How to Connect Bluetooth Devices to a Samsung Smart TV

Samsung smart TVs let you pair Bluetooth devices like wireless headphones, speakers, game controllers and more. This allows you to enjoy enhanced audio, play games, and control your TV without wires.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to connect Bluetooth devices to your Samsung smart TV.

Pairing Bluetooth Devices with Newer Samsung TVs

Most 2016 to 2023 Samsung smart TV models have built-in Bluetooth capability that just needs to be set up. Follow these steps:

1. Check Bluetooth Compatibility

First, ensure your Samsung smart TV supports Bluetooth:

• From 2016-2023 – Most models from 2016 onwards have Bluetooth built-in.

• 2015 and earlier – Will need a Bluetooth adapter (covered below).

• Not sure? – Go to Settings > General > External Device Manager > Bluetooth to see if there is a Bluetooth menu.

2. Power On the Bluetooth Device

Turn on the Bluetooth device you want to connect. This can be wireless headphones, a Bluetooth speaker, game controller, or any other Bluetooth accessory.

Refer to the device’s manual for how to put it in Bluetooth pairing mode. It will usually involve pressing and holding a Pair button.

3. Enable Bluetooth Discovery on TV

On your TV remote:

1. Select Settings > General > External Device Manager.

2. Select Bluetooth > Bluetooth Device List.

3. Select Scan to make your TV visible to Bluetooth devices.

4. Select the Bluetooth Device

The TV will scan and display available Bluetooth devices in range. Highlight the device you want to connect and select Pair and connect.

Follow any pairing prompts on your device and TV to confirm the connection. The TV will indicate when pairing is successful.

5. Connected!

That’s it! Your Bluetooth device and Samsung TV are now wirelessly paired. Any audio played on the TV will output to the connected Bluetooth device.

Note that you only have to pair once. In the future, your devices will reconnect automatically when in range.

Pairing Bluetooth on Older Samsung TVs

Pre-2016 Samsung TVs do not have built-in Bluetooth. However, you can add Bluetooth capability with an external adapter.

1. Get a Samsung Bluetooth Adapter

You need to purchase a Samsung Bluetooth adapter:

• Samsung AA-BL2KNXAR Bluetooth Adapter

This plugs into the USB port on the back of your TV.

2. Plug In and Pair the Adapter

With your TV powered on:

1. Plug the Bluetooth adapter into an available USB port on the TV.

2. The adapter will automatically pair with the TV.

3. Now put your Bluetooth device in pairing mode.

4. Follow the pairing process in the previous section to connect it.

The Samsung adapter essentially adds Bluetooth support so you can pair headphones, speakers, etc.

Connecting Bluetooth Headphones to a Samsung TV

One of the most common uses for Bluetooth is to listen to your TV audio wirelessly through Bluetooth headphones or earbuds.

Here are some tips for using Bluetooth headphones with your Samsung TV:

• For the best experience, opt for headphones with lower latency like aptX HD or aptX Low Latency. This reduces lag or delay between video and audio.

• Make sure your headphones are charged before pairing. Check the battery level if you experience problems with the Bluetooth connection.

• Pair your headphones when they are within 1-3 feet of the TV for best results.

• You can pair multiple headphones. The TV will output audio to the last paired headphones when powered on.

• If your headphones disconnect, manually re-pair them using the steps provided.

Bluetooth headphones free you to watch TV late at night without disturbing others. They’re also great for exercising while watching TV.

Connecting Bluetooth Speakers to the Samsung TV

You may want to pair Bluetooth speakers to your Samsung TV to stream TV audio into the room without running wires.

Here are some top tips for using Bluetooth speakers with your TV:

• For the best audio quality, choose speakers that support high quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX or AAC.

• Try to position your speakers within 15 feet of the TV to maintain a strong connection.

• You can pair multiple speakers for multi-room TV audio. The sound will play from the last connected speaker.

• Make sure your speakers are set as the TV audio output. Go to Settings > Sound > Sound Output and select your speaker.

• If your speakers disconnect, re-pair them to the TV using the steps provided.

Bluetooth speakers provide great flexibility for getting TV sound where you want it without hassling with wires.

Connecting Bluetooth Gaming Controllers

Many Bluetooth gaming controllers and accessories can pair with Samsung TVs, allowing you to play games directly on the TV.

Follow these tips for using Bluetooth controllers:

• Samsung TVs support popular Bluetooth controllers like PlayStation DualShock and Xbox Wireless Controllers.

• Make sure your controller is within 10 feet for reliable connectivity. Closer is better.

• After pairing, press the PS button on PlayStation controllers and the Xbox button on Xbox controllers to reconnect.

• Fully charge your controller before pairing and check the battery level if you have connection issues.

• If the controller won’t pair, try putting it in pairing mode again. Refer to its manual for how.

With Bluetooth controllers paired to your TV, you can enjoy casual gaming on the big screen.

Connecting Other Bluetooth Devices

In addition to the examples above, there are other great ways to use Bluetooth with your Samsung TV:

• Bluetooth keyboards – Pair a keyboard for easier text entry in apps and web browsing.

• Bluetooth remotes – Control your TV with a Bluetooth remote app on your smartphone.

• Headsets for calls – Answer voice calls through apps using Bluetooth headsets.

• Soundbars – Connect a Samsung soundbar to your TV wirelessly over Bluetooth.

• Smart home devices – Control smart home devices like lights and thermostats from your TV.

So get creative with Bluetooth! If a device says it supports Bluetooth, you can likely pair it to your Samsung TV.

Tips for Troubleshooting Bluetooth Problems

Bluetooth should work reliably once paired, but occasionally issues pop up. Try these troubleshooting tips:

Device won’t pair:

• Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on the TV under Settings > General > External Device Manager > Bluetooth.

• Try putting the device in pairing mode again. Refer to its manual if unsure how.

• Restart the Bluetooth device and the TV then try pairing again.

Choppy audio:

• Ensure your Bluetooth device is within range – closer is better.

• Make sure the Bluetooth device has enough battery charge.

• Remove obstructions and interference between the devices.

Random disconnections:

• Put the device in pairing mode and reconnect it to the TV.

• Check for low battery on the Bluetooth device.

• Try power cycling both the TV and Bluetooth device.

Other issues:

• Check for a software update on the TV and Bluetooth device. Install if available.

• As a last resort, reset the TV to factory settings and try pairing again.

Following proper pairing steps usually prevents issues. But if problems arise, these tips should help get your Bluetooth working again.

Enjoy the Freedom of Bluetooth Connectivity

The ability to pair Bluetooth accessories makes your Samsung TV even more versatile. Once connected, you can experience:

• Wireless audio through headphones and speakers
• Controller-based gaming on the big screen
• Cable-free interaction with apps
• Remote control from your smartphone

So if your Samsung TV has Bluetooth, make sure to take advantage of this useful feature. Refer to this guide if you need any help with the pairing and setup process. Then start enjoying your favorite entertainment with the freedom of Bluetooth!