Samsung audio bars are designed to connect to your TV and produce rich stereo sound that TV speakers aren't usually capable of providing alone. Samsung manufactures several different sound bars, but troubleshooting any problems you experience works the same on each of these models.
Troubleshooting Power Problems
The Sound Bar Won't Turn On
Step 1
Confirm that the sound bar's power cable is connected firmly to the sound bar.
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Step 2
Disconnect the power cable from any intermediate device, like a power bar, and connect it directly to a wall outlet that you know is working properly. If the sound bar still won't power on, submit a service request to Samsung.
The Subwoofer Won't Turn On
Step 1
Make sure that the subwoofer's power cable is firmly connected at the back of the subwoofer and directly to a power outlet that you know is working.
Step 2
Look for an ID Set button at the back of the subwoofer and insert a straightened paperclip into the opening to press the button inside the hole. This resets the subwoofer.
If the Link LED doesn't turn on after a reset but the Standby LED light does, the subwoofer needs to be linked to the sound bar. If neither LED light turns on, the subwoofer requires service.
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Cable Connection Problems
Troubleshooting HDMI Connections
Samsung sound bars are designed to work with TVs that have an Audio Return Channel using an HDMI cable. If your TV doesn't support ARC, use an optical cable instead. ARC allows your TV to send and receive audio and video data through the sound bar's HDMI Out Port. The sound bar's HDMI In port is designed for other components, like a satellite or cable box, not for your TV.
Troubleshooting an HDMI Setup
Step 1
Disable the TV's internal speakers and set the speakers to the External option.
Step 2
Make sure that the HDMI cable is firmly connected to the sound bar's HDMI Out port and the TV's ARC HDMI In port.
Step 3
Press the Anynet button on the sound bar remote and make sure it's toggled to the On position, as indicated by the sound bar's screen.
Step 4
Confirm the Anynet Auto Power Off is enabled on the TV. Turn off the TV first and the sound bar turns off automatically.
Step 5
Check that the HDMI cable is connected the sound bar's HDMI In port and the external component's HDMI Out port. Some components, such as a satellite or cable box, may only have one port labeled HDMI; if so, use that.
Step 6
Make sure the sound bar and TV are set to the correct source. If you're using a component attached to the TV, you need to change the TV's source. If the component is connected to the sound bar, press the Source button on the remote to select the correct input source.
Troubleshooting an Optical Cable Setup
Step 1
Make sure the optical cable is securely connected to the sound bar's Optical Digital In port and the TV's Optical Digital Out port.
Step 2
Disconnect any components, like a cable box, from the sound bar and connect them to the TV instead.
Step 3
Press the D. In button on the remote to select the sound bar's Digital Input source.
Troubleshooting RCA Connections
A Samsung sound bar can only be connected to a TV's RCA connectors with a stereo-to-RCA cable. This cable has a single mini-audio connector on one end and two RCA connectors, usually red and white, at the other end.
Step 1
Check that the cable's mini-audio connector is firmly seated in the sound bar's Audio In port. The RCA connectors need to be inserted securely in the TV's L and R Audio Out ports.
Step 2
Press the Source button on the remote and select Aux, which is displayed on the sound bar's screen.
Wireless Connection Problems
Linking a Wireless Subwoofer
Step 1
Turn off the sound bar and make sure the subwoofer and the sound bar are each connected to an active power source.
Step 2
Insert a straightened paperclip into the subwoofer's ID Set button and keep pressing it for five seconds until the Standby LED turns off and the Link LED starts blinking. Remove the paperclip. You have 30 seconds to link the subwoofer to the sound bar.
Step 3
Point the remote control at the sound bar and press the Mute button for five seconds. An ID Set message appears on the sound bar display.
Step 4
Turn the sound bar on. A solid blue light from the subwoofer's Link LED indicates that the sound bar and the subwoofer are successfully linked.
Troubleshooting Bluetooth
Samsung sound bars are designed to work with Bluetooth-enabled devices, like smartphones and tablets, that can send audio using A2DP Bluetooth. Samsung sound bars are not designed to work with Bluetooth headphones or other Bluetooth speakers.
Step 1
Power on the device while it's within a few feet of the sound bar. Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet.
Step 2
Enable the device's Bluetooth mode as directed by the manufacturer.
Step 3
Press the BT button on the sound bar's remote. The sound bar's display should read BT and then Wait and then BT Ready. If this doesn't appear, check the remote's battery. Alternatively, press the Function button on the front of the sound bar until the display reads BT.
Step 4
Try connecting a different Bluetooth audio device to the sound bar. If it works, you'll need to troubleshoot the first device by resetting it or checking its configuration settings.