With the advancement in home entertainment systems, soundbars have become a popular choice for enhancing audio quality while watching TV.
If your Samsung TV lacks an HDMI eARC or ARC port, using an optical cable is a reliable alternative to connect your soundbar.
In this guide, I will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free setup of your Samsung TV using optical Cable.
How To Connect Soundbar To Samsung Tv Using Optical Cable
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials:
- Samsung TV
- Soundbar
- Optical cable
- TV remote
- Soundbar remote
- TV owner’s guide (for reference, if needed)
Step 2: Prepare the Optical Cable
The optical cable is a delicate piece of equipment, so handle it with care. Follow these steps:
Remove the protective cap from both ends of the optical cable. Be cautious, as inserting the plug with the cap attached can damage the plug and/or the port.
Hold the plug at one end of the optical cable, making sure you have a firm grip.
Insert one end of the optical cable into your TV’s Optical OUT port. Be cautious not to force it, and make sure it is inserted in the correct orientation to avoid damage.
Holding the plug at the other end of the optical cable, align it with the soundbar’s OPTICAL IN port.
Insert the plug carefully into the soundbar’s OPTICAL IN port. Note that the port may have a hinged door that swings inward when inserting the plug.
Step 3: Power On and Configure Your Devices
Now that the physical connection is established, it’s time to power on and configure your devices.
Power on your Samsung TV using the TV remote.
Navigate to the audio settings in your TV’s menu and turn off the TV speakers. Refer to your TV owner’s guide for more specific information on accessing audio settings.
If you are using a cable/satellite box or another secondary source, power on that source and select the appropriate TV input.
Power on the soundbar. You should hear sound coming from the soundbar, indicating a successful connection.
NB/ Despite connecting your soundbar to your Samsung tv with Optical cable, there are other methods through which you can establish a secure connection. This is through using
Bluetooth Connection
Using Wi-Fi Connection
So how do you complete these two connections successfully? Continue reading.
How To Connect Soundbar To Samsung Tv Using Bluetooth Connection
Before delving into the connection process, it’s essential to understand the advantages and challenges associated with a Bluetooth connection.
While Bluetooth lacks the audio fidelity of optical cable, it compensates with the convenience of wireless connectivity.
Users appreciate the absence of cable clutter and the freedom to place their soundbars anywhere within the Bluetooth range.
However, the main challenge lies in potential connection instability, which can be affected by external factors such as power outages or interference from other electronic devices.
Also Read… TV with Sound But No Picture
Step 1: Activate Bluetooth Pairing Mode on the Soundbar
The first step in connecting your soundbar to your Samsung TV is to activate the Bluetooth pairing mode on the soundbar. Follow these instructions:
- Press the Source button on the soundbar.
- Set the soundbar to the “BT” setting.
- Wait for “BT” to automatically change to “BT PAIRING” within a few seconds or to “BT READY” if a connection record exists.
- When “BT READY” appears, press and hold the Source button on the soundbar for more than 5 seconds to display “BT PAIRING.”
This initiates the soundbar’s Bluetooth pairing mode, making it discoverable for other devices, including your Samsung TV.
Step 2: Access Bluetooth Settings on Your Samsung TV
Now that your soundbar is in Bluetooth pairing mode, it’s time to configure your Samsung TV to establish the connection. Follow these steps:
- Navigate to Settings on your Samsung TV.
- Select Sound and then choose Sound Output.
Step 3: Connect to the Soundbar
With your TV’s sound output settings open, proceed to connect to the soundbar. Follow these final steps:
- Select Bluetooth Speaker List from the menu. A list of available Bluetooth devices, including your soundbar, will appear.
- Select your soundbar from the list.
- Choose the option to Pair and Connect.
How To Connect Soundbar To Samsung Tv Using Wi-Fi Method
Step 1: Access Wi-Fi Mode on the Soundbar
To initiate the connection, start by selecting the Wi-Fi mode on your soundbar. This can be done by clicking the Source button on the back of the soundbar or using the remote control to navigate to the Source option and choosing Wi-Fi mode.
For TVs manufactured between 2016 and 2018, selecting Wi-Fi mode with the TV turned on will prompt an automatic connection method to appear on the screen.
Step 2: Connect Your Mobile Device to the Same Wi-Fi Network
Ensure that your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network that your Samsung TV is using. This is a crucial step for the proper synchronization between devices.
Also Read… How To Connect Bose Soundbar To Phone
Step 3: Download Samsung SmartThings App
To facilitate the connection process, download the Samsung SmartThings app on your mobile device.
This app serves as the bridge between your TV, soundbar, and mobile device, streamlining the setup process.
Step 4: Open SmartThings App and Add Device
Launch the SmartThings app on your mobile device and tap the Add icon (+) to initiate the device addition process. Select “Device,” the first option on the screen.
Step 5: Choose AV and Soundbar Brand
In the device selection menu, tap on “AV” and choose the brand of your soundbar – Samsung or Samsung Harman Kardon. Subsequently, select the device type as “Soundbar.”
Step 6: Start and Configure Connection
Tap “Start” to begin the device discovery process. Choose the location and room for the soundbar on your mobile device. The app will then search for the soundbar and establish a connection.
Step 7: Navigate TV Settings
Shift your attention to the TV and navigate to the Settings menu.
Step 8: Select Sound and Sound Output
Within the Settings menu, select “Sound” and then navigate to “Sound Output.”
Step 9: Choose Wi-Fi
Among the available options for sound output, select “Wi-Fi.” This choice ensures that the TV routes the audio through the Wi-Fi-connected soundbar.
Also Read… How To Connect Blaupunkt Soundbar To Tv
Conclusion: How To Connect Soundbar To Samsung Tv Using Optical Cable
Connecting your soundbar to a Samsung TV using an optical cable, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi method is a straightforward process, but attention to detail is crucial to avoid any potential damage to the equipment.
By following these steps carefully, you can enjoy enhanced audio quality and a more immersive home entertainment experience.
If you encounter any issues, consult the user manuals for both your TV and soundbar for additional troubleshooting tips.
