TCL Subwoofer Not Pairing To Soundbar? (Try These Fixes!)

If your TCL subwoofer not pairing to soundbar, this quick guide will help you solve this!

TCL subwoofers are wireless, hence a failing Bluetooth connection renders your subwoofer unable to connect to your soundbar.

Fortunately, there are a few steps and solutions to try, such as:

To learn all of this along with many other solutions, proceed with the comprehensive guide!

TCL Subwoofer Not Pairing to Soundbar – Quick Ways To Fix!

Tip: Try to reboot the TCL subwoofer and soundbar simultaneously!

1. Pair the TCL Subwoofer In Both Ways

Before we proceed with any of the more complex solutions, let’s first learn how to pair TCL subwoofer to soundbar in the correct way. 

The TCL subwoofer can be paired in one of two methods:

• AUTO pairing: The TCL subwoofer will automatically establish the connection to the soundbar when turned on at close range.
• Manual pairing: The use of the “PAIR” and “Bluetooth” buttons is necessary to start the pairing process, in case the automatic fails.

So, let’s learn how to connect the devices both automatically and manually!

1.1 How to Pair a TCL Subwoofer Automatically?

For an automatic connection, all you have to do is ensure the subwoofer is within range of the soundbar and turn both devices on, roughly at the same time. 

Once the indicator of the subwoofer stops blinking, it means that the connection is successful. 

1.2 How to Pair a TCL Subwoofer Manually?

For a manual setup, follow these steps:

1. Ensure both devices are connected to the power.
2. Press the “Pair” button on the subwoofer’s back.
3. Press “Right Arrow” on the soundbar’s top panel.
4. Wait until the connection is established wirelessly.

If the soundbar doesn’t seem to respond, try pressing and holding the “Bluetooth” button on top, but keep in mind that this function is generally intended for TV pairing. 

2. Move the TCL Devices Closer Together

The next and perhaps most simple step is to ensure the soundbar and subwoofer are within 30–35 feet of range maximum. 

This is the average required distance for interference and disruptions-free Bluetooth pairing, supported by the TCL soundbar and subwoofer.

Placing the subwoofer anywhere beyond that range could still allow the connection, but there may be consistent disruptions or unpairing. 

How to Check for TCL Setup Interference?

There could be interference in the setup of your TCL subwoofer and soundbar that’s repeatedly disrupting the wireless connection.

Such wireless disruptions can be caused by other wireless devices nearby or even physical obstructions if the soundbar and subwoofer are too far apart.

So, if only positioning the subwoofer closer did not have any effect, clear the environment from devices communicating over wireless frequency and re-attempt the manual pairing process.

3. Reset the Power of Your TCL Devices

You can address most of the TCL soundbar and subwoofer’s issues by conducting a clean power cycle.

Lasting for around 50–60 seconds, the power cycle allows your device to fully discharge from power, which should resolve underlying issues with the system functions.

Let’s start with a power reset of the TCL soundbar!

3.1 How to Power Reset the TCL Soundbar?

1. Hold the “Power” button on the soundbar for 5 seconds.
2. Unplug the power cable from the back of the soundbar.
3. Disconnect the other end of the cable from the A/C outlet.
4. Wait for another 60 seconds while the device discharges.
5. Now, reconnect the power adapter on both ends and test.

3.2 How to Power Reset the TCL Subwoofer?

1. Unplug the subwoofer’s power cord from the electrical outlet.
2. Hold the “PAIR” button on the back for about 15–20 seconds.
3. Reconnect the power cable and wait for the subwoofer to start.

Note: If either of your devices is exhibiting symptoms of power insufficiency, try changing the power outlet and temporarily disconnecting all third-party equipment in the setup.

4. Switch the Soundbar to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz

A prime number of users suggested switching the soundbar to the alternative network thread of your router, as this could be caused by a Wi-Fi congestion issue.

If, for example, you have a dual-band router and paired the soundbar with the 5 GHz thread, we recommend temporarily switching it to the 2.4 GHz one.

Note: Most recent TCL soundbar models compatible with Bluetooth use the Google Home app and this is also where the Wi-Fi connection can be managed.

How to Change Wi-Fi Network On TCL Soundbar?

1. Open the Google Home app and tap on the soundbar’s profile.
2. Locate the “Remove Device” function in the soundbar’s menu.
3. Then, go back to the homepage and press “Setup new device.”
4. Follow all the instructions to create the initial soundbar’s profile.
5. On the Wi-Fi connection page, choose the alternative thread.
6. Enter the Wi-Fi password correctly to set up the device profile.

Prior to changing the soundbar’s Wi-Fi connection, we recommend testing your Wi-Fi network for potential faults and outages.

This includes hard resetting the router, reconnecting the service cable, and reducing the bandwidth usage of the network.

5. Update Your TCL Soundbar’s System

Perhaps, the pairing congestion is caused by an outdated OS version of your TCL soundbar.

Newer versions are periodically released for your TCL soundbar and not updating the device regularly could lead to issues with the external connection of the subwoofer.

Follow these steps to update the TCL soundbar’s firmware version:

1. Navigate to the TCL OS Downloads page on your PC or laptop.
2. Extend the row that contains your TCL soundbar’s model below.
3. Click the “Here” link button to automatically download the firmware.
4. Connect a USB flash drive to one of your PC or laptop’s USB ports.
5. Drag and drop the firmware file into the directory of the USB drive.
6. Wait until the upload is complete and unplug the drive from your PC.
7. Identify the 2.0/3.0 USB ports on the back of your TCL soundbar unit.
8. Connect the flash drive and wait for an automatic OS initialization.

If the firmware has been uploaded correctly, the soundbar should initiate the update by itself.

If not, use the “Source” button to change the input to where the USB drive is connected. 

This should force the soundbar to detect the firmware file and begin the procedure!

6. Restore the TCL Soundbar to Default

If you’ve tried everything to fix the TCL subwoofer not pairing to soundbar error, but to no avail, it’s time for a factory reset.

As a result of the reset, all of your TCL soundbar’s functions will be temporarily disabled and restored to default values.

Ensure the device receives a stable power supply through the entirety of the process, to ensure success. 

Here’s how to factory reset the TCL soundbar:

1. Wait for 10–15 minutes until the device enters Standby mode.
2. Hold the “Play/Pause/OK” button on the top surface of the unit.
3. Release once you see “FACTORY RESET” on the TCL display.
4. Press the “Play/Pause/OK” button again to lock in the process.
5. Wait until the factory reset starts and finalizes in 2–3 minutes.

Note: The “Standby” mode can be identified by the white blinking LED on the soundbar. 

7. Connect the Subwoofer Physically (Workaround)

As TCL subwoofers are generally only wireless, you’re limited to connecting it over Bluetooth only.

However, if you’re using an external subwoofer that seems to have soundbar inputs, you should attempt temporarily switching to a wired connection, to test the channeling and pairing.

Note: Most wired subwoofers would use either a 3.5mm jack or an Optical output for soundbar connection, so inspect the back panel of your own to check what’s available.