Thanks to the official SmartThings app, turning the iPhone into a handy remote for Samsung TV works like a charm. As someone who has been using this functionality for several years, I can vouch for the seamless experience that it provides. So long as you have ticked off all the key boxes, your iOS device will play nice with your TV without any roadblocks at all. However, there are times when this seamless play goes for a toss, leaving your digital remote either crippled or frozen. Having faced the ire of this issue quite a few times, I’m going to break down the 8 reliable ways to fix iPhone not working as remote for Samsung TV issue – purely based on my personal experience. Read on to…
Fix iPhone Not Working As Remote for Samsung TV
So, what has derailed your iPhone remote? From the wrong configuration to the outdated version of the remote app to the ill-functioning network, there are a number of culprits you need to keep in mind.
1. Force Quit the Remote App
First and foremost, try force-killing the official SmartThings remote app as it’s well-known for fixing the temporary glitches.
- Just swipe up from the Home Bar and hold to reveal the App Switcher. After that, find the remote app and swipe it up to force-kill it.
- Now, launch the remote app and figure out if it has begun to work on the expected lines.
- It’s worth pointing out that Samsung’s SmartThings’ app may require you to sign in using your account and password every single your iPhone restarts. So, keep this important thing in your mind while dealing with this frustrating problem.
2. Ensure That Your iPhone and Samsung TV are Connected to the Same Wi-Fi Network
Be sure your iPhone and the remote app are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Head over to the Settings app on your iOS device > Wi-Fi and connect both devices to the same network.
3. Reboot Your iPhone and TV
Should your digital remote continue to malfunction, reboot both your iPhone and TV as it’s exceptionally effective in flushing out the miscellaneous glitches.
4. Update the Remote App
If you haven’t updated the SmartThings app for a while, there is a high chance that the outdated version is causing the app to malfunction.
- To do so, go to the App Store on your iPhone and tap on the Profile at the top. Now, find the SmartThings app and update it.
5. Sign Out and Sign Back In
Many a time, you can fix this app-related issue by just signing out and signing back in.
- To get it done, open the remote app > menu button at the bottom > profile icon at the top > tap on the Sign Out option and confirm.
- Now, restart your iPhone and sign back in using your Samsung Account.
- Next, try using the remote to find out if the problem is gone.
6. Reset Network Settings
If the network-related glitches are blocking the path of the remote app, resetting the network settings will help troubleshoot the problem.
- On your iPhone, head into the Settings app > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset Network Settings and confirm the action.
7. Reinstall the Remote App
If the problem still persists, reinstall the app as there is a decent chance that the pileup of cache is creating the problem.
- So, delete the app and reinstall it. After that, follow the usual process to set it up from scratch. Hopefully, your remote should be back to its best after the fresh installation.
- If you have difficulty setting up the remote, check out the hands-on video below –
8. Update Software
And yes, if nothing works to rescue your iPhone remote, do not hesitate to update the software. If the remote issue is due to a system bug, updating the software will likely sort out the problem for you.
- Just dive into the Settings app > General > Software update and then install the latest update.

And that’s pretty much it! I hope your iOS remote is back in full swing and so is the smooth-sailing binge-watching. That said, which one of these tips worked in bringing life to your remote?