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You can use a Galaxy S9 to control a compatible Samsung TV or projector through the SmartThings app. Add the TV to SmartThings, then select it in the app to open its on-screen remote. The Galaxy S9 does not have infrared (IR) control, so SmartThings is not a universal remote for older or unsupported TVs.

What you need before you start

  • A compatible Samsung TV or projector: It must be able to connect to SmartThings and be added to the app.
  • SmartThings on the Galaxy S9: Check that the app is available and installs from the app store in your region. Samsung’s UK support page lists Android 7.0 or later, but supported operating-system versions can change; confirm the current local app requirements.
  • A Samsung Account and internet access: Samsung requires these for the network-based smart services used by the app remote.

Compatibility can vary by product, region, network, and software version. Samsung’s SmartThings app information advises checking supported devices in the app: SmartThings app support. For current app requirements, see Samsung’s SmartThings compatibility guidance.

Set up the Galaxy S9 as a remote

  1. Install or open SmartThings. If you cannot install it, check the current app-store listing for your region and the app’s supported Android version.
  2. Sign in with your Samsung Account.
  3. Connect the TV or projector to the network. Make sure it is powered on and ready to be added to SmartThings.
  4. Add the TV in SmartThings. Follow the app’s prompts to find and register the television or projector.
  5. Open the remote. In SmartThings, select Menu, then All devices, and choose the TV or projector. Samsung says an on-screen remote will appear.

Samsung’s instructions for supported models are in Control your Samsung TV or projector with your phone using SmartThings. The remote may offer controls such as volume, channel, mute, Home, Back, Guide, navigation, and selection, but the available buttons depend on the device.

Choose the right option for your TV

TV situation Best-supported option What to check
Compatible Samsung smart TV or projector SmartThings remote Confirm it can be added in SmartThings, the app installs on the S9 in your region, and you have a Samsung Account and internet access.
Older, non-networked, or unsupported TV The TV’s physical remote or a replacement matched to its model Check the exact TV model before choosing a replacement. The S9 itself does not provide IR control.
TV appears in SmartThings, but some remote buttons are absent Use the available SmartThings controls Remote controls vary by TV or projector.

Why the Galaxy S9 cannot control every TV

The S9 is not an IR remote: Samsung Members support states that infrared is unavailable on this model. Samsung’s Galaxy S9 brochure also does not list an IR transmitter, although that omission alone is not proof of absence. The practical result is that the phone can control supported devices through SmartThings, not by sending the infrared signals used by many conventional remotes.

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If the TV does not appear in SmartThings

  • Check that the TV or projector is a supported model and can connect to your network.
  • Confirm SmartThings is installed, you are signed in to your Samsung Account, and the phone has internet access.
  • Check the app’s supported-device information and the TV’s SmartThings setup; availability may differ by region, network, product, or app version.
  • If the TV cannot be added or is not a compatible smart device, use its original remote or a replacement confirmed for that exact TV model.

Do not assume a generic USB-C infrared accessory will turn the Galaxy S9 into a universal remote; compatibility with such an accessory is not established here.

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