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The fastest and most reliable way to turn on a Samsung TV without its remote is to use the built-in TV Controller button. It is usually underneath the frame, near the Samsung logo, or on the rear panel. Press it once; on some models, it opens an on-screen control menu where you must select Power.
If the controller is inaccessible, try SmartThings only if the TV was previously configured for it. A connected device using HDMI-CEC, another compatible remote, or a replacement remote may also work.
1. Use the physical TV Controller
Samsung places the controller differently depending on the model. Check these locations:
- Underneath the bottom-center edge of the frame
- Under the bottom-right edge
- Near or beneath the Samsung logo
- On the rear panel, commonly toward the lower-left or lower-right
- As a small joystick-like control rather than a conventional button
On a wall-mounted TV, feel carefully along the lower bezel and look behind the lower portion of the set. On One Connect models, check the TV itself first; do not assume the One Connect Box has a usable power control.
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- It is imperative to purchase by PART number ONLY (NOT TV model number). The listed TV model number is a reference only and should not be used to make a purchase decision. The reason is that there can be several different parts that go into the same TV model. These different parts are NOT interchangeable.
- If you are not sure how to check and match your PART number (NOT TV model number), please contact us first so that we can help you save time and money.
Once you find the controller:
- Confirm that the TV is plugged into a working outlet.
- Press the controller once.
- If the TV turns on, no further action is needed.
- If a control menu appears, press or move the controller until Power is highlighted, then press inward or hold it to confirm. The exact action varies by model.
Samsung’s general guidance explains the controller’s changing locations and menu behavior. Consult the manual for your exact model if the button is difficult to identify: Samsung TV Controller guidance.
Controller functions are not universal. For example, Samsung’s HU9000 instructions describe a rear joystick controller with model-specific directional controls; those directions should not be assumed to apply to every Samsung TV. See the HU9000 controller example.
2. Turn it on with the SmartThings app
SmartThings can act as an on-screen remote, but it is not a guaranteed emergency solution. It generally works only when the TV is compatible, has already been added to SmartThings, remains connected to the network, and is associated with the appropriate Samsung account. A setting such as Power On with Mobile may also need to be enabled.
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To try it:
- Open the SmartThings app.
- Tap Menu, then All devices.
- Select the TV.
- Open the on-screen remote and use its power control.
Samsung documents the setting on compatible models under Settings > General > Network > Expert Settings > Power On with Mobile. Menu names and availability vary by model, region, and software version. See Samsung’s mobile power-on guidance.
If the TV has never been paired with SmartThings, first turn it on using the physical controller. Then connect it to Wi-Fi, add it in SmartThings, approve any on-screen pairing prompts, and enable mobile power-on if available. Initial setup may require confirmation on the TV, so SmartThings cannot always replace a missing remote at the setup screen. Samsung’s instructions are available at SmartThings TV control and smartphone setup.
A Wi-Fi remote app cannot wake an offline or unconfigured TV. An infrared phone app works only when the phone has compatible IR-blaster hardware, which most modern phones do not.
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- You MUST check and verify that your original part number is "BN96-45912A", as your TV model uses three (3) different Power Button/IR Sensor Boards. They are NOT interchangeable. If you purchase and install the wrong one, it will NOT work in your TV.
- Your original part must show "BN96-45912A" or else it will NOT work in your TV.
3. Try a connected device through HDMI-CEC
A streaming box, game console, Blu-ray player, cable box, or soundbar may turn on the TV when it powers on. Samsung calls HDMI-CEC Anynet+.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThis method works only when the TV and external device support CEC, the devices are connected correctly by HDMI, and the relevant settings are enabled or retained from earlier setup. Turn on the external device with its own remote and wait to see whether the TV wakes. It may also switch the TV to that device’s input.
CEC behavior differs among brands and configurations, so this is an alternative rather than a dependable first-time solution. On many Samsung TVs, the relevant setting is under Settings > General > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC), although the path can differ. See Samsung’s Anynet+ troubleshooting page.
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- You MUST check and verify that your original part number is "BN96-45912A", as your TV model uses three (3) different Power Button/IR Sensor Boards. They are NOT interchangeable. If you purchase and install the wrong one, it will NOT work in your TV.
- Your original part must show "BN96-45912A" or else it will NOT work in your TV.
4. Use another compatible remote
A spare Samsung infrared remote may control basic functions such as power, volume, channels, and settings on many Samsung TVs. Full Smart Remote functions, voice controls, app buttons, and pairing features are more model-specific.
Other possibilities include:
- A programmed universal remote with Samsung TV support
- A cable or satellite remote configured for the TV
- A streaming-device remote with TV-control support
- A console remote, where HDMI-CEC or device control is supported
Universal remotes may require a Samsung code and may not support every feature. Samsung discusses compatible replacement and third-party remotes at its replacement-remote guidance and third-party remote guidance.
5. If the TV still will not turn on
At this point, determine whether the problem is really the missing remote, a power fault, or a screen/input problem.
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- It is imperative to purchase by PART number ONLY (if applicable). The listed TV model number is a reference only and should not be used to make a purchase decision. The reason is that there can be several different parts that go into the same TV model. These different parts are NOT interchangeable.
- If you are not sure how to check and match your PART number (NOT TV model number), please contact us first so that we can help you save time and money.
Check the standby light
- Red standby light on: The TV is receiving power in a standby state, although this does not prove that the hardware is healthy.
- Standby light off: The TV may not be receiving power, or it may already be on with a blank screen. Press a non-power control on the TV and look for a menu or source indicator.
Samsung explains how to distinguish a power problem from a no-picture problem in its TV will not turn on troubleshooting guide.
Check the power path
- Push the power cord firmly into the TV and outlet.
- Test the wall outlet with another device.
- If a surge protector is being used, bypass it temporarily and connect the TV directly to the wall.
- Unplug the TV for 30 seconds, reconnect it, and test the physical controller.
- Inspect the cord for visible damage.
Unplugging for 30 seconds is a troubleshooting reset, not a guaranteed power-on method. If the TV does not respond to its own controller after these checks, Samsung recommends seeking service.
Rule out a black screen
If a status light indicates that the TV is on but the display is blank, press a button other than Power on the TV. If no menu appears, check the selected input and the connected device. A faulty HDMI source, loose cable, or blank signal can look like a dead TV.
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6. Get a replacement remote
For the easiest long-term solution, find the TV’s model number and order an exact replacement. Samsung directs customers to Samsung Parts for replacement remotes. Availability depends on the model and region.
A compatible universal remote is usually a practical alternative for power, volume, input, and basic navigation. Confirm Samsung compatibility and the specific model before buying. Generic remotes may not reproduce Smart Remote features such as voice control, app shortcuts, or model-specific functions.
Quick decision guide
| Situation | Best next step |
|---|---|
| The TV has never used SmartThings | Use the physical TV Controller. |
| The TV was paired with SmartThings and remains online | Use the SmartThings app. |
| A console, streaming box, or cable box is connected | Try its remote through HDMI-CEC/Anynet+. |
| You need complete TV control | Use a compatible Samsung or universal remote. |
| The TV controller does nothing | Check the standby light, outlet, cord, and screen/input status. |
What not to rely on
- Any random phone remote app: most phones lack an IR blaster, and Wi-Fi apps require prior setup.
- A USB keyboard: supported models may allow menu navigation, but USB input is not a dependable way to wake every TV.
- Turning on a console: HDMI-CEC must be supported, connected, and enabled.
- Unplugging and reconnecting the TV: this may reset it but does not guarantee that it will boot normally.
Samsung user guides document USB keyboards, mice, and gamepads on some models, but that does not establish universal wake-from-standby support. See the Samsung user-guide example.
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