How To Get Rid of a Source List on a Samsung TV – The Simple Way

The source list details all the inputs on your Samsung TV, such as the USB port, HDMI, port, etc. If you can’t seem to get rid of it, there’s no need to worry.

Here’s how you can get rid of the source list on your Samsung TV: 

1. Press the exit button.
2. Press the return button.
3. Press the source button again.
4. Wait for 60-90 seconds.
5. Go near your TV.
6. Put new batteries in your remote control.
7. Troubleshoot your remote control.
8. Replace your TV remote control.
9. Discharge or cold boot your Samsung TV. 

Without further ado, let’s dive into these techniques.

1. Press the Exit Button

Say you’ve pressed the source button, and you’ve done whatever you need to do.

To get rid of the source list, all you have to do is press the exit button.

This button has an image of an arrow pointing to an open door. You can find it under the right-facing arrow.

2. Press the Return Button

Like the exit button, the return button should get rid of the source list on your Samsung TV.

You can find the return button below the arrow facing left.

It’s illustrated with a circular arrow and a screen drawing of some sort.

Do note that pressing the return button will bring you back to the last menu you checked, not the TV home. 

If you want to reach the home screen right away, you should press the exit button rather than the return button.

That said, you may press the return button a couple of times to get to the home screen. 

3. Press the Source Button Again

Another button that may help you get rid of the source list is the source button itself.

You can find it at the top right corner of your Samsung TV remote.

Do note that pressing the source button once may not work right away.

According to forum users, it may take you a few times before you can make the source list disappear. 

4. Wait for 60-90 Seconds

If the exit button isn’t working for some reason, worry not, for there’s another way.

It involves some waiting, though.

If you can’t get rid of the source list on your TV, give it at least 60-90 seconds.

After waiting for some time, the display on the screen should go away.

5. Go Near Your TV

While a Samsung remote should operate within 60 feet (18.29 m), some users report having to go near the TV for the buttons to work.

For one, there may be an obstacle along the way, which is why pressing the exit, return, or source buttons don’t work. 

6. Put New Batteries in Your Remote Control

As mentioned, your Samsung Remote should be able to operate within 60 feet (18.29 m).

However, this distance is only applicable if your battery has 100% power.

Generally, remote control batteries should last for 3-6 months.

So if you’re nearing the end of this lifespan, you should make it a point to change the batteries right away. 

Here are some helpful tips when replacing your remote control batteries: 

• Avoid using a new one with an old one. The used battery has a lesser capacity than the new one. It means the former will lose voltage and power faster, resulting in it leaking or over-discharging.
• Don’t use different brands. Batches differ in capacity. Again, this can cause the batteries to leak, over-discharge, or explode. 

Worse, it can ruin your remote control for good. 

With 100% battery capacity, you shouldn’t have a problem operating the exit, return, or source buttons.

7. Troubleshoot Your Remote Control 

If all the buttons mentioned above don’t seem to work — even with full batteries — then you should try to troubleshoot your remote control. 

Your remote’s faulty ways may be due to physical damage, pairing issues, infrared sensor issues, among many others. 

If the buttons seem to be working on their own, it may be because your remote control is dirty. 

As expected, you need to clean it before it can function well again. 

If cleanliness isn’t an issue, then another thing you could do is reset the remote control. 

Here’s how to do so:

1. Remove the batteries. 
2. Press the power button for eight seconds.
3. Reinsert the batteries. 
4. Check the infrared control by pointing the remote to a camera. 
5. Press the power button and look at the camera screen. 

If the remote is sending an infrared signal, you should see the light coming from it.

It means that your remote is working, so you may need to consider going near your TV or replacing the batteries. 

If doing any of these two doesn’t work, you may need to have your TV checked.

It may have a faulty TV sensor, which is why pressing the buttons as mentioned earlier doesn’t seem to work. 

8. Replace Your TV Remote Control

If troubleshooting proves that your remote isn’t working anymore, then it’s time to replace it. 

You can buy a replacement at the official website SamsungParts.com.

To know which item to buy, check your TV’s model number. 

Outside your TV model’s Samsung remote control,  you can also purchase the alternative BN59-01301A. 

A universal remote is also a worthy replacement, granted it’s compatible with your Samsung TV. 

9. Discharge or Cold Boot Your Samsung TV 

If all else fails and nothing seems to work, the best thing you can do is cold boot your Samsung TV.

You can consider switching off your TV a hard reset, just like you would with your PC or other faulty TV. 

Discharging your TV is best for addressing glitches, such as the source list that you can’t seem to turn off. 

A low TV memory or a residual electric charge may be the reason why it happens. 

Here’s how to do a cold boot of your Samsung TV:

• With a remote. Press the power button until the TV turns off and on. 
• Without a remote. With your TV still on, remove the electric socket. Wait for 30 seconds before re-plugging the outlet.

Once your TV is back on, the source list should disappear from the screen.