“I can’t connect SmartThings to my TV. I’m losing my patience!”
Calm down for a second…
Connection issues between SmartThings and smart TV are normal.
They may be “smart” devices. But they can run into some errors too.
What’s surprising about this problem is that…
Its causes are pretty simple.
So simple that people often overlook them.
Read on to discover:
- 8 causes of SmartThings not connecting to TV.
- 8 quick ways to connect a smart TV to SmartThings.
- Whether you can connect non-Samsung TV to the SmartThings app.
- Whether you should connect SmartThings to a 2.4GHz or 5GHz band.
- And so much more…
Why can’t I connect my TV to SmartThings?
You can’t connect your TV to SmartThings because it’s incompatible and not connected to the same WiFi network and Samsung account. It will also not connect to SmartThings if the Bluetooth is disabled, the SmartThings app is outdated, and the TV itself is out-of-range and connected to a 5GHz network.
SmartThings not connecting to TV – 8 causes & fixes
#1: Disabled Bluetooth
First things first, is the Bluetooth open on both your phone and TV?
If not, then your devices won’t connect no matter how much resetting you’d do.
SmartThings connect with smart devices via Bluetooth. And that’s how it is with smart TVs as well.
To pair two devices, you have to establish a connection between them.
And you can only do that by pairing your devices’ Bluetooth.
“But I always keep the Bluetooth enabled on all my devices…”
If that’s the case, then maybe the Bluetooth has been automatically disabled.
That can happen when your devices go into “Power Saving Mode.”
Meaning, when your devices’ battery has gone really low.
To save power, your phone and TV turn off any possible features that may be draining their batteries.
How to fix it:
If SmartThings can’t discover your TV, ensure that the Bluetooth is enabled.
It should be enabled on your TV and phone where SmartThings is installed.
To open Bluetooth on your phone:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to access quick settings.
- Then, tap the Bluetooth icon once.
The Bluetooth is activated once its icon turns blue.
As for the TV, you don’t have to manually enable Bluetooth since it can be scanned using the SmartThings app.
Although you have to make sure that your TV is Bluetooth supported.
To check whether your TV supports Bluetooth:
- Go to settings.
- Select “Sound.”
- Then, click “Sound Output.”
If you see “Bluetooth speaker list” from the options, then your TV supports Bluetooth.
Note: Smart TVs that come with a smart remote support Bluetooth.
#2: Out-of-range device
“I’ve already disabled Bluetooth. But it doesn’t resolve anything…”
How far are you from your smart TV?
Bluetooth has a comparably shorter range than WiFi.
A Class 2 Bluetooth has a maximum 30 ft (10 m) range.
Pretty far, right?
But you can only attain that range in free space.
Obstructions along the path can cause the Bluetooth signals to slow down. Or worse, cut off completely.
Anything in your house can act as an obstruction, including:
- Walls.
- Electronics.
- Large furniture.
- And even a human body.
So, if you can’t connect your smart TV to SmartThings, maybe your device is out-of-range.
Or there must be too many obstructions in the room. That disrupts the Bluetooth connection.
How to fix it:
To ensure a stable Bluetooth connection, ensure that you’re within 30 ft (10 m) from the TV.
If you can, come closer to the TV. Especially, during pairing mode.
Removing obstructions can also help resolve the problem.
In the meantime, move electronic gadgets and equipment away from your smart TV and phone.
As these things can interfere with the Bluetooth connection.
#3: Non-Samsung TV
Can’t you still connect your TV to SmartThings?
Perhaps your smart TV is not compatible in the first place.
Samsung TVs are the only TVs that you can directly connect to the SmartThings app.
This is because SmartThings is a Samsung brand.
And they have prioritized Samsung products over anything in SmartThings.
“I’m using a non-Samsung TV. What should I do?”
To connect non-Samsung TVs to SmartThings, you must use a SmartThings Smart Hub.
Or any smart hub that you desire. Just make sure that it’s compatible with SmartThings.
Note: A device is SmartThings-compatible if it has a “Works with SmartThings” label.
Also, it’s important to mention that not all Samsung TVs are compatible with SmartThings.
How to fix it:
If you’re using a Samsung TV, check if it’s compatible with SmartThings.
About 158 models are compatible with it.
But if you’re using one from 2016 and below, I’m sorry to break it to you, but it’s not SmartThings-compatible.
If you’re using a non-Samsung TV, you can connect it using a smart hub.
Once your TV is connected to a hub, pair the hub to SmartThings.
That way, you can automate your smart TV through the SmartThings app.
Tip: Connect other non-Samsung devices to a smart hub to automate them via SmartThings. You can also add Zigbee, Z-wave, and LAN-dependent devices to it.
You might also be interested in: (6 Steps) How To Download Apps On Samsung Smart TV
#4: Outdated SmartThings app
“My SmartThings app can’t discover other smart devices as well…”
Given that instance, it’s possible that the SmartThings app is malfunctioning.
Outdated software is one reason why SmartThings malfunctions.
With outdated software, SmartThings can fail to receive connection signals from other devices.
It can also fail to follow basic commands and record custom settings.
Basically, a SmartThings app with outdated software is less likely to function well.
Not to mention that it makes the app prone to software bugs too. Which can further affect the app.
And prevent you from even launching the app properly.
How to fix it:
Keeping your SmartThings app up-to-date is necessary. So that you can seamlessly automate your smart devices at home.
But aside from that, it also helps protect your app from malicious and harmful bugs.
To update your SmartThings app:
- Go to the app store.
- Search for “SmartThings.”
- Then, click “Update.”
If the “Update” button is not displayed, it simply means that there are no updates available yet.
If that’s the case, try uninstalling and reinstalling your SmartThings app.
By doing this, you can have the SmartThings app with the most recent version.
Plus, it removes temporary memory data (RAM). Freeing up your storage from unnecessary data and possibly harmful bugs.
Tip: While you’re at it, update your phone software too. That way, you can experience smooth and uninterrupted use of the SmartThings app.
#5: Outdated Samsung TV
“I’ve already updated my SmartThings app. But my TV is still undiscoverable.”
Perhaps this time it’s your Samsung TV that has a problem.
Smart TVs have firmware as well.
They use it to run several apps and store important data.
Like smartphones, a smart TV with outdated firmware can malfunction as well.
Most of the time, it’s because the new updates can’t run in the old firmware version.
As a result, your smart TV fails to connect with other devices.
Smart TVs basically work like smartphones or android devices.
So, they can experience glitches and get infected with software bugs too.
And you can only resolve those problems by updating your TV’s firmware.
How to fix it:
If your smart TV doesn’t appear on SmartThings, update your TV’s firmware.
To update your Samsung TV:
- Go to settings.
- Select “Support.”
- Choose “Software Update.”
- Then, tap “Update Now.”
Aside from this method, you can also update your Samsung TV via USB. You can do that by downloading the latest update from the Samsung Download Center.
To update your Samsung TV locally:
- Visit Samsung Download Center.
- Look for the “Software Update” button.
- Search for your Samsung TV model.
- Download and save the latest Upgrade File.
- Unzip and extract the folder.
- Save the necessary file to a USB flash drive.*
- Plug the flash drive into your Samsung TV.
- Go to the TV’s settings.
- Select “Support.”
- Choose “Software Update.”
- Tap “Update Now.”
- Then, follow the simple on-screen instructions.
Note: This second process will only work without WiFi.
*When saving the upgrade file to a flash drive, ensure that it’s stored outside any folder.
Need more help in updating your Samsung TV’s firmware via USB?
Then, watch this instructional video:
#6: TV logged in into a different Samsung account
“I’m certain that there are no connectivity issues on my devices. But why can’t I connect my TV to SmartThings?”
Simple mistakes can cause your smart TV not to connect to SmartThings.
And one of those is by registering your smart TV to a different account.
For SmartThings to discover a Samsung device, the device should be logged into the same Samsung account.
Samsung is very strict when it comes to pairing devices to SmartThings.
So, if you use a different account for your Samsung TV, SmartThings won’t be able to pair with it.
How to fix it:
If you can’t find your TV on SmartThings, try checking if the devices are connected to the same Samsung account.
If not, you should change the account on one device to match your devices.
To check or change Samsung account in a Samsung TV:
- Go to settings.
- Select “General.”
- Click “System Manager.”
- Tap “Samsung account.”
- Then, change the account if needed.
If you’re using a Samsung phone, it’s best to use the same account registered on it to your SmartThings app and Samsung TV.
That way, you can easily pair several devices. Giving you more freedom in automating your smart devices.
Read also: Where Are Samsung TVs Made? 9 Things You Need To Know
#7: TV connected to a different WiFi network
When pairing devices, also make sure that both devices are connected to the same WiFi network.
Your smart TV and SmartThings app pair via Bluetooth.
But they need to connect to a WiFi network to work and communicate wirelessly.
Devices communicate by sending WiFi signals to other devices.
But other devices can only receive that signal if they’re on the same network.
WiFi signals travel in one path.
So, your TV and SmartThings app should be in the same WiFi network to be able to communicate.
How to fix it:
For SmartThings to communicate with your Samsung TV, make sure that they’re on the same network.
Change the WiFi network of your TV or phone if necessary.
To change WiFi network on a Samsung TV:
- Go to settings.
- Select “General.”
- Click “Network.”
- Tap “Open Network Settings.”
- Choose “Wireless.”
- Then, select the correct WiFi network.
Ensure that the WiFi network you selected matches the one connected to SmartThings.
After that, you shouldn’t have a problem connecting your TV to your SmartThings account.
#8: SmartThings connected to a 5GHz network
“I have tried every solution already. But I still can’t connect my Samsung TV to SmartThings!”
There’s one more possible reason why you can’t pair your device to SmartThings.
It must be because your SmartThings app is connected to a 5GHz network. And you’re using an older model Samsung TV.
Samsung TVs manufactured in 2018 and below only support a 2.4GHz network band.
And they can’t detect 5GHz networks.
“But I’ve connected my phone to a 2.4GHz band.”
Are you using a dual-band WiFi router?
Because if yes, it’s possible that your phone changed to a different network.
When that happens, you won’t be able to connect your TV to SmartThings. Because they’re basically connected to different networks.
How to fix it:
If you’re using a 2018 or below Samsung TV, make sure that your TV and SmartThings app are connected to a 2.4GHz network.
That way, they can pair and communicate without problems.
Suppose you’re using a Samsung TV from 2019 or later. Make sure that your TV and SmartThings app are connected to the same WiFi network.
Regardless of whether it’s a 2.4GHz or 5GHz network.
Once you’ve matched the WiFi networks of your devices, expect a fast and seamless connection of your Samsung TV to SmartThings.