If the Samsung TV home button not working, then it can be due to an unresponsive remote sensor, the button is stuck or there is a technical glitch in the TV or the firmware is outdated.
The most basic way to fix this problem is to press the power button firmly and check whether the Samsung TV home button is working or not. So, turn on the TV and press the Power button on your Samsung TV remote. It is usually located at the top or at the center of the remote. You can identify it through the power symbol on the button.
Hold down the button for at least 30 seconds you will find that the TV screen is going blank and you will also hear a click sound as the TV turns up. Now, wait for a few seconds and the Samsung logo will automatically appear on the screen. The logo will be present for at least 2 seconds on the screen and then again the TV will turn off automatically. Now, normally press the power button to turn back the TV and this would definitely revive the home button function.
However, Samsung TV models can have variability in the location of the power button. Thus, you need to try different troubleshooting methods that would work to fix an unresponsive home button.
So, let’s try out the alternatives that can help you to fix the TV remote home button not working.
7 Ways to Fix Samsung TV remote home button not working
Let’s try out the troubleshooting methods that can fix the home button of the remote. In case, the fault is not associated with the settings of the TV, then as a last resort you have to replace the remote or you can also buy a universal remote.
But, before that here are the 7 methods that you must try:
1. Manually inspect the Samsung TV remote control
It’s time to go through a manual inspection of the Samsung TV remote. Identify any visual crack or any sign of physical damage. If the buttons are malfunctioning or the home button has become unresponsive, then the remote might be damaged. In this case, you have to replace the remote with a new one. Contact the service providers or go through the Samsung TV website to get a compatible remote based on your Samsung TV model.
Run your fingers through the buttons on the remote and check whether any buttons are stuck. If you find that the home button is stuck, then you need to press the button firmly to verify whether it is actually jammed. Also, it can become unresponsive due to the accumulation of debris and dust build-up.
So, by using a soft brush you need to clean it, otherwise, it can interfere with the button’s contact and make it permanently damaged. You can also use a cotton swab or dry clothes, dipped in cleaning alcohol, and then gently clean the dust and debris from the surface of the remote and the home button.
Check the batteries, if the batteries of the remote are dead or unresponsive then the home button will also not function. In this case, you need to insert new batteries and check whether this fixes the issue.
2. Investigate the IR sensor of the Samsung TV remote
The IR sensor is known to formulate effective communication between the remote and the TV. So, if it becomes unresponsive, then the home button of the remote will also become non-functional. In this case, you need to inspect the IR sensor. So, use a digital camera or your smartphone camera to detect the presence of an IR signal. Now, point the remote at the length of the camera and there should not be any restrictions between the two devices.
Next, when your camera seems to be ready, you have to press and hold on to the power button of the Samsung TV remote and check the screen of the phone. Now, press down the power button on the remote, and check the camera screen, whether you are able to see any visible sign of activity. If the remote is sending an IR signal, then you can see a light coming from the remote control which is getting displayed on the screen of the phone.
But, if there is no light, then it’s time to replace the remote. However, remember you need to send the IR signals from different angles and observe them on the phone’s camera screen. This would help to determine whether the remote is completely damaged.
3. Reset the Samsung TV remote
If you have replaced the battery and the IR sensors are working perfectly, then try to reset the TV remote. There might be a small technical glitch that is preventing the home button to function accurately. So, to reset the Samsung TV remote, you have to remove the back panel of the remote, remove the batteries and press the power button for at least 30 seconds.
This will power cycle the remote and will also reset the internal settings of the remote. Now, re-insert the battery, in its exact location, put back the back panel, and try to test the home button of the remote.
However, if you own a previous model of Samsung TV, then you need to try a different reset process. For this, on the Samsung TV remote, you have to press down the Return/Back button and the Enter/Select button. Now, keep holding the buttons for at least 30 seconds to completely reset the remote. Next, try to use the remote with the Samsung TV and test whether the issue has been fixed.
4. Re-pair the Samsung smart TV remote
Often, it has been found that the Samsung TV remote fails to pair appropriately with the Samsung TV, and the home button stops working. In this case, you need to repair the remote to establish a proper connection. To begin you have to reset the Samsung remote as mentioned previously and then take your position at least one foot away from the TV.
Point the remote towards the TV and press down the Return button and Play/Pause button together for at least 30 seconds. You will find the red light blinking and a message will appear on the TV screen. This indicates that you have successfully paired the remote with the TV.
5. Use the Samsung SmartThings app
If the Samsung TV remote home button is not working then you can use an alternative, i.e., the Samsung SmartThings app. This is a tool that helps you to control and manage the function of the Samsung TV through your mobile phone. You can easily download the app from Play Store or App Store.
After you download the app you need to adjust the menu, go through the settings and then use your phone as a virtual remote control. You can also access the home button from your smartphone.
6. Update the firmware of the Samsung TV
If you have been using outdated firmware, then the Samsung remote can fail to pair with the TV. Thus, you might have a problem using the home button. In this case, you have to update the Samsung TV power for performance improvement, fixing compatibility issues, and also software problems including a responsive remote button.
You have already downloaded the Samsung SmartThings app on your mobile. Now, using that you have to proceed to download the latest firmware of the TV. So, go to the settings of the TV, click on the Support tab, and check the Support-related features that include software updates. Click on Support > Software Update and follow the prompts that appear on the TV.
If any available update is available, then the Samsung TV will automatically download it. You can also choose Update Now to proceed. Wait for the process to complete successfully and then try using the remote control.
7. Factory Reset the Samsung TV
If all the troubleshooting steps are unable to help you, then you can try to factory reset the Samsung TV. It will fix all the software glitches that are preventing the pairing of the remote with the TV. You can try to use the SmartThings app or a wired USB keyboard to reset the Samsung TV since the remote’s home button is not working.
To proceed, you have to connect your Samsung TV to your smartphone using the SmartThings app and get through the home screen. Now, click on the Menu > Settings > General and scroll down to the Reset option. Tap on it and you will be asked to enter a code which is 0000. Again press the Reset button and wait for the factory reset to complete. The TV will automatically reboot and will get restored to its default factory settings.
Why do the buttons on the remote control stop working?
The remote control buttons have a thin layer that is conductive in nature. With time and friction, there is a loss of conductivity and buttons fail to function even if you press them. The only way to fix this is to clean the debris and dust from time to time and maintain the condition of the remote.
Can you repair the Samsung TV remote?
Yes, if the Samsung TV remote has undergone minor faults then the Samsung TV remote can be repaired. If the internal wiring is damaged or any key is damaged, then repairing won’t be satisfactory.
