How to Connect a Soundbar to a Samsung TV

Last Update date : May 06. 2024

Although the sound quality of the built-in speakers of the Samsung Smart TV are top-notch, adding a wireless or Bluetooth speaker or connecting your TV to a soundbar can enhance the audio output for maximum immersion in movies and games. Experience your Smart TV to the fullest with richer sound and increased audio quality. Find the most suitable connection method by referring to the steps below. 

Image of QN90D TV with Q990D soundbar

Using an HDMI cable to connect your soundbar to the TV will give you the best audio quality. HDMI cables transmit sound digitally and the digital audio signal travels both ways which will improve the sound quality and latency of the signal. Follow the steps below to connect your soundbar to the TV.

Connect your Soundbar to your TV via HDMI Cable Connect your Soundbar to your TV via HDMI Cable
1 Connect your TV and Soundbar with a HDMI cable
2 Turn on your soundbar and TV
3 Press the multi function icon Multi-function button on the soundbar to select D.IN mode. The screen displays D.IN and TV eARC/ARC in sequence

Note: If TV eARC/ARC does not appear in the display window of the Soundbar main unit, confirm that the HDMI cable is connected to the correct port. To learn more about using HDMI eARC, head to our guide, What is eARC and how to set on Samsung Smart TV.

tv connecting hdmi earc
4 Press the Home button on your remote control and then head to Settings

Note: Images were taken from a 2023 model TV. Steps and layout may differ depending on the model of your TV.

Select Settings
5 Navigate to All Settings
Navigate to All Settings
6 Choose Sound and then Sound Output
Select Sound then Sound Output
7 Select your soundbar HDMI connection
select soundbar HDMI connection

A Bluetooth connection doesn't produce the same sound quality as HDMI but it's loved because of the advantage of being wireless. The main challenge with Bluetooth is that the connection can be unstable due to external factors like a power outage or other electric devices. Bluetooth is still a nice and easy option to have.

Connect your Soundbar to your TV via Bluetooth Connect your Soundbar to your TV via Bluetooth
1 Press the Source button on the soundbar to BT Pairing or the Pair button on your Soundbar remote
BT Pairing
2 Press the Home button on your remote control and then head to Settings

Note: Images were taken from a 2023 model TV. Steps and layout may differ depending on the model of your TV.

Select Settings
3 Navigate to All Settings
Navigate to All Settings
4 Choose Sound and then Sound Output
Select Sound then Sound Output
5 Choose Bluetooth Speaker List
Select your soundbar
6 Select your soundbar and then Pair and Connect
Choose Pair and COnnect
Connect your Soundbar to the SmartThings App Connect your Soundbar to the SmartThings App
Benefits of using Wi-Fi
  • Wider range: Wi-Fi allows you a wider range than Bluetooth. In general, a Bluetooth connection is only possible within 30 feet. However, Wi-Fi relies only on the strength of the Wi-Fi signal, so if your devices are within the network, you can play music.
  • Multiple connections: When you use Wi-Fi, you can connect multiple soundbars to your network. It is possible because of the wide range of Wi-Fi. Therefore, you can use Wireless Audio 360 systems simultaneously and enjoy a high quality sound.
connect with wifi

Note: 

  • We recommend to use devices with Android 6.0 and higher or iOS 10.0 and higher to access features supported in the SmartThings app.
  • For 2016 - 2018 TV models, if you select Wi-Fi mode when the TV is turned on, the automatic connection method will be displayed on the screen.
  • The TV and Soundbar must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network

Add your Soundbar to the SmartThings app

Follow the steps below to connect your Soundbar to the SmartThings app.

1. Download the SmartThings App on your device's Play/App Store and install it on your phone

2. Open the SmartThings App

3. Select Devices and then press on the ‘+’ button

4. Choose Add device

5. Choose Add under Samsung devices

6. Select Soundbar

7. Once your soundbar appears, select it

8. Press the Volume Down button on the soundbar to connect

9. Select your Wi-Fi network

10. Your soundbar has successfully connected to the SmartThings app! You can change its location, room or set it as your favourite.

Using an optical cable is a great way to connect your soundbar to the TV. This type of cable transmits digital sound so you can hear every detail.

Connect your Soundbar to your TV via Optical Cable Connect your Soundbar to your TV via Optical Cable
1 Turn on the TV and Soundbar
2 Connect one end of a digital optical cable to the OPTICAL OUT port on the TV and the other end to the DIGITAL AUDIO IN (OPTICAL) port on the soundbar
connect with an optical cable
3 Press the multi function icon Multi-function button on the soundbar to select D.IN mode
4 Press the Home button on your remote control and then head to Settings

Note: Images were taken from a 2023 model TV. Steps and layout may differ depending on the model of your TV.

Select Settings
5 Navigate to All Settings
Navigate to All Settings
6 Choose Sound and then Sound Output
Select Sound then Sound Output
7 Choose Receiver (Optical)
Choose Receiver (optical)

If you would like to learn how to connect the subwoofer instead, head to Connect the Subwoofer to your Samsung Soundbar.  

For further assistance, please contact our Chat Support or technical experts on 1300 362 603. To find your Samsung product's User Manual, head to Manuals & Downloads.

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