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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsOn many Samsung Smart TVs, the physical control is underneath the screen near the center or along the lower-right edge. It may be a single multifunction button or a small joystick-like controller rather than a row of keys. The precise position and available controls vary by model, so check the manual for your TV’s exact model code if you cannot find it.
Where to look on the TV
- Check underneath the lower bezel. Look first near the center of the bottom edge, then along the lower-right edge.
- Look near the standby indicator. On some models the controller is close to the red standby light, which can help you narrow down the search.
- Feel for a discreet control. The controller may be a small button or a joystick-like stick that is hard to see from the front. Samsung’s guidance for selected models describes bottom-center or bottom-right positions; its 2018 Q9FN manual documents a control stick on the bottom. These are examples, not a universal map for every Samsung TV. Samsung Australia’s controller guidance, Samsung US guidance for selected models, and the 2018 Q9FN user manual show model-specific details.
How to use the physical controller
On the models covered by Samsung’s guidance, pressing the controller turns the TV on when it is off. When the TV is on, pressing it brings up a Control menu. Press again to move through the available options, then press and hold to select the highlighted option. Menu choices differ by model.
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A joystick-style controller may also support directional movement for basic tasks. For example, the Q9FN manual describes using its stick for channel and volume changes, menu selection, and power-off. Do not assume another model’s controller has the same actions.
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What if your TV has no obvious row of buttons?
Many sets use one compact multifunction controller, so the absence of a row of labeled keys does not mean the TV lacks a physical control. Samsung’s published examples do not establish one location or button layout for every Smart TV, generation, or region. Find your exact model code and open its manual or the Samsung support page for the region where you bought the TV; those sources can show the relevant illustration and supported functions.
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If the control remains difficult to identify or its operation is unclear, consult the model manual or Samsung support rather than forcing a button or stick. Also check whether protective film is still covering the Samsung logo or the bottom of the TV: Samsung notes that film can dim the screen and recommends removing it if it is still attached.
Ways to control the TV when the panel control is not enough
Use SmartThings if your TV and phone are compatible
Samsung Australia says the SmartThings app can provide functions such as channel, volume, and source controls for compatible TVs. Its regional instructions require a Wi-Fi connection and Samsung account; available settings may vary with the phone and software. Samsung UK’s separate instructions for the 2025 Mobile Remote feature list 2025 TVs U8000F or above, selected Smart Monitor models, and The Premiere series, with SmartThings and Android 11 or later or iOS 16 or later required. Those UK requirements apply to that feature and should not be treated as universal compatibility rules for every Samsung TV or phone remote option. See Samsung Australia’s guidance and Samsung UK’s 2025 Mobile Remote guide.
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Use a compatible replacement remote
If you need functions the panel controller does not offer, a replacement remote may be necessary. Check compatibility against the TV’s exact model before choosing one: Samsung notes that some features and settings cannot be accessed without a remote, and the physical controller’s functions are model-dependent.
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