How to pair a new remote control with your Smart TV

Last update: 10/03/2025
Author Isaac
  • Remote controls can be paired using button combinations or Bluetooth settings.
  • Some models require code entry or automatic search on universal remotes.
  • Major brands have specific pairing methods for their official controllers.
  • If the remote doesn't work, changing the batteries and repeating the process may solve the problem.

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If you have purchased a new remote control or are looking to reuse an old one to control your Smart TV, you are in the right place. Nowadays, most smart TVs allow the linking of remote controls via Bluetooth or entering codes, making it easier to configure. Below, we explain all the methods available to connect your remote control to a television from brands such as Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL and any Android TV or Google TV.

There are several methods for pairing a remote, either through the TV's settings menu, using a specific combination of buttons, or pairing via Bluetooth. Let's walk through how to do this step by step depending on the type of TV and remote you have.

Pairing a remote control using a button combination

Some remote controls designed for Android TV o Google TV allow quick pairing with a combination of buttons. Follow these steps:

  • Press the power button: Press and hold the power button on the controller for at least 5 seconds.
  • Activate pairing mode: Press and hold the “Back” and “Home” buttons at the same time for about 10 seconds.
  • Confirm the link: A notification will appear on the TV screen, select “OK” to complete the process.

This method is ideal when the remote is designed specifically for the TV's operating system.

How to pair a remote control via Bluetooth

If your remote control is compatible with Bluetooth, you can pair it from the TV settings menu:

  • Access the settings: Enter the settings menu of your Smart TV.
  • Select "Bluetooth": Within settings, look for the Bluetooth option.
  • add new device: Select the “Add new Bluetooth device” option.
  • Put the controller in pairing mode: Follow the manufacturer's instructions, usually by holding down a button until an indicator light flashes.
  • Select the controller on the screen: When the name of the controller appears in the list of available devices, select it and confirm with “Pair”.
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This method is useful for generic controls or with voice functions that require a Bluetooth connection. If you have questions about how to link a specific remote control, such as one for a Samsung TV, you can find more details in this article on How to pair a Samsung TV remote.

Set up the universal remote for any TV

remote control

In case of using a universal remote control, there are several configuration methods available:

Method 1: Direct code entry

  • Turn on the tv.
  • Look in the remote control manual or on the manufacturer's website for the code corresponding to your TV.
  • Press and hold the “TV” button on the remote until the LED light turns on.
  • Enter the code using the keypad on the remote.
  • If the code is correct, the LED light will turn off.
  • Test the remote by attempting to turn the TV on/off and adjust the volume.

Method 2: Automatic code search

If you don't have the TV code, you can have your universal remote search for it automatically:

  • Press and hold the “TV” button until the LED light turns on.
  • Continue pressing the “Power” button until the LED light flashes.
  • Point the remote at the TV and repeatedly press the “Power” button until the TV turns off.
  • Press “OK” to save the code.
  • Test the basic functions to verify that the remote is working properly.

In case you need more information about the interconnection of devices, you may be interested in knowing if you can control an LG sound bar with your Samsung TV remote.

Pairing your TV's official remote

Major TV brands often offer specific remotes that require pairing. Here's how to do this for some of the most common models:

link the Samsung Smart Remote

  • Turn on the Samsung TV.
  • Bring the remote closer to the TV and hold down the “Return” and “Play/Pause” buttons for a few seconds.
  • The TV will display a message indicating that the remote has been paired successfully.
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match the LG Magic Remote

  • Turn on the TV and wait a few seconds.
  • Point the remote at the TV and hold down the “OK” button (center wheel).
  • When a message appears on the screen confirming pairing, release the button.

If you want to know how pairing works on other devices, you might be interested in this article on Using a Playstation 3 controller on Windows 10.

How to connect a Sony remote to Google TV or Android TV

  • Go to “Settings” on the TV.
  • Select “Remote controls and accessories.”
  • Choose “Add a remote” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Common troubleshooting

If the remote control does not respond after pairing, try the following steps:

  • Change the batteries in the remote.
  • Repeat the pairing process from scratch.
  • Restart the TV.
  • If it is a Bluetooth remote, check that the TV has the function enabled.

Regardless of the model of your TV and the remote you have, there are multiple methods to pair them and improve the user experience. From button combinations to Bluetooth settings and universal remote codes, each option offers a solution tailored to your needs. If your remote doesn't connect on the first try, try different methods until you find the most suitable one for your device.

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