Can I Change The Screensaver on My Samsung TV?
When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Enabling the screensaver on your Samsung TV screen can change the whole mood of a room. To do so, you’ll need to enable Ambient Mode (if you have a QLED TV) using your remote control or the SmartThings app, or an external device like Chromecast.
How to Enable or Change Your Samsung TV’s Screensaver With SmartThings
You can change the screensaver on a Samsung smart TV using either the SmartThings app or your TV remote.
I prefer using the SmartThings app because it allows you to access the full catalog of screensaver options or add your own photos.
Note: Select QLED TVs are equipped with ambient mode.
How to Change Your Samsung TV Screensaver with SmartThings
Before you can use the SmartThings app to change your Samsung TV’s screensaver, you need to connect your TV to SmartThings:
- Download and launch the SmartThings app on your phone.
- Tap the “+” icon to add a device.
- Navigate through the on-screen options. Select “Device,” “By Brand,” “Samsung,” and “TV.”
- Tap “Start” and follow the instructions to connect your TV.
As soon as you successfully connect your TV to the SmartThings app, you can use it to change your screensaver.
- Open the app and select the TV.
- Tap “Ambient Mode” and scroll through the introduction. At the end, tap “Start Now.”
- Browse through the various options available and choose “View on TV” for the screensaver you decide to use.
On this next screen, you can select the screensaver option you want to use.
How to Change Your Samsung TV Screensaver From the TV
You can also change your Samsung TV’s screensaver using the remote control. You won’t have as many options as you would with SmartThings, but it is easier in a pinch.
All you have to do is press the “Ambient” button on the remote. If you don’t have this button, press the “Home” button and select “Ambient Mode.”
Once you’re in the Ambient Mode menu, you can select the screensaver you want to use.
What Screensaver Options Do I Have?
Ambient Mode is a feature that essentially turns your TV into a piece of artwork. You can display a variety of customizable screensaver options, as well as additional features like the time and weather.
Once you’re in the Ambient Mode settings menu, you’ll see the following screensaver options:
- Cinemagraph: Use slideshows or animated images as your screensaver.
- My Album: Upload your own images to display on the TV.
- Artwork: Select a preset still image to use as your screensaver.
- Background Theme: Use a solid or textured color as your background or screensaver.
Once you choose your preferred option, tap “View on TV” to see how the image will look on your screen. From here, you can customize settings like Saturation, Brightness, and Tone.
Note that My Album is only available if you connect your TV to the SmartThings app and allow “My Album” access. Be sure to screen your images carefully before allowing access to protect your privacy and security.
Changing the Screensaver Using Chromecast
If you do not have a QLED TV, your best bet would be using a streaming device like Chromecast to get a similar affect following these steps:
- Open your Google Home App.
- Press and hold the device tile to open more settings for the device.
- Select the Settings icon on the top right of the screen followed by “Ambient Mode,” or select the “Edit Ambient Mode” pill at the bottom of the screen.
- Here, you have a lot of options. To add your own photos, select the “Google Photos” option. Make sure you have images added to your Google Photo Library as thats where they will come from.
- Verify the images from Google show in the preview window. They should start cycling through on your Chromecast device now.
And here it is in action:
If you don’t already have Chromecast installed on your Samsung TV, here’s how:
Why Should I Use a Screensaver on My Samsung TV?
Using a screensaver on your Samsung TV helps prevent image burn-in. If you have a QLED TV, you really do not need to worry about burn in.
Burn-in occurs when fixed images remain on your screen for long periods without changing, creating a shadowy “ghost image” that appears even after you change the channel or turn the TV off.
Smart devices with an OLED screen are especially susceptible to burn-in due to their enhanced picture resolution and contrast ratio.
Enabling your screensaver to turn on automatically after a specific length of inactive time is the simplest way to avoid burn-in and make your Samsung TV last as long as possible.
FAQ: Changing the Screensaver on a Samsung TV
Can You Use Ambient Mode without SmartThings Set Up?
Ambient Mode is available as a menu item on most Samsung QLED TVs.
Can You Change the Screensaver without Ambient Mode?
Yes, using a streaming device, airplay or screen mirroring.
Related Articles
