When connecting the Samsung Soundbar to a Samsung TV, you have a choice of several methods. You can use HDMI, optical cable, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. All of these methods are quite simple and will not require any complicated steps.
In the case of HDMI, you need to disconnect both of them. Then plug the HDMI cable into the HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connectors on each device and turn them on. Samsung TV should automatically switch to your Soundbar.
With the optical cable, the instructions are similar. You simply plug the cable into the correct port. However, usually, for an optical cable, you will need to switch the audio output manually. You need to go to Settings on your Samsung TV to do this. There, select Sound and then go to Sound Output. Among the different outputs, select Optical.
If you are looking for a wireless connection, you can use Bluetooth. To do this, put your Samsung Soundbar into pairing mode according to the user manual. Next, on your Samsung TV, open the settings and go to Sound Output. From the list, select Bluetooth Speaker List and wait for your Samsung TV to find your Soundbar and display it in the list. After that, simply select the soundbar from the list.
In case of a Wi-Fi connection, you will need to use your smartphone or tablet with the Samsung SmartThings app. You need to log in to the app and add a new device (your soundbar). After that, if your smartphone and Samsung TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, the soundbar will appear in the list of available Sound outputs.
Let’s go through each method in detail with pictures and step-by-step instructions.
How to connect Samsung Soundbar to Samsung TV via HDMI
Before starting the connection process, ensure that both your Samsung TV and soundbar have HDMI ports. Most modern Samsung TVs and soundbars come equipped with HDMI connections. However, some soundbars only support wireless connections.
Connecting a Samsung Soundbar to a Samsung TV via HDMI is a straightforward and popular method. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Obtain an HDMI cable long enough to reach your TV to your soundbar. Using a high-quality HDMI cable for optimal audio and video transmission is recommended.
- Locate the HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port on both your Samsung TV and soundbar. The HDMI ARC port is usually labeled as “ARC.”
- Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI ARC port on your soundbar. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI ARC port on your Samsung TV.
- Turn on your Samsung TV and Soundbar.
- With both your Samsung TV and soundbar powered on, set the Source to HDMI on your soundbar using the soundbar remote control or on-body buttons.
- Play some audio or video content to ensure the sound comes from the soundbar.
That’s it! You have successfully connected your Samsung Soundbar to your Samsung TV using an HDMI cable. Enjoy the enhanced audio experience while watching your favorite movies, shows, or playing games.
Note: In some cases, you may need to adjust the audio settings on your TV to ensure that the sound is properly routed to the soundbar. Refer to your TV’s user manual for specific instructions on selecting the audio output device.
How to connect Samsung Soundbar to Samsung TV via optical cable
To connect a Samsung Soundbar to a Samsung TV using an optical cable, follow these steps:
- Ensure that both your Samsung Soundbar and Samsung TV are turned on.
- Change the source on the soundbar to the D.IN. setting.
- Locate the optical audio output on your Samsung TV. It is usually labeled “Optical Out” and is a square-shaped port with a small flap or cover.
- Take one end of the optical cable and insert it into the optical audio output port on your Samsung TV. Make sure it is inserted securely.
- Locate the optical audio input on your Samsung Soundbar. It is usually labeled “Digital Audio In” and may be located at the back or side of the Soundbar.
- Take the other end of the optical cable and insert it into the optical audio input port on your Samsung Soundbar. Again, ensure that it is inserted securely.
- On your Samsung TV, navigate to the “Settings” menu.
- In the settings menu, look for the “Sound“ options.
- Then select “Sound Output.”
- Within the audio settings, locate the output options and select “Optical” or “Audio Out” as the audio output method.
- Adjust the volume on both the TV and the Soundbar to a comfortable level.
Test the connection by playing audio or video on your Samsung TV. The sound should now be coming from the Soundbar. If you have followed these steps correctly, you should have successfully connected your Samsung Soundbar to your Samsung TV using an optical cable. Enjoy your enhanced audio experience!
How to connect Samsung Soundbar to Samsung TV via Bluetooth
To connect your Samsung Soundbar to a Samsung TV using Bluetooth, follow these simple steps:
- Ensure that both your Samsung Soundbar and Samsung TV are turned on and placed near each other.
- Put your Samsung Soundbar into pairing mode by pressing the Source or Bluetooth button on your soundbar. Then, set the soundbar to the “BT” (Bluetooth) setting. After a few seconds, the display will either show “BT PAIRING” or “BT READY,” indicating that it is ready for the pairing process.
- Once “BT READY” is displayed, press and hold the Source button on the soundbar for at least 5 seconds. This action will prompt the display to show “BT PAIRING,” indicating that the soundbar is actively searching for a device to pair with.
- Using your Samsung TV remote, press the Home button to access the Smart Hub menu.
- Navigate to the “Settings” option using the arrow keys on the remote and select it.
- Look for the “Sound Settings” within the Settings menu and choose it.
- In the Sound Settings menu, locate and select “Sound Output.”
- Find the option labeled “Bluetooth Speaker List” and select it.
- The TV will now start searching for available Bluetooth devices.
- Once the Samsung TV detects your Soundbar in the Bluetooth device list, select it to establish the connection.
If you encounter any issues, you can try to disconnect the power cord of the external speaker and reconnect it. Or delete all speakers from the Bluetooth speaker list on the TV, search for your Bluetooth speaker again, and reconnect.
It’s important to note that Bluetooth connections may have limitations compared to HDMI in terms of sound quality, and they can be susceptible to interference from external factors.
How to connect Samsung Soundbar to Samsung TV via Wi-Fi
If your Soundbar supports a Wi-Fi connection, I recommend you use it. Since Wi-Fi is able to keep a more stable signal and transmit higher-quality sound than Bluetooth. To connect your Samsung Soundbar to your Samsung TV, you need:
- Start by ensuring that your Samsung Soundbar is set to Wi-Fi mode. You can activate Wi-Fi mode by either pressing the dedicated Wi-Fi button on the back of the soundbar or using the remote control’s Source button to select Wi-Fi as the input source.
- If you own a 2016-2018 TV model, enabling Wi-Fi mode while the TV is on will prompt an automatic connection method to be displayed on the screen.
- Connect your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network that your Samsung TV is connected to.
- Download and install the Samsung SmartThings app from your app store onto your mobile device. (Google Play, App Store)
- Launch the SmartThings app on your mobile device and tap the Add icon (+) to initiate the setup process.
- Select “Add Device” as the primary option on the screen to proceed.
- Select the appropriate soundbar brand from the available choices, either Samsung or Samsung Harman Kardon, by tapping “AV” and then “Soundbar”.
- Tap “Start” to begin the connection process, and follow the on-screen instructions to specify the soundbar’s location and room. Your mobile device will conduct a search and establish a connection with the soundbar.
- On your Samsung TV, navigate to the Settings menu.
- Within the Settings menu, locate and select “Sound”, and then choose “Sound Output”.
- From the provided options, select “[your soundbar name (Wi-Fi)]” as the preferred sound output method.
By following these unique and rewritten steps, you will successfully connect your Samsung Soundbar to your Samsung TV using the Wi-Fi connection. Enjoy the convenience of a wireless setup, which offers an extended range and the ability to connect multiple devices to enhance your TV audio experience.
Please bear in mind that the exact steps might slightly differ based on the specific models of your Samsung Soundbar and TV.
