The fastest way: HDMI eARC or optical cable

Most Samsung soundbars connect to Samsung TVs using one of two cables. The easiest is HDMI eARC — a single cable that carries both picture and sound, and lets your TV remote control the soundbar volume. If your TV and soundbar both have an eARC port (usually labeled on the back), this is the route to use.

If eARC is not available, use an optical cable (also called TOSLINK or S/PDIF). This is a thin fiber-optic cord that carries sound only. It is slower to set up than eARC but works on older models and is more reliable on some systems. Both cables cost under $15.

Bluetooth is a third option, but it introduces delay between the picture and sound on most TVs, so it is best avoided for regular watching. Use it only if the other two routes are not available.

Key Takeaways

  • HDMI eARC is the fastest connection and lets your TV remote control soundbar volume without extra steps.
  • Optical cable is the backup option if your TV or soundbar lacks eARC, and it works just as well for sound quality.
  • After plugging in the cable, you must tell your TV to send sound to the soundbar through the audio settings menu.
  • If sound still does not come through, check that the soundbar input is set to match the cable you used (HDMI or Optical).

Setting up HDMI eARC step by step

Locate the eARC port on the back of your TV. On Samsung TVs, this is usually the HDMI port labeled "eARC" or "ARC" — check your TV manual if you are unsure which one. Plug one end of an HDMI cable into that port and the other end into the eARC port on your soundbar.

Turn on both the TV and soundbar. On your TV remote, press the Menu button and navigate to Sound or Audio settings. Look for an option called "Sound Output" or "Speaker Settings." Select it and choose "External Speaker" or the name of your soundbar model. Your TV should detect the soundbar automatically within a few seconds.

Test the connection by playing a video or turning up the volume with your TV remote. If you hear sound from the soundbar, the setup is complete. If not, move to the troubleshooting section below.

Setting up an optical cable connection

Plug the optical cable into the optical port on the back of your TV. This port is usually a small square opening with a red or black cover. Insert the cable firmly until you hear a click. Plug the other end into the optical input on your soundbar.

Turn on both devices. On your TV remote, press Menu and go to Sound or Audio settings. Select "Sound Output" and choose "Optical" or "External Speaker." Your TV may take a few seconds to recognize the soundbar.

On the soundbar itself, press the Input or Source button on the remote or the soundbar panel until the display shows "Optical" or "D.In" (digital input). Play a video to test. You should hear sound from the soundbar. If the volume is very low or there is no sound, check the troubleshooting section.

Why there is no sound and how to fix it

The most common reason sound does not come through is that your TV is still set to play audio through its own speakers. Go back to Sound or Audio settings on your TV and confirm that "Sound Output" is set to External Speaker or your soundbar name, not TV Speaker.

The second most common issue is that the soundbar input does not match the cable. If you used an optical cable, make sure the soundbar is set to Optical input, not HDMI. If you used eARC, the soundbar should be set to HDMI. Press the Input button on the soundbar remote to cycle through options until the correct one is selected.

If you still hear nothing, unplug both devices for 30 seconds, then plug them back in and repeat the audio settings steps. Sometimes a power reset clears a connection error. If sound works but is very quiet, check that the soundbar volume is turned up — the TV remote may not control it if the connection is not fully recognized.

Controlling soundbar volume with your TV remote

With HDMI eARC, your TV remote should control the soundbar volume automatically once the connection is set up. Press the volume buttons on your TV remote and watch the soundbar display to confirm the volume is changing.

With an optical cable, your TV remote will not control the soundbar volume. You must use the soundbar remote or the buttons on the soundbar itself to adjust sound. This is a limitation of the optical connection and cannot be changed.

If you have eARC set up but your TV remote does not control the soundbar, go back to Sound settings and look for an option called "HDMI Device Link" or "Anynet+" and turn it on. This setting allows your TV to communicate with the soundbar.

Connecting a Samsung soundbar without a cable

If you do not have an eARC or optical port, or if the cables are not available, you can use Bluetooth. Press the Bluetooth button on your soundbar remote or hold it for three seconds until the soundbar enters pairing mode (usually shown by a blinking light).

On your TV remote, go to Sound settings and look for "Bluetooth Speaker" or "Wireless Speaker." Select your soundbar from the list. The TV will pair with it and remember the connection for future use.

Bluetooth works, but it often introduces a delay between the picture and sound, especially on older Samsung models. This is noticeable during movies and can be distracting. Use this method only if cable connections are not possible.

Checking your TV and soundbar ports

Before you buy a cable, check what ports are on the back of both devices. Look for the labels on the ports themselves or in the manual that came with each device. Most Samsung TVs made in the last five years have eARC. Most Samsung soundbars have both eARC and optical.

If your TV is older than 2016, it may have only an optical port. If your soundbar is very basic or entry-level, it may have only Bluetooth and optical. Knowing what you have before you start saves time and prevents buying the wrong cable.

The manual for your specific model is the most reliable source. You can find it on the Samsung website by searching for your model number, which is printed on a sticker on the back of the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both eARC and optical at the same time?

No. Your TV will send sound through only one output at a time. Choose the one that works best and leave the other unplugged. If you switch cables later, you must go back to Sound settings and change the output selection.

Why does my soundbar keep disconnecting from Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is less stable than a wired connection, especially if other wireless devices are nearby. Move the soundbar closer to the TV, away from routers and microwaves. If disconnections continue, switch to a cable connection instead.

Do I need a special HDMI cable for eARC?

No. Any standard HDMI cable works with eARC. You do not need to buy an expensive "eARC cable." A basic cable under $10 is fine.

What if my soundbar has no eARC port?

Use an optical cable instead. It carries sound just as well and is often more reliable on older soundbars. Optical cables are inexpensive and widely available.

Can I control the soundbar with my phone?

Some Samsung soundbars have a companion app that lets you adjust volume and input from your phone over WiFi or Bluetooth. Check the Samsung SmartThings app or the soundbar manual to see if your model supports this.