Does your remote home button become unresponsive after a software update?
Or does it randomly stop working one day while you’re watching a movie?
Well, it’s a pretty common problem among Samsung TV users.
Some even experienced it just after setting up their new TV set.
But, worry not…
As I’ve prepared several effective ways to resolve it. So, I suggest that you…
Continue reading to discover:
- Steps to discharge and reset a Samsung TV remote.
- Other ways you can access the home page without a remote.
- 11 quick ways to fix an unresponsive Samsung TV home button.
- A sneaky way to fix an unresponsive home button using the SmartThings app.
- And much much more…
Why isn’t the home button working on my Samsung TV remote?
The home button on your Samsung TV remote isn’t working because the remote has minor glitches or the button is worn-out. It can likewise be due to an unstable internet connection, knowing that the Samsung TV uses WiFi to work. Outdated software and system errors on the TV can also be the reason.
Samsung TV home button not working: 11 ways to fix it
#1: Discharge the remote
Like any gadget, your TV remote can have minor glitches too. This is especially true if you’re using a smart TV remote.
It has a printed circuit board (PCB) inside, making it work. It holds and connects important electronic components of a remote like integrated circuits and capacitors.
And yes, that can run into some problems too. Either due to system errors or physical damage.
Luckily, resolving glitches on a Samsung TV remote is easy…
You just have to discharge it!
Here’s how to do it:
- Flip the remote upside down.
- Remove the battery compartment cover.
- Pull out the batteries.
- Press and hold any button for about 20 seconds.
- Release hold from the button.
- Reinsert the batteries.
- Return the battery compartment cover.
Tip: If you’ve been using your remote for several months already, take this time to replace the batteries as well. And make sure to get high-quality battery replacements.
After this, check if the home button in the remote is working again.
If it still doesn’t work, check the next solution below.
#2: Reset the remote
So, discharging the remote didn’t work for you?
Then, try resetting it.
A reset simply means refreshing and restarting the system of the device. Which resolves several issues like electronic glitches.
The method is almost the same as the abovementioned. Except for this time, you have to press a specific button.
To reset a Samsung TV remote:
- Flip the remote upside down.
- Remove the battery compartment cover.
- Pull out the batteries.
- Press and hold the POWER button for about 8 seconds.
- Release hold from the button.
- Reinsert the batteries.
- Return the battery compartment cover.
Note: Resetting deletes data. So, doing so will remove the pairing of your remote to your Samsung TV.
That said, you should pair your remote with your TV again for it to work.
For that, proceed to way #3.
#3: Resync remote with the TV
Do the other buttons on your TV remote don’t work as well?
Well, your remote may have been unpaired with your Samsung TV.
It can happen for several reasons, such as software bugs and Bluetooth interference.
To resync remote to Samsung TV:
- Ensure that the TV is powered ON.
- Point the remote towards the TV.
- Press and hold the RETURN and PLAY/PAUSE buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
- Wait for a confirmation message to appear on the TV.
Or you can also watch this video for an actual demonstration:
After that, press the HOME button to see if it’s working.
Note: If you’ve used a different remote before with your TV, make sure to unpair it first.
To unpair your previous TV remote, follow the remote reset process mentioned in way #2.
#4: Replace worn-out remote
“The buttons on my TV remote work except for the home button.”
If that’s the case, then the home button must be worn-out.
Several things can cause it to happen, including:
- Old age.
- Excessive use.
- Physical damage.
If you’re using your TV remote a lot, it’s normal for the button to wear out. Especially knowing that it’s the “HOME” button, which users always access.
When a specific button is frequently used, its button contact will wear out fast.
When that happens, the PCB of the remote will fail to receive commands from the buttons. Causing the specific button to become unresponsive.
Consider the remote home button worn-out if:
- You don’t feel a “click” when pressing it.
- The button is softer than normal or the others.
- The button label is unreadable or completely erased.
If this is the condition of your home button, replace your Samsung TV remote immediately.
You can send it to a service center. But that would cost you money as well. So, rather invest in another remote that will last long.
“I badly need to access the home page of my Samsung TV right now!”
There are some ways you can access the home page without a remote.
And you can do it by:
- Installing a digital Samsung TV remote.
- Commanding any voice assistant connected to your TV.
#5: Double-check the WiFi connection
Your TV remote and Samsung TV connect via Bluetooth. But your Samsung TV works using WiFi.
Possibly, the home button doesn’t seem to be working because the TV receives weak or no WiFi signals.
That said, you should check whether your internet connection is working and stable.
Check whether your TV is connected to your WiFi network.
While you’re at it, perform a speed test to see if the slow internet speed is causing the problem.
If your internet is slow, try the following:
- Move your TV closer to the WiFi router.
- Create a guest WiFi network for your TV.
- Remove nearby appliances that use electromagnetic waves.
- Install a WiFI repeater to the room where your TV is located.
You can also soft reset your WiFi router to refresh it.
To do that:
- Unplug the router from the power socket.
- Wait for about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Replug and turn on the router.
- Wait for it to reboot and reconnect with your devices.
Doing this helps remove possible glitches and bugs that your WiFi router has.
“I moved my Samsung TV close to my router, but nothing has changed…”
If you don’t mind having a wired connection, try switching to Ethernet.
With this, you can expect fast streaming and response from your TV remote.
You might also like: Why does my Samsung TV say No Signal?
#6: Use the Smartthings app to set up the TV
Follow this method if the home button of your brand new Samsung TV doesn’t work.
This issue can happen due to system or setup errors.
For this case, you have to find another way to set up your TV properly. And you can do that via the SmartThings app.
SmartThings is an automation platform by Samsung. So, setting up your Samsung TV using it is easy and convenient.
“Why do I have to do that?”
Your remote may not be working due to TV WiFi connectivity issues.
Using the SmartThings app, you can easily connect your Samsung TV to WiFi.
To set up a Samsung TV via the SmartThings app:
Important note: Only 2017 and up Samsung TV models are compatible with SmartThings.
- Ensure that the TV is powered ON.
- Open the SmartThings app.
- Tap “Device.”
- Click the home icon.
- Select desired location for TV.
- Press the Plus (+) icon.
- Tap Add Device>TV>Samsung>TV>Start.
- Select the TV’s location and room.
- Click your Samsung TV.
Once done, check if the remote home button is working already.
Check out: SmartThings Not Connecting To TV: 10 Causes & Fixes
#7: Update the TV software
When was the last time you updated your Samsung TV?
Sometimes, your TV remote won’t work if your TV is outdated.
That said, if your remote home button isn’t working, check if there are available software updates.
You can update your Samsung TV either via WiFi or USB.
If you want a quick and easy method, update your Samsung TV via WiFi.
Here’s how to do it:
- Using a remote, go to “Settings.”
- Tap “Support.”
- Select “Software Update.”
- Click “Update Now.”
But if for some reason you can’t connect your TV to WiFi, update it via USB.
To do that:
- Visit the Samsung Download Center.
- Go to Manual & Software Downloads>TV & AV.
- Search for your TV model.
- Locate and download the “Upgrade File (USB type)” file.
- Unzip the file and copy the update file.
- Save the file in a USB flash drive.
- Plug it into the TV USB port.
- Grab a remote, then follow the steps below…
For 2016 to 2018 models: Click Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now.
For 2015 models: Click MENU > Support > Software Update > ENTER.
For 2014 models: Click Support > Software Update > Update Now.
This should solve response errors with your TV remote.
If not, check out other solutions below.
#8: Reset the Smart Hub
Still doesn’t work?
Try resetting its Smart Hub.
Smart Hub is Samsung’s intelligent menu system.
This is where you can find and access everything on your Samsung TV. Including browser, apps, and games.
Note: Only 2011 and up Samsung TV models have Smart Hubs.
“It’s a menu system. How does it affect my remote’s home button?”
As you can see, Smart Hub holds a loooot of data.
Meaning it can cause your Samsung TV to lag or slow down.
And yes, it can slow down the TV response to the remote. Causing it to appear unresponsive.
To resolve it, you should reset your Samsung TV’s Smart Hub.
Doing this will free up its storage page. Allowing your TV to become lag-free and respond faster.
Warning: Resetting the Smart Hub will delete your custom settings and downloaded apps. So, make sure to try other abovementioned solutions first.
To reset a Smart Hub, you have to press the home button.
But since you can’t do that, you should use a voice assistant or digital remote to access it.
Have you accessed the homepage already?
Click Settings>Support>Device Care>Self Diagnosis>Reset Smart Hub.
#9: Soft reset the TV
“My remote home button stopped working after I updated my Samsung TV…”
If that’s the case, you have to soft reset your TV.
Supposedly, the TV should restart after an update to reboot itself. But it can sometimes fail due to some errors.
Resolving this problem is easy; just soft reset your Samsung TV.
A soft reset only deletes temporary memory (RAM). So, you shouldn’t worry about losing your custom settings and downloaded apps.
You can do it either by unplugging the TV or using a remote.
To soft reset a Samsung TV by unplugging:
- Ensure that the TV is powered ON.
- Unplug the TV from the power socket.
- Wait for about 30 seconds.
- Replug and turn on the TV.
To soft reset a Samsung TV using a remote:
- Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds or until the TV turns off and on once.
#10: Factory reset the TV
If all the abovementioned solutions didn’t work, factory reset your Samsung TV.
Warning: Factory resetting will delete all data from your TV. It’ll also disconnect from the WiFi and other connected devices.
You should do this if troubleshooting your remote and WiFi connection resolved nothing.
To factory reset a Samsung TV:
- Access “Home” via voice command or digital remote.
- Go to settings.
- Click General>Reset.
- Enter your PIN (0000 is the default PIN).
- Select “OK.”
- Wait for the TV to restart.
If these steps don’t apply to your TV, follow this method instead:
- Go to Settings>Support>Self Diagnosis>Reset.
#11: Contact tech support to reset the TV
“I can’t access the homepage at all!”
Don’t give up yet.
You can contact Samsung support to do the factory resetting process for you.
They can remotely connect to your TV and do the process on your behalf.
Just make sure to provide the necessary information like your:
- Samsung TV model.
- Samsung TV serial number.
After the process, you have to set up your TV again.
You can set up your TV normally or follow the instructions in way #6.
Further reading: Samsung TV Volume Not Working (On Remote): 13 Fixes