How to Turn On Bluetooth on Your Samsung TV

Finding and Enabling Bluetooth on Your Samsung TV

To turn on Bluetooth on a Samsung TV, go to Settings, select Sound, then choose Sound Output or Speaker Settings. Look for a Bluetooth Speaker List or Bluetooth Audio option and toggle it on. The exact menu names vary slightly depending on your TV model and software version, but this path works on most Samsung TVs made in the last five years.

Once Bluetooth is enabled, your TV will search for nearby devices. Make sure the device you want to connect — a soundbar, headphones, or speaker — is in pairing mode and within 10 feet of the TV. The TV will display a list of available devices; select the one you want to pair with.

Key Takeaways

Bluetooth is turned on through Settings > Sound > Sound Output or Speaker Settings, depending on your model year.
Your external device must be in pairing mode and within 10 feet of the TV for the connection to work.
Once paired, the device will usually reconnect automatically the next time you turn on your TV.
If your TV does not show a Bluetooth option in the Sound menu, your model may not support Bluetooth audio output.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Different Samsung TV Models

The path to Bluetooth settings differs slightly between Samsung TV generations. On newer models (2020 and later), press the Home button on your remote, navigate to Settings (the gear icon), then go to Sound > Sound Output. You should see Bluetooth Speaker List near the bottom of that menu.

On older Samsung TVs (2015–2019), the route is Settings > Sound > Speaker Settings > Bluetooth Audio. If you cannot find these exact labels, check your TV's manual or search the settings menu for the word "Bluetooth" — the search function is usually accessible from the Settings home screen.

If you own a Samsung Frame TV, QLED, or Neo QLED model, the Bluetooth menu is typically in the same location as newer standard models. However, some Samsung TVs sold in specific regions or older budget models do not have Bluetooth audio output built in, even though they may support Bluetooth for remote controls or other accessories.

Putting Your Device in Pairing Mode

Before your TV can find your Bluetooth device, that device must be in pairing mode. For most wireless speakers and soundbars, hold the power button or a dedicated pairing button for 3 to 5 seconds until you see a blinking light — usually blue or white. For Bluetooth headphones, the process is similar: hold the power button longer than a normal power-on until the light flashes rapidly.

Check your device's manual if you are unsure how to enter pairing mode. Some devices have a separate button labeled "Pair" or "Connect." Once pairing mode is active, your device will stay discoverable for about 2 to 3 minutes, so start the TV's Bluetooth search right away.

Completing the Pairing and Testing the Connection

After you enable Bluetooth on your TV and put your device in pairing mode, the TV will display a list of available devices. Select your device from the list — it will usually appear by brand name or a custom name you set earlier. The TV will then attempt to pair; this takes 10 to 30 seconds.

Once paired, play a sound or video on your TV to confirm the audio is coming from the Bluetooth device, not the TV's built-in speakers. If you hear nothing, check that the Bluetooth device's volume is turned up and that it is not muted. If the pairing failed, restart both the TV and the Bluetooth device, then try again.

Switching Back to TV Speakers or Changing Bluetooth Devices

To stop using a Bluetooth device and return to your TV's built-in speakers, go back to Settings > Sound > Sound Output (or Speaker Settings) and select TV Speaker instead of your Bluetooth device. The TV will when ready switch audio output.

To connect a different Bluetooth device, go to the Bluetooth Speaker List and select the new device. Your TV will forget the old pairing and connect to the new one. If you want to remove a device entirely so it no longer appears in the list, look for a Remove or Forget option next to the device name — not all Samsung models show this, but newer ones do.

Common Reasons Bluetooth Will Not Turn On

If the Bluetooth option does not appear in your Sound settings, your TV model may not support Bluetooth audio output. Some Samsung TVs have Bluetooth for remote controls or mobile apps but not for speakers or headphones. Check your TV's specifications on Samsung's website or in your manual to confirm whether audio Bluetooth is included.

Another common issue is that the Bluetooth device is too far away or not in pairing mode. Move the device closer to the TV — within 10 feet — and make sure the pairing light is blinking. Walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices (like WiFi routers or microwaves) can also interfere with the signal, so try moving the TV and device away from these obstacles.

If your TV has Bluetooth but it is not working, restart both devices. Unplug the TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and restart your Bluetooth device as well. This clears temporary connection errors that sometimes prevent pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Bluetooth headphones with my Samsung TV?

Yes, if your TV supports Bluetooth audio output. Follow the same steps to pair headphones as you would a speaker. Once connected, audio will play through the headphones instead of the TV speakers. Some Samsung TVs allow you to use multiple Bluetooth devices at once, though this varies by model.

Why does my Bluetooth device disconnect when I turn off the TV?

This is normal behavior. When the TV powers off, it stops broadcasting the Bluetooth signal, so the device disconnects. When you turn the TV back on, it will usually reconnect automatically if the device is nearby and powered on. If it does not reconnect, manually select it from the Bluetooth Speaker List again.

Do I have to pair my Bluetooth device every time I use it?

No. Once you pair a device, the TV remembers it. The next time you turn on both the TV and the Bluetooth device, they will reconnect automatically without any action from you. You only need to pair once, unless you remove the device from the TV's memory.

What if my Samsung TV is very old — does it have Bluetooth?

Most Samsung TVs from 2015 onward have some form of Bluetooth, but older models may not support Bluetooth audio output. Check your TV's manual or Samsung's support website by entering your model number. If your TV does not have Bluetooth, you can still connect a soundbar or speaker using an HDMI cable or optical audio cable instead.

Can I connect multiple Bluetooth speakers to my Samsung TV at the same time?

Most Samsung TVs can only output audio to one Bluetooth device at a time. If you want to switch to a different speaker, you must go back to the Sound settings and select the new device. Some newer QLED models may support multiple connections, but this is not standard across all Samsung TVs.

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.