The best remote for Samsung TVs in 2026
Replacement and universal remotes for Samsung smart TVs, and how to tell whether a cheap copy will work with yours.
Buy Samsung's own SolarCell Remote if it lists your TV's model year. It charges from room light or USB-C, so you never buy batteries. If you also control a soundbar and streamer, get the SofaBaton U3. Until a new remote arrives, the SmartThings app works as a remote on your phone.
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What you need to know
Samsung TV owners with a lost or broken remote, or anyone who wants one remote for the whole setup.
If you mostly use a streamer, its remote can run the TV through Anynet+. Tonight, the SmartThings app works as a remote.
Model-year compatibility, voice and charging, and control of other devices.
Recent Samsung remotes charge from indoor light or USB-C. A remote that seems dead usually just needs a charge.
The picks
Samsung SolarCell Remote
Samsung's own replacement, sold as model VG-TM2560EN. It charges from indoor light or USB-C and keeps voice search and app buttons working.
Check Samsung's compatibility list; voice only works on TVs that support it.
Third-party solar replacement
Amazon's best-selling Samsung replacements copy the SolarCell design for about $18 to $30 and list most 2019 to 2026 TVs.
Voice and Bluetooth pairing can be hit or miss. Pick one with a two-year warranty.
SofaBaton U3
A rechargeable button remote that runs a Samsung TV, soundbar and streamer without a hub.
No access to Samsung's voice assistant.
SofaBaton X2
The pick for a Samsung TV with a receiver and gear in a cabinet.
Expensive for a single TV.
Pair a new Samsung remote
Most Samsung smart TVs from 2019 on pair a Bluetooth remote the same way. Point it at the TV from about a foot away and hold Back and Play/Pause together for three seconds until the TV shows a pairing message.
Test a remote with your phone camera: point it at the lens and press a button. If you see a faint flash on screen, the IR side works and the problem is likely Bluetooth pairing.
If your TV supports it, the remote's solar panel charges best face-up near a window. Indoor lamp light works, just more slowly.
- Model number: on the back of the TV and under Settings > Support > About This TV
- Year letter: on newer TVs, the letter after the size, such as D (2024) or F (2025)
- IR-only remotes: work without pairing but lose voice and some shortcuts
The best Samsung remote for each setup
- Samsung TV only: the Samsung SolarCell Remote, if it lists your model year.
- TV, soundbar and streamer: SofaBaton U3.
- Receiver or gear in a cabinet: SofaBaton X2.
- Remote lost tonight: the free SmartThings app on your phone.
- Streamer is your main device: use its remote and turn on Anynet+ so it controls TV power and volume.
- Older Samsung TV without smart features: a basic Samsung IR remote.
How we picked
We compared published lab tests, owner reports and maker specs, and ranked on:
- Compatibility with Samsung model years
- Voice, app buttons and charging
- Control of other devices
- Price and warranty
More on our process is in how we research.
Others we considered
- Samsung basic IR remote: Samsung's plain remote; a fine spare, with no voice.
- SofaBaton X1S: A cheaper hub remote for gear in a cabinet.
- BroadLink RM4 Pro: Phone and voice-assistant control with no handheld remote.
Questions
Can I use my phone as a Samsung TV remote?
Yes. The SmartThings app works as a remote when your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi.
Will any Samsung remote work with my TV?
Most Samsung IR remotes control basic functions on any Samsung TV. Smart and voice remotes need a supported model year.
How do I charge a SolarCell remote?
Leave it face-up in light, or plug in a USB-C cable for a quick charge.
What is Anynet+?
Samsung's name for HDMI-CEC. It lets a streamer, soundbar or console turn the TV on and control its volume.
Can a Samsung remote control my cable box?
Yes, on most smart TVs. Go to Settings > General > External Device Manager > Universal Remote Setup, and the TV adds your cable box or soundbar to its remote.
Why is my Samsung remote not working?
Charge it by USB-C or leave it in light, then re-pair it by holding Back and Play/Pause for three seconds. For an IR remote, replace the batteries.
- Samsung, SolarCell Remote (VG-TM2560EN) product page, checked Oct 19, 2026
- oneSmartcrib, "5 Best Remotes for Samsung TVs (2026 Tested)"
- Amazon listings for Samsung replacement remotes, checked Oct 19, 2026
Prices and offers change often; confirm at your address before you order. How we research
Jean founded ShopHighSpeed after trying to find one straight answer about business internet in his own town. He has been a Comcast and Verizon Fios customer, and ranks providers on what they actually deliver, not on what they advertise.