How to Connect Your Samsung Soundbar to a TV or Device

Connect Your Soundbar Using HDMI or Optical Cable

The fastest way to hook up a Samsung soundbar is with a cable — either HDMI or optical audio. Most Samsung soundbars come with at least one of these cables in the box. HDMI carries both video and audio, so if your TV has an HDMI port labeled ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC, use that one. Plug one end into the soundbar's HDMI port and the other into your TV's ARC/eARC port.

If your TV does not have ARC or you prefer optical, use the optical audio cable instead. Plug the square optical connector into the soundbar's optical input port and the other end into your TV's optical audio output port. Optical cables are thinner and more fragile than HDMI, so handle them carefully and avoid sharp bends.

Once the cable is connected, turn on both the soundbar and TV. Your TV should automatically detect the soundbar and route audio through it. If you do not hear sound, check your TV's audio settings — you may need to select the soundbar as the output device or turn off the TV's built-in speakers.

Key Takeaways

HDMI ARC or eARC is the best cable option because it carries both video and audio in one connection and lets your TV remote control the soundbar volume.
Optical audio cable works if your TV does not have HDMI ARC, though it only carries audio and requires a separate remote to adjust volume.
Bluetooth pairing works for phones, tablets, and laptops but does not work with most TVs and requires manual reconnection if the soundbar powers off.
After connecting, check your TV's audio output settings to make sure the soundbar is selected as the speaker, not the TV's built-in speakers.
Samsung soundbars with wireless subwoofers pair automatically when you power on the soundbar for the first time.

Connect via Bluetooth for Phones and Tablets

If you want to play music or videos from your phone or tablet through the soundbar, use Bluetooth. Press the Bluetooth button on the soundbar remote or on the soundbar itself — usually a button with a Bluetooth symbol. The soundbar will enter pairing mode, and a light on the front will blink blue.

On your phone or tablet, go to Settings, then Bluetooth, and turn Bluetooth on. Your Samsung soundbar should appear in the list of available devices. Tap it to pair. Once paired, your device will remember the soundbar and reconnect automatically the next time both are turned on and in range.

Keep in mind that Bluetooth does not work with most TVs — even if your TV has Bluetooth, it usually cannot send audio to a soundbar that way. Stick with HDMI or optical for TV audio. Bluetooth is best for streaming music from your phone or casting video from apps like YouTube or Netflix.

Set Up the Wireless Subwoofer

Many Samsung soundbars come with a wireless subwoofer that pairs automatically. When you turn on the soundbar for the first time, it searches for the subwoofer and connects within a few seconds. You will hear a chime or see a light change on the subwoofer when pairing is complete.

If the subwoofer does not pair on its own, make sure both the soundbar and subwoofer are plugged in and powered on. Press and hold the pairing button on the back of the subwoofer for three to five seconds until the light blinks. The soundbar should find it within 30 seconds. If pairing still fails, unplug both devices, wait 30 seconds, plug them back in, and try again.

Place the subwoofer on the floor near the soundbar, but not directly touching it — vibration can cause feedback. The subwoofer connects wirelessly to the soundbar, so you do not need any cables between them. The subwoofer only needs a power cord.

Adjust Volume and Audio Settings

Once your soundbar is connected, use the soundbar remote to adjust volume and select audio modes. Most Samsung soundbars have a Standard mode for everyday listening and a Surround mode that creates a wider sound field. Some models also have a Movie mode for dialogue-heavy content and a Music mode for songs.

If you connected via HDMI ARC, your TV remote may also control the soundbar volume — this depends on your TV model. Check your TV's settings for an option like "Control external speakers" or "HDMI device control." If your TV remote does not work, use the soundbar remote instead.

For Bluetooth connections, volume is controlled by your phone or tablet, not the soundbar remote. The soundbar remote will not work when you are playing audio from a Bluetooth device. Switch back to your TV input to use the soundbar remote again.

Troubleshoot No Sound or Weak Audio

If you connect the soundbar but hear no sound, first check that the soundbar is powered on — look for a light on the front panel. Then check your TV's audio settings. Go to your TV's Settings menu, find Audio or Sound, and make sure the soundbar is selected as the output device, not the TV speakers. Some TVs call this "Speaker" or "Audio Output."

If the soundbar is selected but you still hear nothing, try unplugging the soundbar for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. This resets the connection. If you are using HDMI, also try a different HDMI port on your TV — not all ports support ARC.

If sound is very quiet, check the volume on both the soundbar and your TV. Some TVs mute the TV speakers when a soundbar is connected, but the TV's volume slider still affects the overall level. Turn up the TV volume to at least 20 to 30 percent, then adjust the soundbar remote from there.

Connect to WiFi for Samsung SmartThings App Control

Some Samsung soundbars can connect to your home WiFi network, which lets you control them from the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone. This is optional — your soundbar will work fine without it — but it is useful if you want to adjust volume or switch inputs from another room.

To connect to WiFi, press the Menu button on the soundbar remote and navigate to Network or WiFi settings. Select your home WiFi network and enter the password. The soundbar will connect within a few seconds. Once connected, open the SmartThings app on your phone, tap Add Device, and follow the prompts to add your soundbar.

WiFi connection does not replace your cable or Bluetooth connection — it works alongside them. Your soundbar still needs HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth to receive audio from your TV or phone. WiFi only adds remote control from the app.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not plug the soundbar into the TV's headphone jack. Headphone jacks are designed for low-power audio and will not give you the volume or sound quality you need. Use HDMI ARC, optical, or Bluetooth instead.

Do not place the soundbar in a cabinet or enclosed space. Soundbars need airflow to stay cool and sound their best. Place it on a shelf or stand in front of or below your TV, with at least a few inches of open space on all sides.

Do not forget to turn on the soundbar before you turn on the TV. If the soundbar is off when the TV starts, your TV may not detect it and will use its built-in speakers instead. Turn on the soundbar first, then the TV.

Do not use both HDMI and optical at the same time. If both cables are plugged in, your TV may send audio to only one of them, and you will not hear sound from the other. Choose one cable and unplug the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Samsung soundbar with a non-Samsung TV?

Yes. Samsung soundbars work with any TV that has HDMI ARC, eARC, or optical audio output. The brand of the TV does not matter. Connect the soundbar the same way you would with a Samsung TV — use HDMI ARC or optical cable, and select the soundbar as the audio output in your TV's settings.

Why does my soundbar keep disconnecting from Bluetooth?

Bluetooth range is usually 30 feet, but walls and interference from other devices can reduce it. Move your phone or tablet closer to the soundbar. Also, if the soundbar powers off or goes into standby mode, it may disconnect from Bluetooth. Check your soundbar settings for a sleep timer and disable it if you want Bluetooth to stay active.

Do I need to buy extra cables, or do they come with the soundbar?

Most Samsung soundbars include at least one HDMI or optical cable in the box. If your soundbar did not come with a cable, or if you need a longer one, you can buy HDMI or optical cables at any electronics store for under $15. Make sure the cable is rated for audio — standard HDMI cables work fine.

Can I connect my soundbar to multiple devices at once?

Your soundbar can be connected to your TV via HDMI or optical, and also paired to your phone via Bluetooth. However, it can only play audio from one source at a time. When you switch from TV to phone, you may need to manually select the Bluetooth input on the soundbar remote, depending on your model.

What if my TV does not have HDMI ARC or optical audio?

Older TVs sometimes lack both ports. In that case, you can use a Bluetooth connection if your TV has Bluetooth, though most TVs do not support audio over Bluetooth. Your other option is to use an HDMI audio extractor, a small device that plugs into any HDMI port and extracts the audio to send to the soundbar via optical or analog cables. These cost $20 to $40.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.