To connect a Bluetooth speaker to your Samsung TV, you need a TV with built-in Bluetooth and a speaker in pairing mode. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for achieving wireless audio for your TV and resolving common pairing issues.
Before you start: Check your Samsung TV for Bluetooth
Not all Samsung TVs have Bluetooth. To verify if your specific model does, look for the Smart Remote that came with the TV, if it has a built-in microphone or voice control, your TV supports Bluetooth. If your TV came with a Smart Remote, it supports Bluetooth. You can also navigate to Settings > Sound > Sound Output on your TV. If the option "Bluetooth Speaker List" appears in this menu, your TV has Bluetooth.
Step 1: Put your Bluetooth speaker in pairing mode
Turn on your Bluetooth speaker and ensure it has enough battery. Activate pairing mode, usually by pressing and holding a dedicated Bluetooth or power button until a light flashes. To avoid conflicts, clear any old pairings by resetting the speaker according to its manual. Keep the speaker within about 30 feet of the TV for a stable connection.
Step 2: Open the Bluetooth settings on your Samsung TV
On your Samsung TV remote, press the Home button. Navigate to and select Settings. Go to Sound and then select Sound Output. The exact Bluetooth menu option depends on your TV's model year:
- For TVs from 2016 to present: choose Bluetooth Speaker List.
- For 2015 models: choose Bluetooth Audio.
- For 2014 models: go to Speaker Settings and then Add New Device.
- For 2013 models: choose Soundshare Settings.
Step 3: Pair and connect your speaker
Your TV will begin scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices. Select your Bluetooth speaker from the list of detected devices. Confirm the pairing on the TV screen; if prompted, enter the passcode or PIN from your speaker's manual. Once connected, a confirmation message will appear on the TV.
Step 4: Test the sound and adjust settings
Play audio from the TV to verify the connection. The TV remote may not control the volume of a connected Bluetooth speaker, so adjust the volume directly on the speaker itself. External speakers connected via Bluetooth may not be fully controllable with the Samsung Smart Remote, and some sound menus might not be supported. If the speaker supports it, you can explore audio settings on the TV like surround sound or equalizer presets to enhance the experience.
How to use TV speakers and Bluetooth at the same time
Newer Samsung TV models (2020 and later) support Multi-output Audio, allowing sound to play through both the TV speakers and a connected Bluetooth device simultaneously. To enable this, go to Home > Settings > General > Accessibility > Multi-output Audio and turn it on. When using this feature, you can adjust the volume of the Bluetooth device and TV speakers separately.
What if my Samsung TV doesn't have Bluetooth?
If your TV lacks Bluetooth, you can still connect a speaker using a third-party Bluetooth transmitter. Plug the transmitter into the TV's 3.5mm audio port or optical audio port. Then, put the speaker in pairing mode to connect to the transmitter. If your Samsung TV does not support Bluetooth, you can use a Bluetooth adapter connected to the TV's standard AUX audio port. This is a reliable alternative for older TV models.
Fixing common Bluetooth connection problems
Bluetooth connections may experience compatibility issues, lip-sync errors, or disconnections depending on the device and distance. To troubleshoot:
- Lip-sync delays: Check if your TV has an audio delay or sync setting in the Sound menu to adjust timing.
- Disconnections: Keep the speaker close to the TV and minimize obstacles like walls or other electronics.
- Device limit: Only one Bluetooth audio device can be paired to the TV at a time. If you need to switch speakers, disconnect the current one first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect any Bluetooth speaker to my Samsung TV?
Yes, as long as your TV has built-in Bluetooth or you use a Bluetooth transmitter. Most standard Bluetooth speakers are compatible.
How do I know if my Samsung TV has Bluetooth without the remote?
Check the TV's model number in the settings menu or on the back of the TV, then look up its specifications online. Alternatively, navigate to Settings > Sound > Sound Output using the TV's physical buttons if available.
Why is my Bluetooth speaker not showing up on the TV?
Ensure the speaker is in pairing mode and within range. Clear any previous pairings on the speaker, and restart both the TV and speaker before trying again.
Can I connect multiple Bluetooth speakers to my Samsung TV at once?
No, Samsung TVs support pairing only one Bluetooth audio device at a time. Some newer models may support multi-output audio with TV speakers, but not multiple Bluetooth speakers.
Does connecting a Bluetooth speaker disable the TV's internal speakers?
On most models, yes, the TV speakers will turn off when a Bluetooth device is connected. However, on 2020 and newer models, you can enable Multi-output Audio in Accessibility settings to use both simultaneously.
