Connecting your Amazon Alexa to a Samsung smart TV in 2023 is indeed possible and can significantly enhance your home entertainment experience. Whether you want to control your TV with voice commands, or integrate it into your smart home ecosystem, Alexa offers a convenient solution. The process varies slightly depending on the age of your Samsung TV, but in most cases, it’s quite straightforward.
For those with newer Samsung smart TVs (generally models from 2020 onwards), the integration is almost seamless. Many of these TVs come with Alexa built-in, offering hands-free control and a wide range of functionalities right out of the box. However, if you own an older Samsung smart TV, don’t worry; you can still connect it to Alexa, albeit with a few more steps and potentially slightly limited functionality.
This guide will walk you through the process of connecting Alexa to your Samsung smart TV, covering both newer models with built-in Alexa and older models that require a bit more setup. We’ll ensure you understand the necessary steps and how to make the most of this smart home integration.
Alexa and Newer Samsung Smart TVs: Effortless Integration
If you’ve purchased a Samsung Smart TV in recent years, particularly models from 2020 to 2023, you’re in luck. These TVs often boast built-in Alexa compatibility. This means you can directly interact with Alexa through your TV, often without needing a separate Alexa speaker for basic voice commands.
Here’s a list of Samsung Smart TV models that typically include built-in Alexa functionality:
- 2023 Smart TV Models
- 2022 Smart TVs, including Odyssey Ark and OLED G8
- All 2021 Smart TV models
- 2020 8K and 4K QLED TVs
- 2020 Lifestyle TVs: The Frame, The Serif, The Sero, and The Terrace
- 2020 Crystal UHD TVs (TU8000 and above)
With these compatible TVs, you can use the microphone on your Samsung TV remote to speak commands to Alexa. This eliminates the need for an external Alexa device for basic TV controls. You can ask Alexa to change channels, adjust the volume, search for movies and shows, and even get general information like weather updates – all through your TV.
To set up Alexa on these newer Samsung TVs, you’ll generally need to navigate to the TV’s settings menu, find the voice assistant options, and follow the on-screen prompts to link your Amazon account. Samsung often provides clear instructions within the TV’s interface to guide you through this setup.
For a detailed walkthrough specifically for newer models, Samsung and Amazon often provide resources, or you can search online for guides like “How to connect your Samsung TV to Alexa” which can offer visual and step-by-step assistance.
Connecting Alexa to Older Samsung Smart TVs: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you have a Samsung smart TV that predates the models with built-in Alexa, connecting it is still achievable, but it requires a slightly different approach. You’ll need to use an external Alexa device, such as an Amazon Echo speaker, and utilize the Samsung SmartThings app to bridge the connection.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to connect your older Samsung smart TV to Alexa:
Step 1: Ensure Your Devices Are Set Up
First and foremost, make sure both your Samsung TV and your Amazon Alexa device are properly set up and connected to your home Wi-Fi network. Complete the initial setup process for both devices as per their respective manufacturer instructions. Crucially, ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for seamless communication.
Step 2: Install and Prepare the Necessary Apps
You will need to install two mobile applications on your smartphone: the Samsung SmartThings app and the Amazon Alexa app.
- Samsung SmartThings App: This app is essential for making your Samsung TV discoverable as a smart device. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices.
- Amazon Alexa App: This app is your central control for Alexa devices and skills. Download it for iOS or Android.
Connect Samsung TV to Alexa – Samsung SmartThings and Amazon Alexa apps
Step 3: Discover Your TV in the SmartThings App
Open the Samsung SmartThings app and navigate to the “Devices” section, usually located at the bottom of the app interface. Tap on the “Add Device” option (often represented by a “+” icon). Ensure your Samsung TV is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi. The app should automatically scan and detect your TV. Select your Samsung TV from the list of available devices. You may be prompted to log in to your Samsung account if you haven’t already. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the device registration within the SmartThings app.
Connect Samsung TV to Alexa – Samsung SmartThings app device discovery
Once your TV is successfully added, you should see it listed within your SmartThings “Devices” menu.
Connect Samsung TV to Alexa – Samsung SmartThings app
Step 4: Verify Your Alexa Device is in the Alexa App
Open the Amazon Alexa app and go to the “Devices” section, typically found in the bottom menu. Check if your Amazon Echo or other Alexa-enabled speaker is listed under “All Devices” or a similar category. If your Alexa device is already set up and visible in the app, you can proceed to the next step. If not, or if it’s set up under a different Amazon account, you’ll need to add it. Follow the Alexa app’s instructions to add a new device to your Amazon account.
Connect Samsung TV to Alexa – Amazon Alexa app device menu
Step 5: Enable the SmartThings Skill in the Alexa App and Link Accounts
Within the Amazon Alexa app, you need to enable the “Samsung SmartThings” skill. Navigate to the “Skills & Games” section in the Alexa app menu. Search for “SmartThings” and select the Samsung SmartThings skill. Tap “Enable Skill” and you will be redirected to a login page. Enter your Samsung account credentials (the same account you used in the SmartThings app) to link your Samsung and Amazon accounts. This step authorizes Alexa to communicate with your Samsung SmartThings devices, including your TV.
Step 6: Select Your TV in the Alexa App
After successfully linking your accounts and enabling the SmartThings skill, go back to the “Devices” section in the Alexa app. You may need to refresh the device list. Your Samsung Smart TV, which you added in the SmartThings app, should now appear in the Alexa app under “All Devices”. Select your TV. At this point, the connection is complete.
Connect Samsung TV to Alexa – Amazon Alexa app device menu
Congratulations! You have now successfully connected your older Samsung smart TV to Alexa. You can now use voice commands via your Alexa speaker to control certain functions of your Samsung TV.
What Alexa Commands Can You Use with Your Samsung Smart TV?
Once the connection is established, you can start using voice commands to control your Samsung TV through Alexa. Keep in mind that the range of commands available for older Samsung TVs connected via SmartThings might be more basic compared to newer TVs with built-in Alexa.
Here are some common Alexa commands you can use to control your Samsung smart TV:
- Power Control: “Alexa, turn on the TV.” / “Alexa, turn off the TV.”
- Channel Control: “Alexa, channel up on the TV.” / “Alexa, channel down on the TV.” / “Alexa, go to channel [number] on the TV.”
- Volume Control: “Alexa, volume up on the TV.” / “Alexa, volume down on the TV.” / “Alexa, set volume to [level] on the TV.”
- Input Switching: “Alexa, change to [input name] on the TV.” (e.g., “Alexa, change to HDMI 1 on the TV.”)
- Playback Control (for some content): “Alexa, play on the TV.” / “Alexa, pause on the TV.” / “Alexa, rewind on the TV.” / “Alexa, fast forward on the TV.”
The specific commands and their responsiveness might vary depending on your Samsung TV model and the Alexa device you are using. Experiment with these commands and explore the capabilities to optimize your voice control experience.
Integrating Alexa with your Samsung smart TV, whether it’s a newer model with built-in functionality or an older one connected through SmartThings, unlocks a new level of convenience in your home entertainment setup. Enjoy the ease of controlling your TV with just your voice!
