Samsung TVs consistently rank among the best smart TVs you can buy on Amazon and other retailers. Plus, the remote control that comes with your Samsung TV is much more powerful than you think. Sure, it can do basic things like change channels and turn up the volume – and even quickly launch a few different streaming apps like Netflix. But there are also a few lesser-known features you can enjoy with your Samsung remote that go beyond just controlling the standard features your TV offers.
In fact, knowing the full extent of what your remote is capable of can also make it a powerhouse for controlling many of your other devices. Of course, the number of hidden features may vary depending on the type of Samsung remote you have, as well as the age of your TV. But if you own a Samsung TV released in the last five to ten years, chances are you have a good number of smart features that you could and should take advantage of.
Use it as a universal remote control
One of the most useful things your Samsung TV Remote can do is act as a universal remote control for many of your other devices. While there are still some great universal remotes out there, a variety of different devices can actually be connected to the Samsung Smart TV Remote, including the Xbox One, several generations of Apple TV, and even a few different Roku devices, Amazon Fire TVs, and the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. The newer consoles are unfortunately not listed on Samsung’s website, but many devices that connect via IR or Bluetooth can also work with the Samsung Smart TV Remote’s universal control system.
Being able to use the Samsung Smart TV Remote as a universal remote means you can potentially cut down on some of the other remotes you might keep around your living room. This means easier access to the content and devices you love to use, while also helping to reduce the number of remotes you need to keep up. As noted earlier, the exact number of devices the remote can be connected to varies depending on the type of remote you have, as well as the age of your Samsung Smart TV.
Enable a virtual number pad
This next feature is a bit obvious, but if you don’t read the remote’s manual, you may have missed its purpose. When you browse the TV guide, or even go to rent a movie on certain services like Amazon, you may be asked to enter a PIN. Depending on the remote you have, you can actually take advantage of a special virtual number pad by pressing the button at the top of your remote that has several colored dots and the numbers 123 written on them.
When enabled, this feature will bring up a number pad directly on the screen, making it easier for you to enter your PIN or other information. This is especially handy for switching to specific channels or entering PINs without having to use the typical, much larger QWERTY-style numeric keypad that some apps rely on.
Watch two screens at the same time with Multiview
Multitasking is a great way to help you see more at once, and depending on the age of your Samsung Smart TV and Samsung Smart TV Remote, you may be able to enjoy multiple screens at the same time. This button is located at the top of the remote and looks like several application windows stacked on top of each other. If you have a smart remote with a microphone button, it should be located directly to the right of that button.
When enabled, the Multiview button will allow you to select from one or more screens or programs. It’s ideal for following your favorite sports matches while keeping up to date with important news, or even watching multiple matches at the same time. Samsung claims you can even use it to watch TV while retrieving items from your connected smartphone. So this can be an easy way to expand what you’re showing on your TV without stopping the main attraction.
Control other Samsung TVs
Finally, the last big thing you may not have realized your Samsung remote can do is control other Samsung TVs. This is a really nice feature for users who have several of Samsung’s best smart TVs in their home, because you can simply use one remote to power them all. Depending on the remote, you may need to connect it manually: some of Samsung’s newer remotes use a Bluetooth system that is connected to the original TV, but can also be connected to others.
You may need to consult the instructions that came with your TV for exact information on how to connect a new remote, but if you have multiple Samsung TVs, using a single remote as your primary controller can be a useful way to reduce the number of remotes you have around the house. According to Samsung, the old Samsung Smart TV One remote and the new One Solar Cell remote should allow you to connect them to multiple TVs.
