Step 1: Check Compatibility

Before you start the process of connecting Alexa to your Samsung Smart TV, it’s important to check if your TV supports Alexa integration. Not all Samsung TVs are compatible, and understanding this helps save time and ensures a smooth setup experience.

Which Samsung TVs Work with Alexa?

Samsung began enabling Alexa support in their Smart TVs starting in 2018 models and later. These TVs typically run on the Tizen operating system and include built-in SmartThings functionality, which is essential for connecting Alexa.

Key Compatibility Requirements:

1. Model Year: Your Samsung TV should be from 2018 or newer. Older models usually lack the necessary hardware or software to support Alexa voice control.
   
   
2. SmartThings Integration: The TV must support the SmartThings app ecosystem. SmartThings acts as a bridge between Alexa and your Samsung TV, allowing voice commands to control your TV functions.
   
   
3. Firmware Version: Make sure your TV’s firmware is updated to the latest version. Firmware updates often include improvements and new features like Alexa compatibility.
   
   
4. Internet Connection: Alexa works through cloud services, so your TV needs to be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
   
   

How to Check Your TV’s Compatibility

• Check the Model Number: Find your TV’s model number on the back of the device or in the TV’s settings menu, then check Samsung’s official website or user manual to confirm Alexa support.
  
  
• Check for SmartThings App: If your TV can be added to the SmartThings app, it’s a good sign it supports Alexa integration.
  
  
• Look for Built-In Alexa or Voice Assistant Features: Some Samsung TVs have Alexa built in; others require the Alexa app or device paired separately.
  
  

Why Compatibility Matters

It can be frustrating and time-consuming to try to connect Alexa to a TV that is incompatible. Making sure Alexa is compatible up front ensures that voice commands will function properly and that you can use Alexa to fully control your TV.

Step 2: Set Up Your Samsung TV

Make sure your Samsung Smart TV is configured correctly and prepared to speak with Alexa via the SmartThings platform before connecting Alexa to it. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting up your Samsung TV.

Connect Your TV to the Internet

A stable internet connection is essential because Alexa communicates with your TV via cloud services. To connect:

1. Turn on your Samsung TV.
   
   
2. Press the Home button on your remote.
   
   
3. Navigate to Settings > General > Network > Network Settings.
   
   
4. Select Wireless or Wired (Ethernet) depending on your connection.
   
   
5. Choose your Wi-Fi network and enter the password or connect your Ethernet cable.
   
   
6. Confirm your connection is active.
   
   

Sign In to Your Samsung Account

To use SmartThings and link Alexa, your TV must be signed into a Samsung account:

1. Press the Home button on your remote.
   
   
2. Navigate to Settings > General > System Manager > Samsung Account.
   
   
3. If you don’t have an account, you can create one on the Samsung website or directly on your TV.
   
   
4. Sign in with your Samsung credentials.
   
   

Update Your TV Software

Make sure your TV’s software is up to date to access the latest features and security improvements:

1. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update.
   
   
2. Select Update Now and wait while your TV downloads and installs any available updates.
   
   
3. Restart the TV if prompted.
   
   

Enable Voice Assistants

Some Samsung TVs have built-in support for voice assistants. While Alexa works through the SmartThings app, enabling voice assistant options may be helpful:

1. Go to Settings > General > Voice.
   
   
2. Make sure voice assistants are enabled and configured.
   
   

Step 3: Download the Alexa App

Before you can connect your Samsung Smart TV to Alexa, you must first download and install the Alexa app on your tablet or smartphone. The Alexa app is used to set up and manage all Alexa-enabled devices, including your Samsung TV.

Why You Need the Alexa App

The Alexa app allows you to:

• Enable skills like SmartThings for your TV.
  
  
• Link your Samsung account with Alexa.
  
  
• Discover and control compatible smart devices.
  
  
• Set up routines and customize Alexa’s settings.
  
  
• Use voice commands to control your smart home.
  
  

Without the app, you won’t be able to link Alexa with your Samsung TV or manage your devices effectively.

How to Download the Alexa App

1. Open Your Device’s App Store:
   
   
   • For iPhone or iPad, open the Apple App Store.
     
     
   • For Android devices, open the Google Play Store.
     
     
2. Search for “Alexa”:
   Use the search bar at the top of the app store and type “ Alexa”.
   
   
3. Locate the Official App:
   The app is developed by Alexa Mobile LLC and has a blue icon with a white speech bubble and a blue circle.
   
   
4. Download and Install:
   Tap Download or Install to download the app to your device. The app size varies but typically installs quickly on most devices.
   
   
5. Open the Alexa App:
   Once installed, open the app by tapping its icon on your home screen or app drawer.
   
   

What to Do Next

You will be asked to log in with your Alexa account after launching the Alexa app. You can make an account right within the app if you don’t already have one. To connect Alexa to your Samsung TV and other smart home appliances, you must log in.

Step 4: Download the SmartThings App

To connect your Samsung Smart TV with Alexa and control it via voice commands, you need to download the SmartThings app. This app, developed by Samsung, acts as a bridge between your smart TV and Alexa, enabling seamless integration and control of your smart home devices.

Why You Need the SmartThings App

The SmartThings app allows you to:

• Add and manage Samsung smart devices like your TV.
  
  
• Control devices remotely from your phone or tablet.
  
  
• Link your Samsung account to Alexa for voice control.
  
  
• Create automated routines involving multiple smart devices.
  
  

Without SmartThings, Alexa cannot directly communicate with your Samsung TV, so this app is essential for the integration process.

How to Download the SmartThings App

1. Open Your Device’s App Store:
   
   
   • For iOS devices (iPhone/iPad), open the Apple App Store.
     
     
   • For Android devices, open the Google Play Store.
     
     
2. Search for “SmartThings”:
   Use the search bar and type “SmartThings”.
   
   
3. Identify the Official App:
   The official SmartThings app is developed by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and features a blue icon with a white hexagonal shape.
   
   
4. Download and Install:
   Tap the Download or Install button to add the app to your device. The app size may vary, but it usually installs quickly on most smartphones and tablets.
   
   
5. Open the SmartThings App:
   After installation, tap the app icon to launch it.
   
   

What to Do Next

You will be asked to sign in or create a Samsung account when you launch the SmartThings app. To guarantee seamless device synchronisation, use the same Samsung account that you use on your TV. You can add your Samsung Smart TV to the app and connect it to Alexa after logging in.

Step 5: Add Your TV to SmartThings

After downloading and installing the SmartThings app, the next crucial step is to add your Samsung Smart TV to the SmartThings app. This enables your phone and Alexa to communicate with your TV, allowing voice commands and remote control features.

Why Add Your TV to SmartThings?

Adding your TV to SmartThings creates a seamless link between your Samsung TV and other smart home devices. It also allows Alexa to discover and control your TV through the SmartThings skill, providing you with voice command capabilities like turning the TV on/off, changing channels, or adjusting the volume.

How to Add Your TV to SmartThings

1. Open the SmartThings App:
   Launch the app on your smartphone or tablet.
   
   
2. Sign In:
   Make sure you are signed in with the same Samsung account linked to your TV.
   
   
3. Tap the “+” Icon:
   On the main screen, look for the “Add Device” button or the “+” icon and tap it.
   
   
4. Select Device Type:
   Choose “TV” from the list of device categories.
   
   
5. Choose Samsung as the Brand:
   Select Samsung when asked for the device brand.
   
   
6. Wait for Your TV to Appear:
   The app will search for nearby Samsung TVs connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Make sure your TV is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi.
   
   
7. Select Your TV:
   When your TV appears in the list, tap on it to begin pairing.
   
   
8. Follow On-Screen Instructions:
   You may be prompted to confirm the connection on your TV screen by selecting “Allow” or entering a code displayed on the TV.
   
   
9. Complete the Setup:
   After successful pairing, your TV will appear in your list of devices within the SmartThings app.
   
   

Step 6: Enable the SmartThings Skill in Alexa

To control your Samsung Smart TV with Alexa, you need to enable the SmartThings skill in the Alexa app. This skill acts as a bridge, allowing Alexa to communicate with your Samsung devices, including your TV.

Why Enable the SmartThings Skill?

The SmartThings skill lets Alexa access the devices you’ve added to the SmartThings app, including your Samsung TV. Once enabled and linked, Alexa can control your TV using voice commands, such as turning it on or off, changing channels, adjusting volume, and more.

How to Enable the SmartThings Skill

1. Open the Alexa App:
   Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
   
   
2. Navigate to Skills & Games:
   Tap the “More” icon in the bottom-right corner of the app, then select “Skills & Games” from the menu.
   
   
3. Search for SmartThings:
   Use the search bar at the top to type “SmartThings”.
   
   
4. Select the SmartThings Skill:
   Find the official SmartThings skill developed by Samsung Electronics and tap on it.
   
   
5. Enable the Skill:
   Tap the blue “Enable to Use” button.
   
   
6. Sign In to Samsung Account:
   You’ll be redirected to a Samsung login page. Enter the Samsung account credentials you used for your TV and SmartThings app.
   
   
7. Authorize Alexa Access:
   After signing in, you must grant Alexa permission to access your SmartThings devices. Tap “Allow” to authorize.
   
   
8. Confirmation:
   The Alexa app will confirm that the SmartThings skill is enabled and linked to your account.
   
   

What’s Next?

After enabling the SmartThings skill, the Alexa app will prompt you to discover your devices. This is when Alexa will find your Samsung TV and other SmartThings-enabled devices so you can control them with your voice.

Step 7: Link Samsung Account

Linking your Samsung account to Alexa via the SmartThings skill is a crucial step in enabling voice control of your Samsung Smart TV. This connection allows Alexa to securely access your Samsung devices and control them on your behalf.

Why Linking Your Samsung Account Matters

Your Samsung account acts as the central hub for your smart devices, including your TV. By linking this account to Alexa through the SmartThings skill, you grant Alexa permission to manage your devices, execute commands, and provide status updates. Without linking, Alexa cannot access or control your Samsung TV.

How to Link Your Samsung Account in Alexa

1. Enable the SmartThings Skill:
   After enabling the SmartThings skill in the Alexa app, you’ll be redirected to a Samsung sign-in page.
   
   
2. Sign In to Samsung Account:
   Enter your Samsung account credentials (email and password). This should be the same account used on your Samsung TV and in the SmartThings app.
   
   
3. Grant Permissions:
   Once signed in, a permissions screen will appear listing what Alexa can access (such as device control, status updates, etc.). Tap “Allow” or “Authorize” to proceed.
   
   
4. Confirmation of Linking:
   After authorization, you’ll be returned to the Alexa app with a confirmation that your Samsung account is now linked.
   
   
5. Troubleshooting:
   If you encounter issues signing in, double-check your Samsung account credentials or reset your password on Samsung’s website. Ensure your device has a stable internet connection.
   
   

What Happens After Linking?

Once your Samsung account is linked, Alexa can discover your Samsung TV and other SmartThings devices. This enables you to use Alexa voice commands like:

• “Alexa, turn on the Samsung TV.”
  
  
• “Alexa, change the channel to 5 on the TV.”
  
  
• “Alexa, increase the TV volume.”
  
  

Step 8: Discover Devices in Alexa

After enabling the SmartThings skill and linking your Samsung account, the next step is to discover your Samsung Smart TV in the Alexa app. Device discovery allows Alexa to identify and connect to your TV so you can control it using voice commands.

Why Discover Devices?

Alexa needs to know what smart devices are linked to your account to control them. Discovery scans your network and linked accounts for compatible devices, adding them to Alexa’s device list. Without this step, Alexa won’t recognize your Samsung TV.

How to Discover Devices in the Alexa App

1. Open the Alexa App:
   Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
   
   
2. Go to Devices:
   Tap the “Devices” icon at the bottom-right corner of the app.
   
   
3. Add Device:
   Tap the “+” icon or the “Add Device” button.
   
   
4. Select Device Type:
   Choose “TV” from the list of device types.
   
   
5. Select Brand:
   Tap “Samsung” as the TV brand.
   
   
6. Start Discovery:
   Tap “Discover Devices”. Alexa will begin scanning for your Samsung TV and other devices linked through SmartThings.
   
   
7. Wait for Alexa to Find Your TV:
   This process may take a few moments. Ensure your TV is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Alexa device.
   
   
8. Confirm Device Addition:
   Once found, your TV will appear in your list of Alexa devices. You can rename it for easier voice commands if desired.
   
   

Voice Control Ready

After discovery, you can start using Alexa voice commands to control your Samsung TV, such as:

• “Alexa, turn on the TV.”
  
  
• “Alexa, change the channel to 7.”
  
  
• “Alexa, increase the volume.”
  
  

Step 9: Control Your TV with Alexa

Now that your Samsung Smart TV is connected to Alexa, you can enjoy hands-free control using simple voice commands. Alexa lets you operate key functions of your TV, making it easier than ever to watch your favorite shows and adjust settings without reaching for the remote.

Common Alexa Voice Commands for Samsung TV

Here are some popular commands you can use once your TV is set up with Alexa:

• Turn your TV on or off:
  Say, “Alexa, turn on the TV,” or “Alexa, turn off the TV.”
  
  
• Change channels:
  Use commands like, “Alexa, change the channel to 5,” or “Alexa, next channel.”
  
  
• Adjust volume:
  Try, “Alexa, increase the volume,” or “Alexa, set volume to 20.”
  
  
• Mute or unmute:
  Say, “Alexa, mute the TV,” or “Alexa, unmute.”
  
  
• Open apps:
  Some Samsung TVs allow Alexa to open apps. Say, “Alexa, open Netflix on the TV.”
  
  

Tips for Smooth Voice Control

• Use your TV’s name:
  When you added your TV to the Alexa app, you might have named it something specific like “Living Room TV.” Use that name in your commands, e.g., “Alexa, turn on Living Room TV.”
  
  
• Be clear and concise:
  Speak clearly and naturally for Alexa to understand your commands correctly.
  
  
• Use Alexa-enabled devices with microphones:
  Alexa commands work best through Echo devices, Fire TV remotes, or the Alexa app.
  
  

Troubleshooting Tips

• If Alexa doesn’t respond to a command, check that your TV and Alexa devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  
  
• Ensure your TV is powered on and connected to the internet.
  
  
• Try saying “Alexa, discover devices” if the TV isn’t responding to commands.
  
  

Step 10: Customize and Troubleshoot

Once your Samsung Smart TV is connected to Alexa, customizing your settings and knowing how to troubleshoot common issues will enhance your overall experience.

Customize Your Device Settings

• Rename Your TV:
  In the Alexa app, go to Devices > All Devices, find your Samsung TV, and tap it. You can rename the device to something easy to remember, like “Living Room TV” or “Main TV.” This makes voice commands more natural and reduces confusion if you have multiple devices.
  
  
• Create Routines:
  Use the Alexa app to create routines that combine multiple actions. For example, say “Alexa, movie time” to dim smart lights, close blinds, and turn on your TV to a favorite streaming app.
  
  
• Set Preferred Volume Levels:
  Adjust volume settings via voice commands or the Alexa app to match your comfort level.
  
  

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• TV Not Responding to Alexa:
  Ensure your TV and Alexa device are on the same Wi-Fi network. If not, Alexa won’t be able to communicate with your TV. Try restarting both devices.
  
  
• Device Not Found:
  If Alexa can’t find your TV, open the Alexa app, go to Devices, and tap Discover Devices again. Make sure your TV is powered on and connected to the internet.
  
  
• Voice Commands Misunderstood:
  Speak clearly and use the exact device name you set in the Alexa app. Try rephrasing commands or using simpler phrases.
  
  
• Samsung Account Issues:
  If linking your Samsung account fails, verify your login credentials and that your Samsung TV software is up to date. Reset your password if necessary.
  
  
• Update Firmware and Apps:
  Keep your Samsung TV’s firmware and Alexa app updated to the latest versions for best performance.
  
  

Getting Help

If problems persist, consult Samsung support or Alexa help resources. Both offer detailed guides and customer support to resolve complex issues.