As an owner of both a Google Home and a Samsung TV, I know first-hand how frustrating it can be when your Google Home can’t turn on your Samsung TV. I recently experienced this issue and, after doing some research and testing, I found a few solutions that worked for me. Here to share my experience, I’m writing this blog post to explain the causes of this issue and how to fix it. Hopefully, my advice can help other owners of Google Home and Samsung TVs to get their device working properly again.
There are a few issues that can stop Google Home from communicating with your Samsung TV. These can include HDMI port issues, out-of-date software, and connection issues. Moreover, the issue could be with your Chromecast device.
Tips:
- Check if your HDMI port is working properly and if it isn’t, try plugging the Chromecast into a different port.
- Enable Consumer Electronics Control in the TV’s system settings.
- Download and install the latest software updates for your TV and Chromecast.
- Try a soft reset if other solutions don’t work.
Google Home Can’t Turn on Samsung TV
Using Google Home to control your TV can be much more convenient than using a remote. However, sometimes the app won’t let you do something as simple as turning on the TV. This can be because of a few reasons.
Issues With Your TV
Your TV software and settings have a major impact on its connection to the Google Home app.
There are a few key factors you should check if your TV isn’t responding to Google Home.
HDMI Port
To use Google Home on a TV, you need a Chromecast device. This device plugs into your TV’s HDMI port. For this reason, the first thing you want to do when facing connection issues is to check your port.
More often than not, removing and plugging the Chromecast back in can resolve the issue.
Make sure that when you plug in your Chromecast, the LED lights up. If it doesn’t, there may be an issue with the HDMI port.
Try plugging the Chromecast into a different port. If none of the ports work, you may need to replace them.
System Settings
After checking that your HDMI ports work, you can turn your attention to your TV system settings. In order for Chromecast to work, you have to give it access to your TV. To do that, you need to enable Consumer Electronics Control.
- Unplug your Chromecast
- Click the Menu button on your remote control
- Go to the Settings tab
- Choose the System Menu
- Select Expert Settings
- Find the HDMI-CEC option and make sure it’s turned on
- Plug in your Chromecast
This should give your Chromecast all the access it needs. Once you do this, try using the Google Home app.
Software Updates
Software updates can be a little tedious. However, if you don’t stay on top of them, you may face issues with Google Home.
If your Samsung TV software is out of date, it may not be able to communicate with your Chromecast. So, ensure you download the latest updates.
You can do that by following these steps:
- Click on the Menu button on your remote control
- Go to the Setting tab
- Find the Support menu
- Select Software Update
- Download and install the latest update
Not only will this help with Google Home compatibility, but it can also help your TV run smoothly.
Hardware Issues
If you download the latest update but still can’t use Google Home, the issue may be with the TV’s hardware. HDMI ports aren’t the only part of a TV that can falter. An issue with the TV’s circuit boards can also affect how it communicates with Google Home.
As your TV gets older, its internal components can start failing. This is due to a build-up of dust or normal wear and tear. When this happens, your TV can no longer connect to your Chromecast.
Unfortunately, hardware issues aren’t as easy to resolve as software ones. If you keep your TV turned on for hours on end, consider giving it a break. Even a 10-minute break every few hours can boost your TV’s performance.
However, if this doesn’t resolve the issue, you may want to break the warranty or call a repairman.
Issues With Chromecast
Most of the time, the connection issues stem from your TV. However, your Chromecast could also be the culprit.
Just like your TV, your Chromecast gets regular software updates. If your Chromecast firmware isn’t up-to-date, it may not connect to your TV.
You can update your Chromecast by following these steps:
- Turn on your Chromecast
- Launch the Google Home app on your phone
- Search for your Chromecast in the Google Home app
- Find the gear icon and go to the settings
- Click on the three horizontal dots icon
- Select Reset your Chromecast Device
Your Chromecast device should reboot and install the latest firmware. It’s important to note that you need to connect both your phone and Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi for this to work.
Try doing a soft reset
Often, a soft reset is all that is needed to solve issues on a Samsung TV. A soft reset does not erase any data. To soft reset a Samsung TV, you simply need to turn the TV off, then remove the plug from the wall outlet and wait for 60 seconds, then put the plug back in and turn the TV on again.
| Pros of Google Home with Samsung TV | Cons of Google Home with Samsung TV |
|---|---|
| – Easy to use and setup | – Not compatible with all Samsung TVs |
| – Ability to control your TV from your phone or voice | – Voice commands can be difficult to understand |
| – Voice commands can be used to control the TV | – Can be unreliable at times |
| – Compatible with multiple devices | – Requires a strong Wi-Fi connection to work properly |
Wrapping Up
If Google Home can’t turn on your Samsung TV, there are a few solutions you can try. Most of the time, the issue is with your HDMI port. However, sometimes it can also be out-of-date software or hardware issues.
