How to Use Alexa With Samsung TV

There are two ways to use Alexa with your Samsung smart TV. If you have a newer model, your Samsung smart TV will have Alexa built in. But if you have an older Samsung smart TV, you must connect an external Alexa-enabled device to control the TV. This tutorial covers both ways to use Alexa with Samsung TV.

Tip: read on if you’re looking to learn how to set up a smart TV.

How to Connect Alexa-Enabled Amazon Echo Devices to Samsung TV

Follow the steps below to connect an Amazon Echo device to your Samsung smart TV. We have divided the steps into different sections for clarity.

1. Set Up Samsung SmartThings App

1. Download and open the Samsung SmartThings app on your Android or iPhone.
2. Grant the necessary permissions when asked.
3. Tap on the “Devices” tab at the bottom and press the Add Device {+) button.

4. Log in to your Samsung account. Make sure it is the same account used to register your Samsung TV.
5. Scroll down in the list of devices and tap on “TV” followed by “Samsung.”

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the TV in the SmartThings app. Make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your TV isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi, read this tutorial to learn how to fix it.
7. Once your Samsung smart TV has been added successfully to the SmartThings app, follow the steps below to connect the Echo device and Samsung Smart TV.

2. Connect Samsung Smart TV to Echo Device

Tip: learn how to fix common Amazon Echo problems.

1. Assuming that your Echo device has already been set up on your smartphone, open the Amazon Alexa app on your Android or iPhone.
2. Tap on the “Devices” tab. Scroll down to the bottom and tap on “Your Smart Home Skills.”

3. Tap on “Enable Smart Home Skills.”

4. Tap on the search icon at the top and enter “smartthings,” then tap on the SmartThings result.

5. Press the “Enable to use” button, then tap on “Authorize” to give Alexa permission to access your devices.

Tip: learn how to create an Alexa skill without coding experience.

6. Log in to your Samsung account if asked. The SmartThings account will then be linked to the Alexa app. Tap on “Next.”

7. The Alexa app will start searching for your Samsung TV. Make sure the TV is on. Once the app finds the TV, tap on “Set Up Device.”

8. You will be asked to add the device to a group, like your bedroom or living room. Select the preferred group and tap on “Add to group,” or press the “Skip” button if you don’t want to add it to a group.

Your Samsung TV has been successfully added to the Alexa app, and you can control the TV with an Alexa-enabled device.

3. Select Alexa Device to Control Samsung TV

If your Echo device is unable to control your Samsung smart TV, you must choose the Alexa device to link to the Samsung TV in the Alexa app.

1. Open the Alexa app and tap on the “Devices” tab at the bottom.

2. Tap on the room where you added the TV, followed by “Samsung TV.” Alternatively, if you didn’t add it to a room, tap on “All Devices” at the top followed by your TV.

3. Press the “Linked Alexa Devices” option and choose your Alexa device, then tap on “Manage/Link Device.”

If all goes well, a confirmation screen will appear. Tap on “Continue” or follow the steps below to change the name of the TV.

Good to know: Follow this helpful guide to learn how to transfer files from your Android to a smart TV.

4. Change the Name of the Samsung TV in the Alexa App

The Alexa app will take the default name of your TV, and it can be rather long. If you want to refer to your Samsung TV by an easier name, follow these steps:

1. Open the Alexa app on your phone.
2. Tap on the “Devices” tab and go to your TV, listed either inside a group or under “All Devices.”

3. Tap on the “Edit Name” option under the TV name. Enter a name and press anywhere on the screen to save it.

How to Control a Samsung Smart TV with an Alexa-Enabled Device

After you have linked your Samsung TV and Amazon accounts, you can control them using the following commands. Unfortunately, you can only use basic commands to control Samsung TVs with an Alexa-enabled device.

• Alexa, turn on/off [TV name].
• Alexa, turn up the volume on [TV name].
• Alexa, switch input to HDMI on [TV name].
• Alexa, pause the [TV name].
• Alexa, play the [TV name].

Tip: learn how to use SamsungDex on yoru smart TV.

How to Use Built-in Alexa on a Samsung Smart TV

As mentioned above, newer Samsung smart TVs ship with Alexa built in. On some Samsung TVs, you have to use the Alexa button on the remote to talk to Alexa. However, some TVs also have a built-in Alexa app so that you can talk to Alexa without even using the remote. The built-in Alexa in both of these scenarios offers numerous commands.

For example, you can ask Alexa to open apps on your TV, search for movies and shows, play music, control the volume, control your smart home devices, check the weather, change the channel, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a monthly fee to use Alexa with Samsung smart TV?

No, you can use Alexa for free to control your Samsung TV and don’t even need amazon Prime. However, data charges will apply, as Alexa uses Wi-Fi.

Can you use Alexa with a non-smart Samsung TV?

You cannot use Alexa to control your non-smart Samsung TV directly. But it’s possible if you connect any external streaming device to the TV using its HDMI port.

How can I troubleshoot the situation when Alexa doesn't work with my Samsung smart TV?

If Alexa is unable to control your Samsung smart TV, you should restart both the TV and the Alexa-enabled device. If that doesn’t fix the issue, then try re-pairing the device to the Samsung TV. Additionally, you should make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

All images and screenshots by Mehvish Mushtaq.