Samsung TV Changes Channels By Itself: 9 Steps To Fix It

You’re watching your favorite program on your Samsung TV. All of a sudden it switched between channels. 

Have you experienced this more than once?

Then this is the right article for you. 

Continue reading to find out:

• 9 easy steps to fix this issue. 
• How to use your mobile phone as a remote for your TV.
• A simple trick: use your mobile phone to check for faulty batteries.
• The most common reason why your Samsung TV is changing channels.
• And more…

Why does my Samsung TV change channels by itself?

Your TV is changing channels by itself because something is wrong with the remote. It can be old, worn up, or have some buttons that are stuck. There also could be a hardware problem or a faulty setup in the software. 

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Samsung TV changes channels by itself: 9 steps to fix it

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#1: Replace faulty batteries

The most common issue is that it has something to do with the remote. 

The first thing you can do is to check the batteries of the remote. 

In fact, this is such a simple step that many times it’s overlooked. Or even forgotten.

So here’s how to ensure you do it properly:

Step #1: Ensure the batteries are inserted correctly. 

You need to do the following:

1. Open the battery compartment.
2. Make sure that the polarities from the batteries are matching the symbols in the battery compartment: (+) and (-). 
3. See if the batteries have been fully pressed and have correctly fallen into their place.
4. Double-check that the batteries are from the same brand.

Step #2: Check whether the batteries are not drained.

Luckily, there’s a smart and fast way to do that. You can use your smartphone for this purpose. 

You need 2 things:

• The TV’s remote.
• Your smartphone.

Next:

1. Turn on the camera of your smartphone.
2. Point the remote at the smartphone’s camera and look at the screen.
3. Press a button and hold it for a few seconds. 

After you do this, you’ll get one of these 3 outcomes:

Scenario #1: The remote is working

You should see a light at the top of the remote control. 

Scenario #2: The batteries need replacement.

You’ll notice a very dim light coming out.

Scenario #3: The remote doesn’t emit any light at all.

Either the batteries are drained or the remote is broken.

#2: Remove dust or stickiness between the buttons 

Here’s one culprit that causes both allergies and can mess with your remote control…

Dust.

If it gets between the buttons, some could get stuck. 

The reasons for that happening could be:

• An old and a worn-out remote.
• Spilled sticky drinks over the remote (for example lemonade).

So far, so good. 

But how to determine which one is it?

Well, if the buttons of the remote are worn out, then maybe it’s time for it to go. Do you still see the numbers and letters? 

If your answer is “barely”, then the best thing would be to replace it. 

The other cause are sticky buttons. Let’s say you spilled some sweet drinks on the remote, be it Cola, lemonade, or an energy drink (no judging). Once the liquid dries up, it’ll get sticky. 

How to fix it

Note: The best way is to clean the remote gently since it’s a sensitive device.

What you’ll need:

• A toothbrush.
• Cotton swabs.
• A microfiber cloth.
• A spraying bottle.
• Rubbing alcohol for technical use.

Steps to follow:

Step 1: Take out the batteries from the remote control. Put them on the side.

Step 2: Grab the toothbrush and start brushing around the buttons. This will clear the debris.

Step 3: Make a mix containing 50% rubbing alcohol and 50% water. 

Step 4: Then spray the microfiber cloth with it. 

Step 5: Start wiping the remote. Start from the top and continue to the bottom.

Step 6: With the help of your finger, press the microfiber cloth in between some buttons. This is to get rid of build-up that’s harder to reach.

Step 7: For less approachable spaces, use a cotton swab. Just apply the mixture on it and go in between the buttons.

Step 8: Insert the batteries in again. And put the cover back on.

For a visual representation of what to do, check out this video:

#3: Check for interference signals from your neighbors 

Ok, this one is a bit far-fetched. Nevertheless, it’s possible. 

Say you live in an apartment building. And directly on the other side of the wall, your neighbor has a TV as well. Both of you guys have the same Samsung TV and your neighbor has a universal remote. 

On top of that, if you would measure the exact distance from the TVs, they’re less than a meter apart and you both have the same brand and model. 

But how to determine if it’s a neighbor thing?

Well, you can go speak to your neighbor and ask them. 

But if you’d prefer to avoid that for whatever reason, I get you. Then, just relocate the TV for a few days and see if it still happens.

#4: Try a different remote

To determine if it’s a remote issue, there’s one simple test you can run. Try it with a different remote. 

How to fix it:

You can give a universal remote control a shot. 

A quick tip: Remove the batteries from your original Samsung TV remote. This is to make sure it’s not capable of sending any signals to the TV during the test with your universal remote. Then try the universal remote. 

If you don’t have a universal remote at hand you can use your mobile phone as a remote.

If you want to try this, your TV and mobile phone must be connected to the same WiFi. 

The remote control app for Android phones is the Samsung Smart View app and for iPhones it’s MyTifi. Most Likely there are other remote apps, you are free to choose which one to use.

Here’s how it works:

1. Download the app on your phone. 
2. Connect both your mobile phone and TV to the same WiFi network.
3. Open the app and choose your TV.
4. You’ll get a PIN to set up the app with teh TV.
5. After you’re connected, you’ll see remote control buttons on your phone’s screen.

Note: If you have any issues while using your phone as a remote, get closer to the TV. Keep in mind there shouldn’t be any objects between the phone and the TV.

#5: Clean the TV’s keyboard

If it’s not the remote, it could be the TV’s keyboard that’s causing harm. 

Most TVs have a small keyboard with a power, channel, and volume button.

Much like the remote, some buttons on the keyboard can get stuck or covered in dust. This can create the changing of the channels. 

To determine the functionality of the buttons try them out and see if the TV is responsive. If you are noticing glitches or bugs it’s good to clean these buttons (gently). 

How to fix it:

You’ll need to clean these buttons gently:

• Toothbrush.
• Spraying bottle.
• A microfiber towel.
• Rubbing alcohol for an extra clean surface.

Step 1: Unplug the TV from the power socket.

Step 2: Use the toothbrush and brush around the buttons.

Step 3: Make a mix containing 50% rubbing alcohol and 50% water. 

Step 4: Spray the mix on the microfiber towel.

Step 5: Wipe gently with the microfiber towel on and between the buttons.

Step 6: Finish the cleaning and plug the power from the TV back into the power socket.

#6: Clean dusty parts within the TV 

Do you live in a big city with a lot of dust? Or in another dusty environment? 

If so, you most likely need to clean daily to get rid of the dust. 

Dust can be caused by various reasons such as lots of traffic or factories.

Often the dust gets into the TV and let’s be honest…you don’t clean your TV daily from dust… Especially not the inside.

But when dust gets trapped in the TV, it can mess up the internal hardware. Leading to your Samsung TV changing channels by itself. 

How to fix it:

The fix for this is to gently check the hardware for dust. 

The dust gets in via the vents from the TV. These can be on the back and on the side of the TV.

Use a vacuum cleaner

You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean the dust from the outside. Use the brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner so you won’t damage the TV. 

Get a cleaning duster

Another thing you can do is to use a cleaning duster. It’s a fast and easy way to get the dust out of tight spaces such as the TV’s keyboard, remote control, laptop. 

Here’s how to clean the vents:

1. Unplug the TV.
2. Use the vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment.
3. Gently vacuum clean around the vents.
4. Grab the cleaning duster.
5. Blow from the outside gently around and in the vents. 

#7: Run the new update that’s required

Always keep your TV up to date. This can resolve a lot of bugs including changing channels.

How to fix it:

Here is how you can do that manually using your remote:

1. Select the Home button on your Samsung remote.
2. Go to Settings on the TV.
3. Choose Support.
4. Select Software Update.
5. Finally select Update Now.

If you click on Update now and there is actually an update available, it’ll start downloading and installing the update. This can take a few minutes, depending on how big the update is.

Don’t turn the tv off during this period and finish the process till the end. 

If there are no updates, then you can select OK. Then you will exit the menu.

#8: Retail mode

If your TV is programmed in retail mode this means it changes channels. 

The retail mode is designed for the retail store, to attract the attention of customers during their visit to the store. 

How to fix it:

To fix this, you will have to program your TV back to Home Mode. 

Here is how to do that:

1. Select the Home button on your Samsung remote.
2. Select General. 
3. Thereafter select System Manager. 
4. In that menu, you’ll find Usage mode.
5. Change the Retail Mode to Home Mode.

Note: it’s possible that it will ask for the PIN. The default PIN number for Samsung TVs is 0000.

#9: Hardware issue

If all these previous fixes didn’t do the job, then it’s most likely a hardware issue. 

To determine if that’s the case, you could try to block the InfraRed receiver with electrical tape or foil. This will block all the incoming IR signals. 

If the TV then continues changing the channels it’s something internally. It could be a circuit board issue. 

How to fix it:

These errors are best being fixed by a technician since this is a delicate job. The best thing is to contact the Samsung Help Center. To make it easy for you, here’s the link.