How to Control a Samsung TV from Your iPhone (2026 Guide)

Whether you've lost your Samsung TV remote, broken it, or simply want a better remote experience, controlling your Samsung Smart TV from your iPhone is easier than ever. This guide walks you through the complete setup process.

What You Need

• A Samsung Smart TV (2016 or newer, running Tizen OS)
• An iPhone running iOS 17 or later
• Both devices connected to the same WiFi network
• Universal Remote app (free download from the App Store)

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Check Your WiFi Network

This is the most important step. Your iPhone and Samsung TV must be on the same WiFi network. On your Samsung TV, go to Settings → General → Network to verify. On your iPhone, check Settings → WiFi.

Step 2: Download Universal Remote

Download Universal Remote from the App Store. It's free to download — you can try the basic features before subscribing to premium.

Step 3: Allow Network Access

When you first open the app, iOS will ask to find devices on your local network. Tap "Allow" — this permission is required to discover your Samsung TV.

Step 4: Find Your Samsung TV

The app automatically scans your network. Your Samsung TV should appear within a few seconds. If it doesn't, try these fixes:

• Make sure your TV is powered on (not in standby)
• Verify both devices are on the same WiFi
• Tap "Enter IP manually" and type your TV's IP address

Step 5: Accept the Connection

Tap your Samsung TV in the app. A prompt appears on your TV screen: "Allow 'Universal Remote' to connect?" Press "Allow" with your existing remote or using the TV's physical buttons.

Step 6: Start Controlling

You're connected! You now have access to:

• Touchpad: Swipe to navigate Samsung's Tizen interface
• Keyboard: Type search queries and passwords at full speed
• App Launcher: Open Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ with one tap
• Power Control: Turn your TV on/off remotely
• Volume & Mute: Precise volume control

Pro Tips

Enable Wake-on-LAN

To power your Samsung TV on from the app, enable "Power On with Mobile" in your TV's network settings. This lets the app send a Wake-on-LAN signal to turn on your TV remotely.

Use Touchpad for Faster Navigation

Samsung's Tizen interface is designed for pointer/touchpad navigation. Instead of using the D-pad, switch to touchpad mode for a much faster experience when browsing apps and content.

Launch Apps Instantly

Instead of navigating to Samsung's app bar and scrolling to find Netflix, use Universal Remote's app launcher. All your installed apps are available in a searchable grid.

Troubleshooting

If you run into issues, check our Samsung TV troubleshooting guide for detailed solutions to common problems.