to turn on the TV or turn off a console - which remote should you be using? You can streamline the pro
Was this content helpful?
Previous Next
Table of contents
We're here for you

Contact Samsung Support

Contact us online through chat and get support from an expert on your computer, mobile device or tablet. Support is also available on your mobile device through the Samsung Members App.
Get support
auto-contact_us-pc-2x auto-contact_us-pc-2x
Contact
action minus
samsung logo
Contact us
We're here for you.
action minus
samsung logo
Call or Text Us Give us a call
How can we help you?
flag
Go to site