How to Pair a Samsung Soundbar to a Samsung TV

Adding a Samsung soundbar to your Samsung TV creates an immersive audio experience. Thankfully, pairing the two devices is quick and easy using either a wired or wireless connection.

This guide covers:

• Connecting with HDMI ARC
• Pairing via Bluetooth
• Linking through Wi-Fi
• Using optical cable
• Troubleshooting pairing issues

So whether you choose wired or wireless, you’ll learn how to seamlessly sync your Samsung soundbar and TV.

Connect a Samsung Soundbar to a Samsung TV with HDMI ARC

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is the ideal way to connect a soundbar to a TV. Here’s how to pair using HDMI on Samsung devices:

Step 1: Get an HDMI Cable

Use a high-speed HDMI cable to link the soundbar and Samsung TV. Standard HDMI cables work but may not support higher resolutions.

Step 2: Connect to TV’s HDMI ARC Port

Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI IN (ARC) port on the back of the TV. This port has “ARC” next to it.

Step 3: Connect to Soundbar’s HDMI ARC Port

Connect the other end of the cable to the HDMI OUT (ARC) port on your soundbar.

Step 4: Turn On CEC

On your Samsung TV, go to Settings > General > External Device Manager and enable Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC).

Step 5: Change Sound Output to HDMI ARC

Under Settings > Sound > Sound Output, choose HDMI ARC as the audio output.

The TV screen may temporarily go black as it syncs the soundbar audio. Now both video and audio are routed through the single HDMI cable for a hassle-free connection.

Pair a Samsung Soundbar and TV via Bluetooth

If your devices are Bluetooth compatible, wireless pairing is quick and easy:

Step 1: Put Soundbar in Pairing Mode

On the soundbar, press the Source or BT/Bluetooth button until the display reads “Ready” or “Pairing”.

Step 2: Search for Soundbar

Go to Settings > Sound > Sound Output on your TV. Choose Bluetooth Speaker List and select your soundbar when it appears.

Step 3: Select Pair and Connect

With the soundbar found, choose Pair and Connect on your TV. Once successfully linked, audio will stream over Bluetooth.

So Bluetooth provides a wireless option, but the range is limited to about 30 feet.

Link a Samsung TV and Soundbar via Wi-Fi

For extended wireless range, connect your Samsung soundbar and TV via Wi-Fi:

Step 1: Set Soundbar to Wi-Fi Mode

On the soundbar, press the Source button until “Wi-Fi” mode appears.

Step 2: Connect Devices to Same Wi-Fi

Ensure both the TV and soundbar are on and connected to the same wireless network.

Step 3: Download SmartThings App

Download the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone or tablet through the iOS or Android app stores.

Step 4: Open SmartThings App

Launch the SmartThings app and tap the (+) icon to add devices.

Step 5: Select Soundbar

Tap “Device” and select your Samsung soundbar from the list of devices.

Step 6: Follow Setup Prompts

The app will walk through connecting your phone and soundbar. Just follow the on-screen setup prompts.

Once paired, you’ll hear TV audio wirelessly over Wi-Fi for full coverage.

Use an Optical Cable to Connect Samsung Soundbar

If your devices don’t support HDMI ARC or lack Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, you can use an optical cable:

Step 1: Get Optical Cable

Obtain a TOSLINK optical cable, also called a digital optical cable.

Step 2: Plug Into TV Optical Out

With both devices powered on, connect one end of the optical cable into the OPTICAL OUT port on the TV.

Step 3: Connect to Soundbar Optical In

Plug the other end of the optical cable into the OPTICAL IN port on the soundbar.

Step 4: Select TV’s Optical Audio Out

On your Samsung TV, go to Settings > Sound > Sound Output and select Audio Out/Optical.

Now the TV and soundbar will share digital audio over the optical connection.

Troubleshooting Tips for Pairing a Samsung Soundbar

If you’re having trouble linking your Samsung soundbar to your Samsung TV, try these tips:

• Update both devices to the latest firmware, as pairing issues are often fixed in updates.

• Re-scan for available Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networks if your soundbar isn’t showing up.

• Move devices closer together if connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

• Try rebooting both the TV and soundbar if they fail to connect.

• Factory reset one or both devices and try pairing again from scratch.

• Switch pairing methods if needed – use optical instead of HDMI ARC, for example.

• Contact Samsung support if you need additional help troubleshooting.

So in most cases, you can get your Samsung devices happily paired with a little trial and error.

Enjoy an Immersive Home Theater Experience

Pairing your Samsung soundbar and TV is just the first step towards an incredible entertainment setup.

Here are more tips to maximize your viewing and listening experience:

• Position the soundbar centrally below the TV for balanced audio.

• Mount the TV and soundbar neatly to the wall to save space.

• Add rear wireless speakers for surround sound if your soundbar supports it.

• Connect a Samsung subwoofer for richer bass if your model has the subwoofer port.

• Use the SmartThings app to easily adjust settings and switch modes.

• Take advantage of presets like Movie Mode or Adaptive Sound for one-touch sound optimization.

Finally, calibrate audio settings like bass, treble, and EQ to fine tune your listening experience. Enjoy immersive cinematic sound thanks to your synced Samsung devices!