In today’s world, managing multiple electronic devices can be a hassle without the right tools. One solution is using a GE universal remote control to simplify your life by operating your Samsung TV and many other devices, but if you have a Samsung TV, the first step is pairing the remote to the TV itself, which isn’t too much of a hassle.
To pair your GE Universal remote with a Samsung TV, first check the “CL” variant of the remote (under the battery cover). After you know the codes you want to use, try to manually pair the remote with the TV. You can also skip directly to an auto-code search from the remote.
GE universal remotes come with specific codes for Samsung TVs to ensure a seamless connection and user experience. These codes are typically 4-digit numbers, but as mentioned above there are a few different baskets of codes you could pull from. We’ll look at the codes you probably need below before moving onto pairing and troubleshooting instructions.
Finding The Right Code For Your GE Universal Remote (CL4, CL5, etc.)
In the world of contemporary GE universal remotes like the GE Backlit Universal Remote Control (on Amazon), there are different categories of codes that work with specific remote models.
These code categories are referred to as CL3, CL4, CL5, and CL6. Each of these remote variants will use different pairing codes when connecting to a Samsung TV.
To complicate matters further, the older models of GE Universal remotes fall into an entirely separate code categorization, V1, V2, V3, and V4. The V here stands for “Version,” and while you should be aware of it, you should note that these codes are for the much older GE universal remotes, not the modern variants which we’ll focus on in this article (but don’t worry – we will look at V1-V4 codes too).
But first, it’s crucial to figure out whether your remote falls into the CL3, CL4, CL5, or CL6 category, and then you’ll have everything you need to pick the right codes to try.
Pro Tip: If you want to try a simpler setup option, skip right to our directions on auto-code searching below first.
GE Universal Remote Codes for Samsung TVs
Without further ado, here’s a summary table you can use to find the codes you should try.
Universal Remote Variant | Samsung TV Programming Codes |
---|---|
CL3 (most common) | 3301, 5471, 5521, 2741, 3321, 2961, 0001, 0331, 0101, 0251, 0261, 0351, 0531, 0571, 0711, 0781, 1191, 1221, 1311, 1501, 1911, 2071, 2141, 2721, 3471, 3561, 4011, 4941, 4961 |
CL4/5/6 | 5791, 5801, 3301 |
V1-V4 (older remotes, your mileage may vary) | V1-0105, 0077, 0076, 0109, 0007 V2-5056, 5414, 5004, 5006, 5010, 5011 V3-V5-5791, 5801, 3301, 3321, 5471 |
The table above shows the most common Samsung programming codes for the different GE Universal remote variants. To use these codes, refer to your remote’s instruction manual for the programming procedure if our steps below don’t work for you.
And note that these lists aren’t complete – there are other codes within each of these domains, and these are just the most common. This is why the auto-code-search function is a great tool to be aware of!
Also, have a look at our dedicated guides for programming different TV brands:
- Element TV Remote Codes + Simple Programming Steps [2023]
- TCL Universal Remote Codes + Setup Instructions [2023]
- Universal Remote Codes For Hisense TVs + Quick Setup Steps [2023]
- Toshiba Universal Remote Codes + Programming Without A Code [2023]
- Universal Remote Control Insignia TVs With This Remote (+Setup) [2023]
How To Pair Your Universal GE Remote to a Samsung TV
So, we’re ready to pair, code-in-hand. Skip to the auto-search section below if you want to skip trying it manually. But, here are the manual instructions if you have your code ready:
- Turn on the device you want to program.
- Press and hold the Setup button on your universal remote until the LED light comes on.
- Press the button on the remote for the device you want to program. For example, if you want to program your TV, press the TV button.
- Enter the code for your device, using the codes provided above or found in your universal remotes manual.
- Press the Power button on the remote to test if the device turns off. If it does, your remote is now programmed.
- If the device doesn’t turn off, repeat steps 2-5 with a different code until you find the correct one.
And note these are generic instructions that should work with any modern GE universal remote. If it doesn’t work, you may have the wrong code, but if the instructions don’t seem to match your remote, look up the manual for your unique remote model to find more specific pairing instructions (and maybe even more codes!)
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How to Use Auto-Code-Search with a GE Universal Remote for a Samsung TV
If you have a GE Universal remote and want to program it to work with your Samsung TV, you can use the auto-code-search method. Here’s how:
- Turn on your Samsung TV.
- Press and hold the Setup button on your GE Universal remote until the LED light comes on.
- Press the TV button on the remote.
- Press and release the Auto-Code-Search button on the remote. The LED light will blink once and then stay on.
- Point the remote at your TV and press the Power button. The LED light will blink once and then turn off.
- Press the OK button on the remote to save the code. The LED light will blink twice to confirm.
- Test the remote by pressing the Power button to turn your TV on and off.
If this auto-code-search method doesn’t work for your GE Universal remote, refer to the manual for your specific model for additional programming options.
Tips for Troubleshooting
So, now that you’ve attempted pairing, let’s talk about a few of the snafus you may run into along the way, and what to do about them.
Steps to Follow if Your GE Universal Remote Codes Aren’t Working For Your Samsung TV
- Check Indicator Light: Look at the indicator light on your remote. If the red light is not blinking, it could be that the batteries are dead.
- Inspect Batteries: Open the battery compartment and make sure the batteries are properly inserted, and that the contacts aren’t rusted or caked with old battery residue. If they are, try cleaning them and replacing the batteries.
- Verify Codes: Ensure that you are using the correct GE Universal remote codes for your Samsung TV. Use our list above, or look up codes for your unique remote make/model.
How To Reset The Remote Before Trying Again
In some cases, it may be best to simply reset the remote. If you’ve used it with other devices, this is an especially good tactic, because the connections to the device may be full already and prevent coding it to a new TV. Here’s how you can reset the remote:
- Locate the Setup button on your GE Universal remote.
- Press and hold the Setup button until the red LED light on the remote turns on.
- Release the Setup button and ensure that the LED light remains on.
- Press and release the TV button on the remote.
- Press and release the Power button on the remote. The LED shuld blink once and then turn off.
- Press and release the OK button on the remote. The LED light will blink twice to confirm that the remote has been reset to its factory settings.
And, again, note that these are generic instructions that should work with most all modern GE remotes, but if you don’t get the behavior we’ve described from your remote in this list (the flashing lights, etc., confirming a reset), then you should check your universal remote’s manual.
Partial Functionality: Some codes may only partially work, try alternative codes
- Identify Limited Functionality: If your GE Universal remote only partially controls your Samsung TV (volume and channel, but nothing else), it’s likely that you are using an incorrect code.
- Consult Code List: Some codes may only provide limited functionality. In such cases, try alternative codes, or run the auto-code-search feature.
Programming More Home Theater Devices
We think universal remotes are a huge upgrade for any home theater enthusiast, as they help reduce remote clutter and preserve your sanity! If you have a DVD or Blu-ray Player, a sound system, or a cable box, these are all devices you can wrap into one universal remote.
To pair your GE universal remote with any of these devices, make sure to look up the specific remote code for the brand name, such as LG, Philips, Advent, Aspect, Ima, NEC, or Panasonic. You can find these codes for various devices on websites, or in the manual for your remote.
To program your remote for other devices, follow the steps we included above in the section for how to manual program your remote, but instead of hitting the “TV” button, hit the input button on your remote for the device you’re programming. For instance, use the “DVD” button for DVD players or the “CBL” button to program the remote for a cable set-top box.
After they’re programming, simply swap which device you’re controlling at any given time using the device buttons on the remote.
Everything Is Under (Remote) Control
So, now you know that setting up your Samsung TV with a GE Universal Remote is a pretty simple process. Having your Samsung TV synced with your GE Universal Remote will provide you with a convenient and efficient TV viewing experience, especially if you pair other devices and reduce the overall number of remotes you need. You’ll no longer need multiple remotes to control your devices, bringing everything truly under remote control for you once and for all!