To connect your phone to a soundbar, you have two straightforward options: Bluetooth for a wireless link or a 3.5 mm auxiliary cable for a wired one.
Put your soundbar in pairing mode
Before your phone can find the soundbar, the soundbar must be set to discovery mode. Use its Bluetooth or Source/Input control to activate pairing; soundbar makers commonly say the display should show BT, BT READY, or BT PAIRING, but the exact label varies by model. Keep the phone within about 33 feet/10 meters of the soundbar while pairing, and if the soundbar asks for a passcode, try 0000; other makers may use a different code or no code at all.
Connect via Bluetooth from an iPhone
- Go to
Settings > Bluetoothand turn on Bluetooth. - Put the soundbar in discovery mode, then tap the soundbar name when it appears under the devices list.
- If asked for a passcode, enter
0000. - Open an audio app like Music or Podcasts and play something; you can switch playback to the soundbar from the app, Lock Screen, or Control Center.
Apple also documents Settings > Bluetooth > [device] > Device Type, where you can choose the device type. This applies to Bluetooth accessories generally, not just soundbars.
Connect via Bluetooth from an Android phone
- Swipe down from the top of the screen and touch and hold Bluetooth, then tap Pair new device.
- If Pair new device is not shown, look under Available devices or tap More > Refresh.
- Tap the soundbar name, then follow the on-screen instructions.
- For a device already paired, open Bluetooth and under Saved devices select the disconnected device.
Google also documents Settings > Connected devices > Media devices > Audio device type, with choices Not set, Speaker, Headphones, Car, Hearing device, and Other. This setting helps your phone treat the soundbar correctly for media playback.
Connect using an auxiliary cable
If your soundbar lacks Bluetooth or you prefer a wired connection, use a 3.5 mm auxiliary cable. Plug one end into your phone's headphone jack (or an adapter if your phone has no jack) and the other end into the soundbar's AUX input. Then set the soundbar to the correct input source, usually by pressing the Source or Input button until AUX or Line In is selected. Adjust the volume on both devices to your liking.
Troubleshooting connection problems
If the connection fails or drops, try these fixes in order:
- Unplug the soundbar AC power cord for a few seconds, then plug it back in.
- Bring the phone and soundbar closer together, and turn off nearby wireless devices that may interfere, such as other Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, or a Wi‑Fi router.
- Restart the phone.
- Delete the soundbar from the phone's Bluetooth list and pair again from scratch. Sony says to restart the source device, delete the Bluetooth information from the soundbar on the source device, and pair.
Most connection issues come from distance, interference, or stale pairing data, so these steps usually resolve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my phone connect but no sound comes out of the soundbar?
Check that the soundbar is set to the correct input source (Bluetooth or AUX) and that the volume on both the phone and soundbar is turned up and not muted. Also confirm the phone's media volume is not set to zero.
Can I connect two phones to the same soundbar at once?
Most soundbars support only one active Bluetooth connection at a time. Some models allow multiple paired devices, but you can usually only play audio from one phone simultaneously.
Will my phone charge while connected via aux cable?
No, a 3.5 mm aux cable only carries audio, not power. If you need to charge while playing, use a splitter or charge before connecting.
Does the soundbar need to stay in pairing mode while I play audio?
No. Once the phone and soundbar are paired, the soundbar exits pairing mode automatically. It stays connected for playback until you disconnect or move out of range.
For the wider topic, see connecting Bluetooth to phones.
