Samsung Soundbar Says Check Subwoofer? (Quick Solutions!)

If you’re wondering why the Samsung soundbar says check subwoofer, you are not alone!

The “Check Subwoofer” error is typically an indication of a disrupted connection between the soundbar and the subwoofer.

The error may appear as a result of local interference, range insufficiency, or be influenced by an outdated firmware of the soundbar.

So, if the Samsung soundbar keeps saying “Check subwoofer,” ensure the subwoofer is within a 15–20 feet range, power cycle both devices, and update the firmware.

If the fault persists, check for wireless interference and reset the soundbar.

Keep reading to uncover the solutions in detail!

What Does “Check Subwoofer Samsung Soundbar” Mean?

Here are all the causes for the “Check subwoofer” message shown by the soundbar:

Now, proceed with the expert solutions guide!

How to Fix Samsung Soundbar Says Check Subwoofer?

Note: The Samsung subwoofer connects with the soundbar automatically after both devices are powered on and within range!

1. Position the Subwoofer Closer

The leading cause for the “check subwoofer” message is a disrupted wireless connection caused by an insufficient distance between the devices.

The first solution is to position the Samsung subwoofer within the wireless range of the soundbar to improve the connection.

What’s the Samsung Soundbar’s Wireless Range?

The wireless range of the soundbar is typically defined by the surrounding objects but by a standard, it varies between 15–20 feet (5–10 meters.)

Ensure the subwoofer is within the following range so it can establish a secure, uninterrupted connection to the soundbar.

2. Pair the Subwoofer Over “ID Set”

If the automatic subwoofer connection has failed, you can conduct a manual setup using the “ID Set” button on the rear panel of the subwoofer.

Pressing the button causes the subwoofer to re-enter the “Searching” status and detect nearby soundbars that are factory-compatible.

Follow these steps to pair the subwoofer over “ID Set:”

1. Unplug the power cable of the subwoofer for 10 seconds.
2. Next, reconnect the subwoofer and hold the “ID Set” button.
3. Release the button after the LED light starts flashing in blue.
4. Wait for 15–20 seconds until the LED light stops flashing.

If the indicator does not stop flashing in blue, it means that the setup has failed.

Ensure the subwoofer meets the range requirements for connection and re-attempt the ID setup.

3. Check for a Recent Firmware Update

An outdated firmware of the Samsung audio system could be causing issues between the enclosed local connection between the subwoofer and the soundbar.

The next step is to update the Samsung soundbar to the most current firmware version to restore the functionality of the subwoofer’s connection.

Here’s how to check for a newer update available for the Samsung soundbar:

1. First, ensure the Samsung soundbar is securely connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Open the SmartThings app on your mobile and unplug the soundbar.
3. Tap on the 3 vertical dots located on the right corner of the screen.
4. Navigate to “Information” and enter the “Firmware Update” section.
5. Check if there’s a newer firmware version available for the soundbar.

Alternative: You can also update the Samsung soundbar by uploading the latest OS from the Samsung Download Center on a flash drive and connecting it to the “USB” port on the device.

4. Power Cycle the Audio Equipment

You can address issues with the Samsung equipment by performing a power cycle on both audio devices.

It takes less than 15–20 seconds until the hardware of the soundbar or subwoofer fully drains from the power supply.

Let’s start with power cycling the soundbar first!

How to Power Cycle Samsung Soundbar?

1. Press the “Power” button on the Samsung soundbar for 2 seconds.
2. Unplug the power adapter from Samsung’s rear panel and the outlet.
3. Hold the “Power” button for up to 15 seconds to discharge Samsung.
4. Reconnect the supplying cable of the soundbar back into the outlet.
5. Power on the Samsung soundbar and test the subwoofer’s connection.

How to Power Cycle Samsung Subwoofer?

1. Unplug your Samsung subwoofer’s power cord from the outlet.
2. Press and hold the “ID SET” button on the back for 5 seconds.
3. Next, connect the subwoofer and wait until the device starts up.
4. Optional: Wait until the Samsung subwoofer pairs automatically.
5. Optional: Press the “ID SET” button to force the manual pairing.

Note: The subwoofer will lose connection while the soundbar is unplugged from power.

5. Check for Wireless/Physical Obstructions

If the Samsung soundbar check subwoofer message is still there, the next step is to inspect the subwoofer and soundbar’s surroundings for potential interference or obstructions.

So, wireless devices of the RF or cellular type can ceaselessly conflict with the signal produced by the Samsung soundbar and prevent it from reaching the subwoofer.

Here’s a list of devices to position out of the Samsung equipment’s range:

• Wireless devices communicating over 2.4 GHz wireless frequency.
• RF transmitters, such as baby phones, radios, or cordless phones.
• Cellular devices using cellular wavelengths such as indoor antennas.
• Physical obstructions, such as solid brick, stone, or thick wooden walls.

Ensure none of the devices we’ve reviewed above are within a 10 feet radius of the Samsung soundbar or the subwoofer.

Then, use the “ID Set” function to reconnect the subwoofer and test the functionality.

6. Inspect the Subwoofer’s Power Supply

One of the reasons for the “Check subwoofer” message is the unstable or fluctuating power supply of the subwoofer.

Every time the device powers off, reboots, or enters hibernation mode, the soundbar will notify you of the issue by displaying the respective message on the display.

Here are a few working tips to address power supply issues with the subwoofer:

• Connect the Samsung subwoofer to a different power supply.
• Uninstall third-party equipment from the setup of the subwoofer.
• Install and set up a replacement power cord for the subwoofer.

Tip: Samsung subwoofers use a standard 2-prong 12V–24V power adapter by default.

7. Reset the Samsung Soundbar’s Settings

You can eliminate issues with the Samsung audio system by factory resetting the soundbar.

Less than 10 seconds are required to erase all wireless, audio, and subwoofer configurations of the soundbar and set up the device cleanly.

To initiate the reset, press and hold the “Power” button on the soundbar while the device is turned on until the “INT” message shows on the display.

Next, release the button and wait until the soundbar powers off and all settings are wiped out.

Notice: Do not unplug, power off, or reboot the soundbar before the reset has concluded!

Quick Recap

So, if the Samsung soundbar says “check subwoofer”, position the subwoofer closer to the soundbar, check for interfering devices, and power cycle the audio equipment.

If the problem persists, dislocate wireless obstructions and reset the soundbar’s settings.

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