Why will my Samsung TV not pair with iPhone?

The most common causes are different Wi-Fi networks, blocked Local Network permission, Samsung access settings, a missed TV approval prompt, guest network isolation, or a sleeping TV.

Where is the Samsung Access Notification setting?

On supported Samsung TVs, check Device Connection Manager or External Device Manager settings. Menu names can vary by model and firmware.

Does Samsung TV pairing require internet?

Pairing is local network control. Internet is not normally required for local remote control, but streaming apps and TV services may need internet.

Samsung TV Not Pairing with iPhone

Quick Answer

If Samsung TV will not pair with iPhone, put the iPhone and TV on the same trusted Wi-Fi network, allow Local Network permission, keep the TV awake, check Samsung Device Connection Manager access settings, and approve the PIN or TV prompt when it appears.

Last updated: May 7, 2026.

Symptoms and Fixes

Symptom	What to Check
Samsung TV does not appear	Same Wi-Fi network, Local Network permission, TV awake, no guest network
PIN never appears	Restart the TV, open the Samsung setup guide, and retry pairing from the app
PIN appears but pairing fails	Enter the current PIN, not an old one, and confirm the TV prompt before it expires
TV rejects the app	Check Device Connection Manager or External Device Manager access settings
Pairing works once then fails	Restart the TV and router, then remove and add the saved TV again

Step-by-Step Fix

Connect the iPhone or iPad and Samsung TV to the same trusted Wi-Fi network.
Open iPhone or iPad Settings and allow Local Network access for Remote Control for TV.
Turn the Samsung TV on and keep it awake during pairing.
On supported Samsung TVs, check Device Connection Manager or External Device Manager and allow mobile device connections.
Open Remote Control for TV, select the Samsung TV, and enter the PIN or approve the prompt shown on the TV.
If pairing still fails, restart the TV, router, and iPhone, then retry from the Samsung setup guide.

Works With / Does Not Work With

Works With	Does Not Work With
Supported Samsung Smart TVs on the same local network	Different, guest, hotel, school, or isolated networks
TV approval prompts and current PIN codes	Expired PIN codes or missed TV prompts
Samsung access settings that allow mobile device control	TV settings that reject or block new remote devices

Samsung Pairing FAQ

Should I delete and reinstall the app?

Usually no. Pairing failures are most often caused by network isolation, permission, TV access settings, or a missed TV prompt.

Can the app pair if the TV is off?

Initial pairing is more reliable when the TV is on and awake. Wake behavior after pairing depends on Samsung model, firmware, and standby settings.

Where can I add missing Samsung apps?

Use the Samsung custom app IDs page after the TV is paired.