Smart TV remote control: Overview of buttons and functions of the individual manufacturers

1. The most important functions of the remote controls

   1. Samsung TV

   2. Sony TV

   3. LG TV

   4. Philips TV

   5. TCL TV

   6. Thorough TV

Modern remote controls are constantly evolving, even with the latest Smart TVs. The keys are becoming fewer and fewer over time, but their functions are all the more diverse. We’ll show you later how to keep track of things.

Since the remote controls are sometimes completely different from the different manufacturers, you can use the examples given to orientate yourself. Most keys have similar properties, which can also be largely transferred to your device, depending on the model. We give you an exemplary overview of your respective remote controls.

The most important functions of the remote controls

Immediately after purchasing your brand new television, it is important that your remote control also connects to the device. Since modern remote controls from most manufacturers work with Bluetooth, this process usually runs completely automatically. If you still have difficulties with this, we will give you information.

As far as the functions of the buttons are concerned, all modern remote controls have a basic structure. These include the on/off button, which turns the TV on and off, or the home button, which takes you back to the start screen. In older models there is also a selection of number keys, which is gradually disappearing in the current remote control.

While current remote controls are adapting and reducing buttons, new functions are being added as standard. This includes, for example, the shortcuts to streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video.

Depending on the manufacturer, voice control is now also common and particularly helpful for many remote controls. These include, above all, Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. This feature makes it quite easy for you to search for specific programs or perform other handy queries.

Samsung TV

If you own a Samsung TV, you use a Smart Remote as a remote control, depending on the model and year of manufacture. Older models had up to 45 buttons, which was reduced to just 11 buttons on the Samsung Smart Remote. This should provide a better overview of the individual functions.

The Smart Remote from Samsung is also equipped with Bluetooth and usually connects itself to your QLED Smart TV. If this doesn’t work, you can do it manually. We will show you the individual steps in the overview.

• 1. Make sure your TV is on first, then point your remote at it.
• 2. After that, press and hold the back button and the play/pause button at the same time for a few seconds.
• 3. A short time later, the message “Searching for devices” appears and you can release the buttons again.
• 4. As soon as the message “Pairing complete” appears, the connection to your Samsung TV is established.

Sony TV

If you own a Sony Smart TV, your remote control can look very different. Whether you have a regular remote or a touchpad remote control, the operation can vary a bit.

This difference becomes clear when you set up your Sony TV for the first time. Depending on the model, you have to proceed differently if your Bluetooth remote control does not automatically connect to the TV. First of all, make sure that your television is on and that the batteries in the battery compartment of your remote control have enough power. Always follow the steps on your TV screen.

If you still can’t connect to your TV and remote control, check out our Sony TV guides. In addition to the coupling, we have also explained other functions of your remote in detail here.

LG TV

The latest LG TVs offer a Magic Remote that has numerous new functions. This has a flexible navigation that can be controlled with your gestures, the mouse wheel and the navigation arrows.

You can also use the voice control of your LG TV via the remote control to improve your viewing experience. You use the corresponding button to speak commands and questions and thus avoid long searches. We will show you many other properties of your LG Magic Remote in more detail in the following instructions.

Philips TV

After buying a new Philips TV, you also have to get used to the remote control that comes with it. Since remotes change over time, it can be difficult to find the right buttons. However, the most important functions such as the home button, the back button or the on/off button always remain the same. Nevertheless, there are always new things here.

The special thing about Philips TVs is that they can also be controlled via the Philips Remote app. This app makes it easy for you to control the functions of the Smart TV using your tablet or smartphone. The remote app is particularly useful for using Ambilight. Your remote control can be replaced with it.

With your Philips TV, you may have very different remote controls at hand. These are simply different models from the manufacturer. As with many other providers, Philips is also equipping the remote controls with fewer buttons. You can see what this looks like in the instructions below.

TCL TV

If you have bought a new TCL TV, you must first deal with the included remote control. This can be challenging if you’re not used to this new model. Even if modern ones now have fewer and fewer buttons, new functions are still being added.

At the beginning you usually start by pairing your remote control with the device. Since the TCL remote control also works via Bluetooth, this step should run automatically. If you still have problems with this, the following instructions will help you:

• 1. First you turn on your TV.
• 2. Then point your remote control at the TCL TV and press and hold the Home button and the OK button at the same time for a few seconds.
• 3. In the next step, the pairing process begins.
• 4. If pairing was successful, you will receive a notification.

In addition, the TCL remote control offers a voice control function that can help you watch TV. You can avoid long searches and go directly to the programs you want. The remote control also has its own button for this purpose, with which you can make a direct request with just one click.

Thorough TV

With the Grundig Smart Remote you can also control your TV without a remote control. To do this, simply log in with the remote app on your smartphone or tablet and use it to operate your Grundig Smart TV without any problems.

Depending on the model, Grundig TVs also use a Fire TV remote control and offer Alexa voice control. With this function you can execute numerous commands and questions. The voice function is also a good alternative when pairing your device with the remote.

Are you planning to get a brand new TV? Then take a look at these practical tips for buying a new Smart TV. Don’t miss out on the latest TV deals to grab the best bargains.