Fix: Samsung TV Remote not Working except for Power Button

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on October 29, 2024
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer

When your Samsung TV remote functions only for powering the TV on or off, there might be a connection problem. This often happens because of a broken Bluetooth link in Smart Remotes or an infrared (IR) issue in regular ones. Usual causes are old TV software, weak or damaged batteries, or remote damage.

Samsung TV Remote not Working except for Power Button
Samsung TV Remote not Working Fix

Other issues could be interference from nearby devices or dirty remote sensors. You can use a smartphone camera to check the IR signal or try re-pairing the remote.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.

1. Power Cycle the Television

This problem may happen due to temporary software bugs or lost connection between the TV and remote. To fix it, turn off the TV and unplug it for at least a minute. This resets the system and often makes the remote work properly again.

  1. Turn the TV on and unplug it.
    Unplugging TV from the wall
  2. Hold the TV’s power button for 30 seconds.
  3. Plug the power back in and turn the TV on.
  4. Use the remote to check if the issue is fixed.

2. Resync the TV and Remote

When your Samsung TV remote stops working, re-pairing can fix the connection. This often solves problems like unresponsive buttons. Re-pairing helps the TV reset its Bluetooth link with the remote (for Smart models) or the IR signal (for standard models). This clears out any interference or memory issues. By doing this, the TV can recognize and respond to the remote, making it work properly again.

  1. Turn on the TV and stand about 10 inches away.
    Unplugging the power cord from the socket
  2. Aim the remote at the TV’s bottom right side.
    Point the TV Remote here
  3. Press and hold the “Back” arrow and “Pause” button until “Pairing Complete” appears on the screen.
    Holding down the “Back” and “Pause” button
  4. Use the remote to check if the issue is resolved.
Kevin ArrowsUpdated on October 29, 2024
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Comments

13
    OM
    Omar May 4, 2020

    I was getting a ‘not available’ message when pressing buttons on my remote. Except the power button which worked fine. Removing batterries and resyncing by pressing both the pause and back didnt work.Unplugging the TV worked!

    Reply
      AY
      Ayaaz May 15, 2020

      I’m having the same problem power button works nothing else tried everything bought this TV a month ago

      Reply
        CW
        Cheryl Wills Jul 23, 2020

        did your tv resolve. Im having the same issue with my tv.

        Reply
          SO
          Sad tv owner Aug 3, 2020

          I have same problem, and nothing helps for me. :/

          SW
          Shane Warren Author Aug 4, 2020

          Might be an issue with the remote itself. It might need to be replaced

          ST
          Sad owner of tv Aug 4, 2020

          I just came back from store, they have tested my remote. But different models needs different reset.
          Just talked with Samsung support. Now trying reseting my tv and remote.
          My tv is
          Samsung QLED QE82Q60R

          SW
          Shane Warren Author Aug 5, 2020

          Okay, thank you for sharing, let us know how it goes

          K
          K Aug 27, 2020

          I have been having the same issues. I find that if the remote stops working the thing to do is …. press and hold the power button until the TV goes off and then back on again. It then work fine.

          MA
          manoj Jun 22, 2022

          this worked for me as well!! thanks a ton!!

        SP
        Simon P May 2, 2023

        “Solution 1: Power Cycling the Television” worked for me! Thanks!!

        Reply
    AB
    abidsaeed Nov 4, 2020

    sony remote software

    Reply
    DS
    Daniel-san Jul 16, 2023

    I just wanted to say thank you. I purchased my Samsung TV around 5-6 years ago, when 4k technology was still new. I spent about $1,000. It’s been a great television screen, but I know it can’t last forever. Just yesterday it stopped responding to everything. Only the power button worked. Not even the buttons on the actual tv worked…… This was the only article that suggested to hold the power button on the TV for 30 seconds. It completely fixed everything. I really don’t have extra money for a new TV right now, so that’s a big deal. Thanks again.

    Reply
    CS
    Christopher Simonis Dec 31, 2023

    I was so ready to give up and buy a new remote, but I am glad to say the second option worked for me! I tried power cycling several times with no luck. Then I tried option 2 and it worked! Thank you.

    I am also glad you added a picture since I probably would have pressed the left arrow key as the ‘back’ button. Thank you again

    Reply