The fastest way: HDMI with eARC
The simplest connection uses a single HDMI cable with eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). Plug one end into the HDMI port labeled eARC or ARC on your TV—usually HDMI 3 or 4—and the other end into the HDMI IN port on the back of your soundbar. Your TV will automatically send audio to the soundbar when you turn it on.
This method works with almost all Samsung soundbars made in the last five years and most modern TVs. You need only one cable, and the soundbar powers on and off with your TV. If your TV is older than 2016 or doesn't have an eARC port, use the optical cable method instead (see below).
After you plug in the HDMI cable, turn on both devices. Go to your TV's sound settings and check that the audio output is set to HDMI or eARC—not the TV speakers. The soundbar should light up and begin playing sound from your TV when ready.
Key Takeaways
- HDMI eARC is the fastest method and requires only one cable between your TV and soundbar.
- An optical cable works if your TV lacks eARC, though you will need to turn the soundbar on manually.
- Bluetooth pairs the soundbar with your phone or tablet for music, but does not replace the TV connection.
- Check your TV's sound output settings after connecting—many TVs default to their own speakers instead of the soundbar.
- If sound does not play, restart both devices and confirm the HDMI cable is fully inserted into the correct port.
Using an optical cable if your TV has no eARC
If your TV was made before 2016 or does not have an eARC port, use a digital optical cable instead. Plug one end into the optical audio out port on your TV (a small square port with a plastic cover) and the other end into the optical in port on the soundbar. The cable is thin and rigid, so push it straight in until you hear a click.
With an optical connection, you must turn the soundbar on manually using its remote or power button—it will not power on automatically with your TV. The sound quality is nearly identical to HDMI eARC, and optical cables are inexpensive (usually under $10).
After connecting, go to your TV's audio settings and select optical out or digital audio out. Some TVs call this "S/PDIF" or "Dolby Digital." The soundbar should begin playing sound within a few seconds.
Connecting via Bluetooth for phones and tablets
To play music or podcasts from your phone or tablet through the soundbar, use Bluetooth. Press the Bluetooth button on the soundbar remote or hold down the power button on the soundbar itself for three seconds until you see a blue light flashing. This puts the soundbar in pairing mode.
On your phone or tablet, open Settings, go to Bluetooth, and look for your soundbar's model number in the list of available devices. Tap it to connect. Once paired, your device will reconnect automatically when you turn on the soundbar.
Bluetooth is useful for streaming music, but it does not replace your TV connection. You still need HDMI eARC or optical audio to hear sound from your television. Many people use both: HDMI eARC for the TV and Bluetooth for their phone.
Checking your TV's audio output settings
After you plug in the cable, your TV may still send sound to its own speakers instead of the soundbar. Go to your TV's Settings menu and look for Sound, Audio, or Speaker settings. You should see an option for audio output or speaker selection.
Select HDMI eARC, HDMI ARC, or Optical Out (depending on which cable you used). Some TVs list this as "External Speaker" or "Soundbar." Once you change this setting, the TV will send all sound to the soundbar automatically.
If you cannot find this setting, check your TV's manual or search for "[Your TV model] audio output settings" online. Samsung TV manuals are available on Samsung's support website.
What to do if sound does not play
First, check that the cable is fully inserted into both the TV and the soundbar. HDMI and optical ports can look connected when they are actually loose. Push the cable in firmly until you feel resistance.
Next, restart both devices: unplug the soundbar and TV for 10 seconds, then plug them back in. This clears temporary connection errors. While they restart, check that you selected the correct audio output in your TV's sound settings (see the section above).
If the soundbar still does not play sound, try a different HDMI port on your TV if you have one. Some TVs have multiple HDMI ports, and only one or two support eARC. Your TV's manual will tell you which port is the eARC port.
If you are using an optical cable, make sure the plastic cover is removed from the optical port before you plug in the cable. Optical ports have a small plastic cap that must come off first.
Controlling volume and input with your TV remote
Once your soundbar is connected via HDMI eARC, your TV remote should control the soundbar's volume automatically. Press the volume up or down button on your TV remote, and the soundbar volume will change. This works because eARC sends both audio and control signals through the same cable.
If your TV remote does not control the soundbar, go to your TV's settings and look for an option called HDMI-CEC, Anynet+, or Simplink (the name varies by TV brand). Turn this setting on. This feature lets your TV remote control connected devices.
With an optical cable, your TV remote will not control the soundbar volume. You will need to use the soundbar remote or the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone to adjust volume.
Using the Samsung SmartThings app for wireless control
read the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone to control the soundbar from anywhere in your home. Open the app, tap the plus icon to add a device, and select your soundbar from the list. The app will find it automatically if it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.
The SmartThings app lets you adjust volume, switch inputs, and change sound modes (like Movie, Music, or News) without the physical remote. You can also set up routines—for example, turning the soundbar on when you open the app or at a specific time each day.
The app works whether you use HDMI eARC or optical audio. Your soundbar must be connected to Wi-Fi for the app to work. If your soundbar is not on your Wi-Fi network, go to the soundbar's Bluetooth settings and connect it to your home network first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both HDMI and optical cables?
No. Use one or the other, not both. HDMI eARC is faster and simpler if your TV supports it. Optical is the backup option for older TVs. Connecting both cables at once can cause audio delays or feedback.
Why is there a delay between the TV picture and the soundbar audio?
This is called lip-sync delay. Go to your soundbar's settings (usually in the SmartThings app or on the soundbar remote) and look for an Audio Delay or Lip Sync option. Increase the delay in small steps—usually 50 to 100 milliseconds fixes the problem. Your TV may also have a lip-sync setting in its audio menu.
Can I use the soundbar with multiple TVs?
Yes, but you will need to reconnect the cable each time you switch TVs. If both TVs are in the same room, you can use a HDMI switch box to connect both TVs to one HDMI port on the soundbar, then flip the switch to choose which TV plays audio. Optical cables cannot be switched this way.
What if my soundbar has no HDMI port?
Older Samsung soundbars use only optical audio or Bluetooth. Check the back of your soundbar for the ports available. If it has only optical and Bluetooth, use the optical cable to connect to your TV and Bluetooth to connect to your phone.
Does the soundbar need to be plugged in all the time?
Yes. Soundbars have no battery and must stay plugged into power. Leave it plugged in even when you are not using it—modern soundbars use very little power in standby mode.