Why Won’t My Samsung Subwoofer Connect to My Soundbar?

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Are you ready to elevate your audio experience with your soundbar, only to find that your Samsung subwoofer won’t connect? Frustrating, isn’t it?

A subwoofer is an important part of any audio system. It really brings the low frequencies to life and allows us to enjoy deep and powerful bass, which not only brings the overall sound performance it also brings our listening experience to the next level. However, when it fails to connect, you’re left with a sound system that’s lacking that essential element.

There is a number of reasons why Samsung subwoofer won’t connect to the soundbar. For example, a problem with both device connections, an issue with settings, and even a faulty subwoofer or soundbar.

But you have no need to worry as whatever the reason, there is a solution. And in this article, we will discuss every possible reason along with step-by-step solutions to ensure you can be able to connect both your Samsung subwoofer and soundbar.

Possible Reasons for Samsung Subwoofer Not Connecting to Soundbar

If you’re experiencing trouble connecting your Samsung subwoofer to your soundbar, there could be several reasons why. Here are some possible explanations:

1. Compatibility

One possible reason why a Samsung subwoofer may not connect to a soundbar is compatibility issues. You need to ensure the Samsung subwoofer you have is compatible with the soundbar.

For example, if you have both devices from the same brand, like a Samsung soundbar and Samsung subwoofer, there are good chances you will not encounter any compatibility issues. However, in case you have a random soundbar and the Samsung subwoofer that are not compatible, you will be stuck.

Only a few Samsung soundbars are compatible with external subwoofers, while the majority are designed to work exclusively with Samsung subwoofers. Before connecting any subwoofer with the Samsung soundbar, it is crucial to check its compatibility.

You can check the compatibility by reading user manuals and manufacturer websites or by contacting the manufacturer. However, if you do not want to fall into all of these, then it is recommended to get both a soundbar and subwoofer from the same brand and series.

2. Firmware Or Software Update

Firmware is software installed on the soundbar or/and subwoofer that helps hardware communicate, start up, and perform input/output tasks.

Internet-connected devices automatically download and upgrade their Firmware version via Over-the-Air (OTA) Update. Despite dozens of tries, the subwoofer won’t connect with the soundbar if your Firmware version is outdated.

You have two ways to update the Firmware version;

Via USB:

The idyllic method to update the Firmware version is using a USB cable. For this method,

  • Connect the soundbar to a laptop or PC using a USB cable.
  • Open Chrome browser and direct to Samsung Download Center. 
  • Enter the model number or search by the product name.
  • Check the new versions of Firmware available. If there are multiple, select the latest one. Download the latest version and proceed further.
  • Once the download is finalized, unzip the file and find the required file to upgrade.
  • Move or copy the file USB flash drive’s root directory and remove the USB drive.
  • Link the USB drive to the USB port of the soundbar, ensuring it is powered OFF.
  • Now power the soundbar on and switch to the USB power source. 
  • The screen will display the UPDATE option; click on it, and the download will start automatically.
  • Once the download is complete, press Pause/Play button on the remote controller for 5 seconds.
  • The screen will display “INIT,” and the soundbar will turn OFF, indicating the Firmware version is updated.

Via SmartThings App:

This method applies to wireless models featuring Wi-Fi Connectivity mode. To get this done,

  • Open the Google or Apple Play Store to download the SmartThings app.
  • Use the mobile app to connect the Samsung soundbar to Wi-Fi.
  • Disconnect your subwoofer and soundbar from a power supply. 
  • After 30 seconds break, reconnect the devices.
  • Launch the SmartThings app and select your soundbar from the list.
  • Tap the three vertical dots in the screen’s top right corner.
  • Select Information and navigate to the Firmware Update option.
  • Lastly, tap on Update Now.

3. Bluetooth Connectivity Problems:

Bluetooth connectivity problems: Bluetooth is the most common method for connecting a subwoofer to a soundbar wirelessly, and Bluetooth connectivity issues can sometimes occur.

First thing first, ensure both devices are in the connectivity range. The standard connectivity range Bluetooth has is 30 feet.

On exceeding the limit, the devices will connect and disconnect over again. Another thing to check is the nearby sources. Ensure all Bluetooth devices are turned OFF when connecting Samsung soundbar with the subwoofer.

In addition, if there are multiple devices paired with the soundbar, it won’t connect with the sub due to signal interference. Try to reboot the Bluetooth settings;

  • From the Samsung app on your phone, remove all the paired devices.
  • Power ON the soundbar and press/hold the Bluetooth button for 10 seconds.
  • Once the display shows Bluetooth mode, leave the button and restart the device.
  • Connect again and check if the issue is still.

If the Bluetooth version is outdated, then by updating the Firmware version, the issue will be resolved. Updating the Firmware version updates all the software, polishing the device to work as a new one.

4. Power Issues:

Sometimes, the connecting issue is not the hardware or software. Sometimes, it is just the improperly inserted power cord. Insert the power cords and try connecting the devices. If you fail, diagnose which device is having power issues.

  • Disconnect the cord linking the subwoofer with the Samsung soundbar and power it.
  • Check if the subwoofer is working. If not, inspect the wiring.
  • Look for physical damages.
  • If the wire seems all good, check the connectivity port.
  • Replacing the wire with a new one is highly advisable.
  • Do the same process with the Samsung soundbar.

For the safe side, inspect the power socket. Possibly, the power socket is old and has broken wires blocking the power supply. 

5. Physical Damage:

If you have kids in your home, they might have dropped the soundbar without you knowing. Any physical damage can also be the culprit; little did you know.

Disconnect the soundbar and subwoofer from the power source and have a detailed inspection. Look thoroughly and spot any physical damage. Pay extra attention to the control board and back panel.

If the wear is minute and you can repair it- get it done. In contrast, if the soundbar or subwoofer is damaged severely, consult an expert to fix it. Replacing the product is advisable if the damage is severe.

6. The Devices Aren’t on the Same Network:

Another reason for the trouble might be the network issue. Samsung soundbar and subwoofer both feature Wi-Fi connectivity. However, this connectivity mode works only when connected to the same network.

To fix this;

  • Switch ON the soundbar and navigate to the settings.
  • Find the Wireless or Network.
  • Under the option, find Network Status.
  • Ensure both devices are linked to the same network.
  • In case the network differs, connect the devices to the same network.
  • Now give your devices a restart and try connecting again.

Why Won’t My Samsung Subwoofer Connect to My Soundbar? Troubleshooting Tips

Following are the topmost solutions you can apply to connect the Samsung soundbar to the subwoofer.

Resetting the Subwoofer and Soundbar: 

Hard resetting the soundbar will restore the factory settings, forcing the devices to connect.

A hard reset clears all the data from the device and returns it to the default settings. It helps solve persistent issues and remove junk files, preventing the Samsung soundbar from connecting to the subwoofer.

So, how do you reset your Samsung subwoofer to your soundbar? Follow the below steps;

  • Connect the soundbar to a power source and switch it ON using the remote controller.
  • Press/hold the power button from either side.
  • Once the screen displays INIT OK, leave the button.
  • Now, the soundbar will restart, indicating it has been factory reset.

After the factory reset, the soundbar will initiate the automatic connections, which is the most attention-paying part. 

  • The LED LINK indicator light will keep blinking, indicating the soundbar is looking for a connection.
  • Ensure the subwoofer is powered ON and working.
  • If the LED light continuously blinks, it indicates the connection is failed.
  • Once the LED turns, solid blue indicates the connection is complete.

You can also follow the below video as well.

Connect the Devices Manually:

Sometimes, after factory resetting the soundbar, the issue remains the same. In that case, connect the devices manually. Indeed this process is time-consuming but gives satisfying results. 

Here is how you can connect the soundbar to the subwoofer manually.

  • Connect the Samsung soundbar and subwoofer to a power source and turn them ON.
  • At the back of your subwoofer, there is an ID SET button. Use a paperclip to press/hold the button since it is recessed.

NOTE: Most Samsung subwoofers have an ID SET button on the back panel. Read the user’s manual guide if you don’t find the button.

  • Press the button until the LED displays the “STANDBY” light is turned OFF, and the “LINK” light starts blinking.
  • Until now, you do not have to switch ON the Samsung soundbar.
  • Take the remote controller and press/hold the MUTE button. 
  • Once the LED displays ID SET, release the button with the LINK light blinking.
  • Now switch ON the Samsung soundbar.
  • Both devices will connect automatically at this stage, and the LED light will turn solid blue.

Contacting Samsung Support:

When nothing seems like the best solution to fix the error and enjoy distortion-free music streaming, contacting Samsung’s customer support might help. 

For this,

  • Visit the Get Support page on the official Samsung website. 
  • Scroll down the page and select your category.
  • Since you are concerned about your Samsung soundbar, select the TVs and Home Theater category.
  • Under the category, click Home Theater, then Home Theater Systems.
  • Select soundbars, and find your case.
  • If you don’t find the issue from the list, click “I don’t see my topic.”
  • Describe your issue in detail on the new window and click submit.
  • Customer support agents will take less than 24 hours during working days to respond to your request.

Conclusion

Finding your subwoofer and soundbar working together is definitely a frustrating experience. However, identifying the possible reasons can fix the issue. Following the reasons and troubleshooting steps mentioned earlier, such as checking the connections, resetting the devices, and updating firmware, you can resolve the issue in most cases.

After all, if you can still not connect your Samsung subwoofer to the soundbar, it is time to consult with a professional. Learn about the issue; we hope he will make it work for you. Otherwise, investing in a new subwoofer might be the only solution.

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