What Is the Samsung Solar Remote?
Samsung's Solar Remote (model number BN59-01388E) is a rechargeable remote that charges using indoor light or a USB-C cable — no disposable batteries required. It was introduced with Samsung's 2022 TV lineup and is now standard on QLED, QNED, and select Crystal UHD models. If your original remote has stopped working or you need a replacement, this guide covers exactly which Samsung TVs are compatible.
Which Samsung TVs Use the Solar Remote?
The BN59-01388E Solar Remote is compatible with Samsung's 2022 and later TV series. Here's a breakdown by model series:
2022 Samsung TV Series (BU / QN Series)
| Series | Example Models | Compatible? |
|---|---|---|
| BU7000 Crystal UHD | UA43BU7000, UA50BU7000, UA55BU7000, UA65BU7000 | ✅ Yes |
| BU8000 Crystal UHD | UA50BU8000, UA55BU8000, UA65BU8000, UA75BU8000 | ✅ Yes |
| BU9000 Crystal UHD | UA55BU9000, UA65BU9000, UA75BU9000 | ✅ Yes |
| QN85B QLED | QN55QN85B, QN65QN85B, QN75QN85B | ✅ Yes |
| QN90B QLED | QN55QN90B, QN65QN90B, QN75QN90B | ✅ Yes |
2021 and Earlier Samsung TVs
Samsung TVs from 2021 and earlier (AU, TU, RU, NU series) use the standard BN59-series remotes with AAA batteries. The Solar Remote is not compatible with these models. If you have an older Samsung TV, see our Samsung TV remote compatibility guide instead.
How to Tell If Your TV Came With a Solar Remote
Check the back of your original remote. The Samsung Solar Remote has:
- A solar panel strip on the back (a dark horizontal band).
- A USB-C charging port at the bottom.
- No battery compartment.
- The model number BN59-01388E printed on the back label.
How to Charge the Samsung Solar Remote
The Solar Remote charges in two ways:
- Solar charging — place the remote face-down near a window or under indoor lighting. The solar panel on the back will charge the internal battery automatically.
- USB-C charging — connect a USB-C cable to the port at the bottom of the remote and plug into any USB charger. A full charge takes approximately 2 hours.
A single charge provides approximately 1 month of typical use. The remote will display a low-battery indicator on your TV screen when it needs charging.
How to Pair the Samsung Solar Remote
- Charge the remote via USB-C for at least 30 minutes before first use.
- Point the remote at your Samsung TV and press and hold the Return (↩) and Play/Pause (⏯) buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
- A pairing confirmation will appear on screen — select OK.
- If auto-pairing fails, navigate to Settings > General > External Device Manager > Input Device Manager > Bluetooth Device List and select the remote from the list.
Get a Replacement Samsung Solar Remote
Our Samsung BN59-01388E Solar Remote is a direct replacement for 2022 Samsung QLED and Crystal UHD TVs. It includes all original functions — voice control, SmartThings, and ambient mode — and charges via solar or USB-C.
Browse our full Samsung TV remote collection for all compatible models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Solar Remote on a 2021 Samsung TV?
No — the BN59-01388E is designed for 2022+ Samsung TVs. For 2021 AU-series TVs, use the BN59-01259B or BN59-01268D instead.
What if my Solar Remote won't charge?
Try charging via USB-C first. If the remote still doesn't respond after 2 hours of charging, the internal battery may need replacement or the remote itself may be faulty.
Does the Solar Remote work without pairing?
Basic IR functions (power, volume, channel) work without Bluetooth pairing. However, Smart features like voice control and SmartThings require Bluetooth pairing.