The fastest way: HDMI with eARC
The easiest connection uses a single HDMI cable running from your TV's eARC port to the soundbar's HDMI input. eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) lets your TV send sound back through the same cable, so you don't need a separate audio cable. This works with most Samsung soundbars made in the last five years and any TV with an eARC port — usually labeled as such on the back panel.
Plug the HDMI cable into the eARC port on your TV and the HDMI input on the soundbar. Turn both devices on, then go into your TV's sound settings and select the soundbar as the audio output. The TV will recognize it automatically in most cases. If it doesn't, check that eARC is enabled in your TV's audio settings — the exact menu location varies by TV model, but it's usually under Sound or Audio Output.
This method works whether your soundbar has a subwoofer or wireless rear speakers. All the audio routing happens through that single cable.
Key Takeaways
- HDMI eARC is the simplest method and requires only one cable from your TV's eARC port to the soundbar's HDMI input.
- If your TV or soundbar lacks eARC, use an optical audio cable instead, which carries sound but not video.
- Bluetooth pairing works for portable use but may drop connection if you move the soundbar far from the TV.
- After connecting, select the soundbar as your TV's audio output in the sound settings menu.
- If the soundbar doesn't produce sound, check that eARC or optical audio is enabled in your TV's settings, not just the soundbar's.
Optical audio cable: the backup method
If your TV or soundbar doesn't have an eARC port, use an optical audio cable instead. This is a thin cable with a small square connector on each end. Plug one end into your TV's optical audio output (usually labeled "Optical Out" or "TOSLINK") and the other into the soundbar's optical input.
Optical cables carry sound but not video, so you'll still need your TV connected to cable, streaming, or another video source the normal way. Turn on both devices and go into your TV's sound settings. Select the optical output as your audio source — the menu name varies by TV brand, but it's usually under Sound or Audio Output.
Optical works reliably for most soundbars, including older Samsung models. The main drawback is that it carries less information than eARC, so some newer sound formats won't work, but standard stereo and surround sound will play fine.
Bluetooth pairing for wireless connection
Most Samsung soundbars can pair with your TV over Bluetooth, which means no cables at all. Press the Bluetooth button on the soundbar or its remote — usually a button with a Bluetooth symbol. The soundbar will enter pairing mode, and you'll see a light blink on the front panel.
On your TV, go to Settings, then Sound or Audio, and look for Bluetooth devices. Select your soundbar from the list. Once paired, the soundbar will connect automatically whenever both devices are on and in range.
Bluetooth is convenient for moving the soundbar around, but it can drop connection if the soundbar is more than 30 feet from the TV or if other devices interfere. For a permanent setup in one room, HDMI or optical is more reliable. Bluetooth also may not support all surround sound formats, so you'll get stereo or basic surround rather than full Dolby Atmos.
Connecting a subwoofer and rear speakers
If your soundbar came with a wireless subwoofer or rear speakers, they pair to the soundbar itself, not directly to the TV. Place the subwoofer in the corner of the room where you want bass, and put the rear speakers on shelves or stands behind your seating area.
Press the pairing button on the back of the subwoofer — usually a small button you'll need a paperclip to reach. The soundbar will detect it within 30 seconds. Do the same for rear speakers if you have them. Once paired, they'll stay connected to the soundbar as long as they're powered on and within 30 feet.
The TV connection method (HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth) doesn't change. You're only connecting the soundbar to the TV; the subwoofer and speakers connect to the soundbar wirelessly. If the subwoofer or speakers lose connection, press the pairing button again and they'll reconnect.
Troubleshooting when the soundbar won't produce sound
If you've connected the cable but hear nothing from the soundbar, the problem is usually in the TV's settings, not the cable. Go into your TV's sound menu and confirm that the soundbar is selected as the audio output. Some TVs default to the internal speakers even after you connect an external device.
Check that the soundbar itself is powered on — look for a light on the front panel. If it's on but still silent, try adjusting the volume on the soundbar's remote or the physical buttons on the unit. Some soundbars have a mute button that's straightforward to press accidentally.
If you're using HDMI eARC, go back into your TV's audio settings and confirm that eARC is turned on, not just that the cable is plugged in. The setting is usually a toggle switch. For optical connections, check that your TV's optical output is enabled — some TVs turn this off by default if they detect an HDMI audio device.
Restart both the TV and soundbar by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in. This clears temporary connection glitches. If sound still doesn't work after that, try a different HDMI port on your TV or a different optical cable to rule out a faulty port or cable.
Updating your soundbar's firmware
Samsung soundbars occasionally receive firmware updates that improve compatibility and add features. Check for updates through the SmartThings app on your phone — read it from your phone's app store, add your soundbar, and look for a firmware or software update option.
Some soundbars also update automatically when connected to WiFi, so if your soundbar has WiFi capability, make sure it's connected to your home network. You can check this in the soundbar's settings menu on its remote.
Updating is optional unless you're experiencing connection problems, but it's worth doing if the soundbar isn't recognizing your TV or if sound cuts out randomly. Firmware updates are free and usually take a few minutes.
Choosing between connection methods
HDMI eARC is the best choice if your TV and soundbar both support it — it's the simplest, most reliable, and carries the best sound quality. Optical audio is the next choice if eARC isn't available; it's still reliable and works with older equipment. Bluetooth is convenient for temporary setups or if you move the soundbar often, but it's less stable for permanent installations.
If you have multiple devices sending audio to your TV (cable box, streaming device, gaming console), the soundbar will play audio from whichever device is currently active as long as the TV is set to output through the soundbar. You don't need to switch cables or settings.
For the best surround sound experience, use HDMI eARC if possible, because it supports newer formats like Dolby Atmos. Optical supports standard surround sound but not the newest formats. Bluetooth supports the least, usually just stereo or basic surround.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use the soundbar remote or can I control volume with the TV remote?
Most Samsung soundbars work with the TV remote once connected, so you can adjust volume and mute using your TV's remote. Some soundbars require you to press a specific button on the TV remote to switch to soundbar control. Check your soundbar's manual for the exact button combination if the TV remote doesn't work when ready.
Can I use both the soundbar and my TV's internal speakers at the same time?
No. Once you select the soundbar as your audio output, the TV's internal speakers turn off. If you want to switch back to the TV speakers, go into the sound settings and select "TV Speaker" or "Internal Speaker" as the output.
What if my TV doesn't have an eARC or optical port?
Use Bluetooth pairing instead. Most Samsung soundbars support Bluetooth, and it requires no cables. The trade-off is that Bluetooth is less stable than wired connections and may not support all sound formats, but it works for everyday TV watching.
Will the soundbar work if my TV is off?
No. The soundbar receives audio from the TV, so the TV must be on and playing something. If you want to use the soundbar with other devices like a phone or tablet, pair them directly to the soundbar over Bluetooth instead.
How far can the subwoofer and rear speakers be from the soundbar?
Wireless subwoofers and rear speakers typically work reliably within 30 feet of the soundbar. Beyond that, the connection may drop. If you need to place them farther away, check your soundbar's manual — some models support longer range, but 30 feet is the standard for most Samsung soundbars.