How to Connect a Sound Bar to Your Samsung TV

The fastest way: HDMI with ARC or eARC

Most Samsung TVs and sound bars connect through a single HDMI cable using a feature called ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). This is the simplest route because one cable carries both picture and sound, and your TV remote usually controls the volume.

Find the HDMI port on your Samsung TV labeled ARC or eARC — it is typically HDMI 3 or HDMI 4, but check your TV manual to be sure. Plug one end of an HDMI cable into that port and the other end into the HDMI output on your sound bar. Turn on both devices. Your TV should detect the sound bar automatically within a few seconds.

If the sound does not come through, go to your TV's Settings menu, select Sound, then Speaker Settings, and choose the sound bar from the list. Some TVs call this "Sound Output" or "Audio Output". Once selected, all sound from your TV — apps, streaming services, cable boxes — will play through the sound bar instead of the TV speakers.

Key Takeaways

HDMI ARC or eARC is the simplest connection method and requires only one cable between your TV and sound bar.
You must use the specific HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC on your Samsung TV, usually port 3 or 4.
If HDMI is not available or does not work, Bluetooth or optical audio are reliable alternatives that require no extra cables beyond the power cord.
After connecting, change your TV's audio output setting to the sound bar so all sound routes through it instead of the TV speakers.
If you own a Samsung sound bar, SmartThings app setup can add convenience features like voice control and automatic pairing.

Bluetooth connection for wireless setup

If your sound bar supports Bluetooth and you prefer not to run an HDMI cable, you can pair the devices wirelessly. Press the Bluetooth button on your sound bar remote or the sound bar itself — usually marked with a Bluetooth symbol — until a light blinks or you hear a tone indicating pairing mode is active.

On your Samsung TV, go to Settings, then Sound, then Speaker Settings. Select "Bluetooth Speaker" or "Bluetooth Audio Device" and wait for your sound bar to appear in the list. Tap it to pair. The connection should remain active each time you turn on both devices.

Bluetooth works well for everyday use, but it has one drawback: your TV remote will not control the sound bar volume. You will need the sound bar remote to adjust sound. Also, Bluetooth can occasionally drop connection if something interferes with the signal, so HDMI remains the more stable choice if you have the option.

Optical audio cable as a wired alternative

Many Samsung TVs have an optical audio port (also called TOSLINK or S/PDIF) on the back or side. If your sound bar has an optical input, this is a reliable wired connection that does not require HDMI. Plug one end of an optical cable into your TV's optical port and the other into the sound bar's optical input.

Go to your TV's Settings, Sound, and Speaker Settings, then select "Optical Output" or "External Speaker". The sound bar should begin receiving audio when ready. Optical audio does not carry video, only sound, so it works alongside any HDMI connection you may have for other devices.

Optical is stable and does not require pairing like Bluetooth, but it also does not let your TV remote control the sound bar volume. You will use the sound bar remote for volume adjustments. If your TV and sound bar both have optical ports and HDMI ARC is not working, optical is often the next best choice.

Using a Samsung sound bar with SmartThings

If you own a Samsung sound bar, the SmartThings app can add extra features beyond basic audio. read SmartThings from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, open it, and tap the plus icon to add a device. Select your sound bar from the list of nearby devices and follow the prompts to connect it to your home Wi-Fi network.

Once connected through SmartThings, you can control the sound bar from your phone, set up automation (like turning it on when you start a movie), and use voice commands if you have a Samsung smart speaker. You can also see battery status on the remote and receive notifications if the sound bar loses connection.

SmartThings setup is optional — your sound bar will work perfectly fine with just HDMI, Bluetooth, or optical connection. But if you already use SmartThings for other devices in your home, adding the sound bar takes only a few minutes and gives you one app to control everything.

Troubleshooting when sound does not come through

If you connected the cable but hear nothing, first check that you used the correct HDMI port. Unplug the cable, verify it is going into the ARC or eARC port (not a regular HDMI port), and plug it back in. Restart both the TV and sound bar by unplugging them for 10 seconds, then plugging them back in.

Next, check your TV's audio output setting. Go to Settings, Sound, Speaker Settings, and confirm the sound bar is selected as the output device. If it shows "TV Speaker" or "Internal Speaker", tap the sound bar name. Some Samsung TVs also have a separate "Sound Output" menu — check both places if the first one does not show your sound bar.

If the sound bar still does not appear in the list, try a different HDMI cable. Older or damaged cables sometimes fail to carry the ARC signal. If you have a second HDMI cable available, swap it in and restart both devices. If a new cable works, the old one is faulty and should be replaced.

When to use each connection type

Use HDMI ARC or eARC if your TV and sound bar both have these ports. It is the most reliable option and lets your TV remote control volume. Use Bluetooth if you want a wireless connection and do not mind using the sound bar remote for volume. Use optical audio if your TV does not have ARC or eARC but has an optical port, or if HDMI is not working.

Do not mix connection types at the same time. If you connect both HDMI and Bluetooth, your TV may send audio to both devices or switch between them unpredictably. Choose one connection method and stick with it. If you later want to switch to a different method, disconnect the first one completely before setting up the second.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular HDMI port instead of the ARC port?

No. Regular HDMI ports only carry video or one-way audio. ARC and eARC ports are designed to send audio back from the TV to the sound bar. Using a regular HDMI port will not work for sound. Check your TV manual to find which port is labeled ARC or eARC.

Why is my sound bar connected but the TV remote does not control volume?

This usually means you are using Bluetooth or optical audio instead of HDMI ARC. With those methods, the TV remote cannot control the sound bar. Switch to HDMI ARC if your TV has it, or use the sound bar remote for volume adjustments.

Do I need a special HDMI cable for ARC?

Any standard HDMI cable works for ARC. You do not need to buy an expensive "ARC cable" — a basic HDMI cable from any electronics store will do. If the cable is damaged or very old, it may not work, but the cable type itself does not matter.

Can I connect multiple sound bars to one Samsung TV?

Your TV can only send audio to one device at a time. If you connect two sound bars, the TV will route sound to whichever one you selected last in the Speaker Settings menu. You cannot play audio through both simultaneously.

What if my sound bar has no HDMI port?

Older sound bars often use only Bluetooth or optical audio. Both work fine — just follow the Bluetooth or optical steps above. Your TV remote will not control volume with these methods, but the sound quality is the same as HDMI.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.