The fastest way: HDMI with eARC
Most Samsung soundbars connect to Samsung TVs through a single HDMI cable plugged into the eARC port on your TV. This port is almost always HDMI 3 or HDMI 4 on the back of your TV — check your manual or look for the label "eARC" printed next to the port. Plug one end into that port and the other end into the HDMI input on the back of your soundbar.
Once the cable is connected, turn on both devices. Your TV should recognize the soundbar automatically within a few seconds. Go to your TV's sound settings (usually under Settings > Sound > Sound Output or Speaker Settings) and select your soundbar from the list. The TV will now send all audio — from apps, broadcasts, and HDMI inputs — through the soundbar instead of its built-in speakers.
eARC is the best option because it sends high-quality audio in both directions through one cable, and it works with most Samsung soundbars made in the last five years. If your TV is older or your soundbar doesn't have an eARC port, the next section covers other methods.
Key Takeaways
- HDMI eARC is the simplest connection: plug the soundbar into the eARC port (usually HDMI 3 or 4) and select it in your TV's sound settings.
- Bluetooth works if you don't have an eARC port or prefer wireless, but audio may lag slightly during video playback.
- Optical audio (TOSLINK) is a backup option for older soundbars that don't support HDMI or Bluetooth.
- Your TV's sound output setting must be changed from "TV Speaker" to your soundbar's name for audio to play through it.
- If the soundbar doesn't appear in your TV's sound menu, restart both devices and check that the cable is fully inserted.
Bluetooth connection for wireless setup
If your soundbar and TV both support Bluetooth, you can skip the cable entirely. On your TV, go to Settings > Sound > Bluetooth Speaker List (the exact path varies by model). Your TV will search for nearby Bluetooth devices. When your soundbar appears in the list, select it to pair them.
Bluetooth works well for everyday watching, but it has one drawback: audio can lag slightly behind the picture, especially during fast action or dialogue-heavy scenes. This lag is usually noticeable only if you're paying close attention. If it bothers you, switch back to HDMI eARC, which has no delay.
To unpair a Bluetooth soundbar, go back to the Bluetooth speaker list and select "Forget" or "Remove" next to the soundbar's name. This is useful if you want to connect a different soundbar or if the connection becomes unstable.
Optical audio cable (TOSLINK) for older soundbars
Some Samsung soundbars made before 2018, or budget models, use optical audio instead of HDMI. These soundbars have a small square port labeled "Optical In" or "TOSLINK." Your TV has a matching optical output port on the back, usually labeled "Optical Out" or "Digital Audio Out."
Buy a TOSLINK cable (they cost $8 to $15 and are widely available) and plug one end into your TV's optical output and the other into your soundbar's optical input. Then go to your TV's sound settings and select "Optical" or "Digital Audio Out" as the output device. The soundbar will now receive audio from your TV.
Optical audio works reliably but carries less information than HDMI eARC, so it won't support advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos. If your soundbar supports both optical and HDMI, HDMI is the better choice.
Checking your TV model and soundbar compatibility
Not every Samsung TV works with every Samsung soundbar, though most recent models are compatible. The easiest way to check is to look at the ports on the back of both devices. If your TV has an eARC port and your soundbar has an HDMI input, they will work together via HDMI. If your soundbar has only an optical port, you'll need an optical cable.
You can also find your TV's model number (usually on a sticker on the back or in Settings > About TV) and search the Samsung support website for your soundbar's compatibility. Most soundbars work with TVs from the same year or newer, but some older soundbars may not support the latest TV features.
If you're buying a new soundbar and already own a Samsung TV, check your TV's manual or the product page for your soundbar to confirm they're compatible before purchasing. This takes five minutes and saves frustration later.
Fixing audio that won't play through the soundbar
If you've connected the cable but audio still comes from your TV's speakers, the problem is almost always in your TV's sound settings. Go to Settings > Sound > Sound Output (or Speaker Settings) and look for your soundbar's name in the list. Select it. If you don't see your soundbar listed, the TV hasn't recognized it yet.
When the soundbar isn't recognized, restart both devices: unplug the soundbar for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait 30 seconds for it to fully boot. Then restart your TV. After both devices are back on, check the sound settings again. The soundbar should now appear in the list.
If it still doesn't appear, check that the HDMI cable is fully inserted into both the TV and the soundbar — a loose connection is the most common cause. Try a different HDMI cable if you have one available. If you're using an optical cable, make sure it's pushed all the way in until you hear a click.
Controlling volume and settings from your TV remote
Once your soundbar is connected and selected in your TV's sound settings, your TV remote should control the soundbar's volume automatically. Press the volume buttons on your remote and watch the soundbar's display to confirm the volume is changing.
If the remote doesn't control the soundbar, go back to your TV's sound settings and look for an option like "Remote Control" or "Control Soundbar." Turn this on if it's available. Some older soundbars require you to press a pairing button on the soundbar itself to enable remote control.
You can also use the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone to control both your TV and soundbar from one place, though the TV remote is usually faster for everyday use.
When to use a soundbar versus your TV's built-in speakers
A soundbar makes sense if you watch a lot of movies, sports, or shows with dialogue that's hard to hear on your TV's speakers. Soundbars are especially useful on TVs smaller than 50 inches, where the built-in speakers are often tinny or quiet. If you mostly watch news or daytime TV at low volume, your TV's speakers may be enough.
You don't have to choose one or the other permanently. You can switch between your soundbar and TV speakers in the sound settings anytime. This is useful if you want to use the soundbar for movies but switch to TV speakers for casual watching to save power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special HDMI cable for eARC?
No. Any standard HDMI cable works with eARC. You don't need to buy an expensive "eARC cable" — the feature is built into the port itself, not the cable. A $5 HDMI cable from any electronics store will work fine.
Can I connect my soundbar to my TV and also use it with my phone?
Yes. If your soundbar supports Bluetooth, you can pair it with both your TV and your phone. When you want to use the soundbar with your phone, switch the soundbar's input to Bluetooth in its settings or on the remote. When you want to use it with your TV again, switch back to HDMI or optical.
Why is there a delay between the picture and sound when I use Bluetooth?
Bluetooth has a small built-in delay because it compresses audio before sending it wirelessly. This lag is usually 100 to 200 milliseconds, which you might notice during action scenes or dialogue. Switching to HDMI eARC removes this delay because the audio travels through a wired connection.
What if my soundbar worked before but now won't connect?
Restart both devices by unplugging them for 10 seconds, then plugging them back in. Check that the cable is fully inserted on both ends. If you're using HDMI, try a different HDMI cable. If the problem persists, go to your TV's sound settings and remove the soundbar from the list, then reconnect it as if it were new.
Can I use a soundbar with a non-Samsung TV?
Yes. Samsung soundbars work with most TVs that have HDMI eARC, optical audio, or Bluetooth. The connection process is the same — you just won't have Samsung's SmartThings integration, which lets you control both devices from one app. The soundbar will still play audio normally.