Samsung TV MCP Server

A Model Context Protocol server that lets AI assistants control Samsung Smart TVs (Tizen OS, 2016+) over the local network. No cloud, no SmartThings account required.

Early release — Core functionality works and has been tested on a Samsung UN65TU7000 (2020, Tizen). Not all tools have been exhaustively tested across different TV models and firmware versions. Bug reports and PRs are welcome.

Features

• 18 tools for complete TV control via natural language

• Auto-discovery — finds Samsung TVs on your network via SSDP

• Zero config — no API keys, no cloud, everything runs locally

• Multi-protocol — combines WebSocket, REST, UPnP/DLNA, and Wake-on-LAN

• Persistent auth — first connection requires TV approval, then uses saved token

• Auto-reconnect — recovers from dropped WebSocket connections

Related MCP server: AndroidTVMCP

Tools

Requirements

• Python 3.10+

• Samsung Smart TV with Tizen OS (2016 or newer)

• TV and MCP server on the same local network

Installation

pip install "samsungtvws[encrypted]" "mcp[cli]"

Claude Code

claude mcp add samsung-tv -- python /path/to/samsung-tv-mcp/main.py

Claude Desktop

Add to claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "samsung-tv": {
      "command": "python",
      "args": ["/path/to/samsung-tv-mcp/main.py"]
    }
  }
}

First Connection

On the first WebSocket connection, the TV will show a popup asking to allow "ClaudeCode". Accept it once — a token is saved to token.json for future sessions.

To minimize prompts, go to Settings > General > External Device Manager > Device Connection Manager and set Access Notification to "First Time Only".

Supported App Aliases

You can use friendly names instead of numeric IDs:

netflix, youtube, prime, disney, spotify, apple tv, hbo, max, plex, browser, steam link, twitch, tiktok, tubi, pluto, paramount, gallery, smartthings

Architecture

main.py  →  FastMCP tools (thin layer, ~120 lines)
tv.py    →  SamsungTV client (WebSocket + UPnP + SSDP + WoL, ~250 lines)

• WebSocket (port 8002/8001): remote keys, apps, browser, text input, cursor

• REST (port 8001): device info, app launch/close

• UPnP SOAP (port 9197): precise volume control, DLNA media playback

• Wake-on-LAN: power on from standby

Known Limitations

• Wake-on-LAN may not work reliably on all models (requires TV config)

• No direct HDMI source switching via API (must navigate the source menu with keys)

• No brightness/contrast/picture settings control

• No screenshot capability

• Text input only works when the TV's virtual keyboard is active

• DRM-protected content cannot be streamed via DLNA

Tested On

• Samsung UN65TU7000KXZL (2020, Crystal UHD, Tizen, Colombia)

License

MIT