Nikolai Schneider

Learned the hard way during custody swaps that I need the phone reachable but not scrollable. I put the phone on a charger in the hallway, Bedtime Focus on, and only Favorites can ring through for the kid and co-parent. Instagram, news, and Reddit are blocked after 9 with app limits plus a passcode I do not know. I keep a cheap paperback on the nightstand so my hands have something else to grab. If I backslide, I set a five minute timer and stop when it dings, no negotiation.

Yes, a universal remote can work fine with a Samsung smart TV. Most Samsungs still accept standard infrared commands for power, volume, input, and navigation even if their original remote is Bluetooth. If you want big buttons and zero fuss, I would go with GE Big Button 33701. It is easy to see and press and it controls two devices so you can run the TV and your soundbar from one remote. In my experience the Samsung code usually works on the first try. Setup is simple. Program the TV first using the included code list then program the second device as your soundbar brand. If your bar is on HDMI ARC you can also let the TV pass volume to it so you only need to program the TV. No Bluetooth pairing or app needed and it handles the basics you asked for such as power volume input arrows and play pause. It is well under your budget and two AAA batteries tend to last for months.