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How to Pair or Replace Your TV Remote: A Step-by-Step Guide for Samsung and LG

When Do You Need to Pair or Replace a TV Remote?

Modern Smart TVs from Samsung and LG use Bluetooth to connect their remotes — not just infrared (IR). This means that if you replace your remote, lose Bluetooth pairing, or get a new TV, you'll need to pair the remote before all features work correctly. This guide covers how to pair and replace remotes for both Samsung and LG TVs.

How to Pair a Samsung TV Remote

Auto-Pairing (Most Samsung Smart TVs)

  1. Insert batteries into the remote (or charge via USB-C for Solar remotes).
  2. Turn on your Samsung TV.
  3. Point the remote at the TV from within 1 metre.
  4. Press and hold the Return (↩) and Play/Pause (⏯) buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
  5. A pairing notification will appear on screen — select OK to confirm.

Manual Pairing via Settings

  1. On your Samsung TV, go to Settings > General > External Device Manager > Input Device Manager > Bluetooth Device List.
  2. Select your remote from the list of available devices.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete pairing.

Samsung Remote Not Pairing? Try This

  • Remove and reinsert the batteries, or recharge the Solar remote.
  • Move closer to the TV (within 50cm) and try again.
  • Restart the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug back in and retry.
  • Check that the remote model is compatible with your TV — see our Samsung TV remote compatibility guide.

How to Pair an LG Magic Remote

Standard Pairing

  1. Insert 2 x AA batteries into the LG Magic Remote.
  2. Turn on your LG TV.
  3. Point the remote at the TV and press the Home (⌂) button.
  4. A registration message will appear on screen — press the Wheel (OK) button to confirm.

Manual Pairing via Settings

  1. On your LG TV, go to Settings > All Settings > General > About This TV > Pair Magic Remote.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete pairing.

LG Magic Remote Pointer Not Working?

  • Re-register the remote: hold the Home button for 5 seconds until a registration message appears.
  • Check pointer settings: Settings > All Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Options.
  • Replace the batteries — a weak battery is the most common cause of pointer issues.
  • Ensure your remote model matches your TV year — see our LG Magic Remote compatibility guide.

How to Replace Your TV Remote

If your remote is lost, broken, or unresponsive, here's how to find the right replacement:

  1. Find your TV model number — check the back of the TV, the Settings menu, or your original packaging.
  2. Note the original remote's part number — printed on the back label of your existing remote (e.g., BN59-01259B for Samsung, AN-MR22GA for LG).
  3. Search by part number or TV model on our site to find a compatible replacement.
  4. Order and pair — follow the pairing steps above once your new remote arrives.

Shop Replacement Remotes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pair a replacement remote, or will it work straight away?
Basic IR functions (power, volume, channel) work without pairing on most TVs. However, Smart features like voice control, pointer mode (LG), and SmartThings (Samsung) require Bluetooth pairing.

Can I use my phone as a TV remote while I wait for my replacement?
Yes — both Samsung and LG have official apps (Samsung SmartThings and LG ThinQ) that let you control your TV from your smartphone over Wi-Fi.

How long does pairing take?
Pairing typically takes less than 30 seconds. If it takes longer, restart the TV and try again.

My remote works for some functions but not others — is it paired?
If basic buttons (power, volume) work but Smart features don't, the remote is connected via IR but not Bluetooth-paired. Follow the pairing steps above to enable full functionality.

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