Your Samsung Subwoofer Not Pairing? (Here’s the Quick Fix!)

We know the frustration when the “Samsung subwoofer not pairing with the soundbar” issue arises, making the investment in a high-end sound system a hurdle.

This could be an absolute deal breaker in your home theater experience, but don’t worry–we know how to fix it.

The issue often stems from interference, improper pairing, and even system problems, but by the end of this guide, you will know all of the possible causes and solutions.

Let’s get started!

9 Solutions When Samsung Subwoofer Not Pairing!

Tip: Have you tried turning on the soundbar and subwoofer simultaneously to test the automatic pairing functionality?

1. Pair the Subwoofer Correctly

The Samsung subwoofer is designed to pair automatically with your soundbar, as long as it remains within a 10–15 feet range.

Hence, if the automatic setup fails, there’s a way to pair the subwoofer manually using the soundbar’s remote control.

1. Verify that your soundbar and subwoofer are plugged in.
2. Press the “ID SET” button on the back of the subwoofer.
3. Hold until the subwoofer’s “STANDBY” indicator turns on.
4. Press the “UP” button on the soundbar’s remote control.
5. Now, wait for “ID SET” to show on the soundbar’s display.

The soundbar will turn on automatically as long as the subwoofer is in range and the “ID SET” function has been engaged correctly. 

Note: If you’re not in possession of the soundbar’s remote, you can use the SmartThings app!

2. Move the Samsung Subwoofer

There could be interference or physical obstructions in your soundbar setup that are preventing the subwoofer from establishing a connection.

Hence, that’s why the next step is to position the Samsung subwoofer as close as possible to the soundbar and re-attempt the ID SET pairing.

The recommended distance between the subwoofer and soundbar should be less than 10 to a maximum of 15 feet for optimal connection.

Otherwise, the subwoofer’s connection or output could drop out until the distance is reduced.

3. Update the Soundbar OS

Outdated soundbar firmware could cause issues with the subwoofer’s connection.

That’s why it’s important to ensure that your soundbar is running on the latest OS released by Samsung.

There are two methods to update the OS of your Samsung soundbar:

• Via the SmartThings app
• Externally via a USB drive

3.1 How to Update Soundbar Via SmartThings?

1. Ensure the soundbar is connected to the SmartThings app.
2. Unplug the soundbar and subwoofer for about 30 seconds.
3. Now, open the SmartThings app and tap the 3 vertical dots.
4. Go to “Information” → “Firmware Update” → “Update Now”.
5. Next, confirm the update and wait until the soundbar reboots.

3,.2 How to Update Soundbar Via a USB?

1. Navigate to the Samsung Download Center on your PC.
2. Specify your product type and enter the model number.
3. The soundbar model number can be found at the bottom.
4. Access the “DOWNLOADS” tab from the settings section.
5. Locate the most recent OS and download the update file.
6. After that, connect a USB flash drive to a port on your PC.
7. Open the USB drive’s directory and upload the update file.
8. Unpack the rar file by right-clicking and selecting “Extract”.
9. Finally, uninstall the RAR file without the extracted content.
10. Eject the USB drive and plug it into the Samsung soundbar.
11. Switch the soundbar to the “USB” source using the remote.
12. Next, wait for the “INIT” message to appear on the display.
13. After that, wait until the soundbar’s firmware starts updating.

Note: Do not interact with the soundbar before the update has finished installing!

4. Switch the Soundbar’s Wi-Fi

Well, a conflicting Wi-Fi could be the reason why the Samsung soundbar subwoofer is not pairing.

Since there’s no dedicated function in the SmartThings application that allows for switching the Samsung soundbar to a different network, you must remove and re-add the device completely.

To remove the soundbar, follow these steps:

1. Open SmartThings and tap on the “Devices” button.
2. Press and hold on to the Samsung soundbar’s banner.
3. Tap on the trash can “Remove” icon from the menu.
4. Return to the home tab after confirming the removal.

Now, it’s time to re-add the soundbar:

1. Press the “Add” button on the application’s homepage.
2. Next, tap on “Add Device” from the drop-down menu.
3. Press the “Add” tile under the “Samsung devices” field.
4. Now, select “Soundbar” from the “Add Devices” options.

Once you’re at the Wi-Fi setup, pair the soundbar to the alternative network (2.4 GHz if you were using 5 GHz or vice versa).

Alert: This solution does not apply to users with single-band routers. You can also temporarily pair the soundbar to your smartphone’s hotspot to test the subwoofer. 

5. Power Reset your Equipment

A power reset could resolve all temporary issues with both the soundbar and the subwoofer.

It takes about ~45 seconds for either of the devices to discharge fully from the loaded electricity. 

• To power cycle the soundbar, press the “Power” button on the remote, unplug the device from the power source, and then hold the built-in “Power” button for 60 seconds.
• To power cycle the subwoofer, unplug the power adapter of the subwoofer, wait for 45 seconds, and reconnect the cable. 

How to Recognize Equipment Power Issues?

While your devices are discharging, inspect the following:

• The condition of both power adapters
• The functionality of the electrical outlet
• The quality of the adapter connections

Warning: We advise against installing external equipment in the power supply of your setup!

6. Resolve Any HDMI Conflicts

HDMI connections and several of your TV’s ARC settings could be interfering with the wireless connection of the subwoofer.

That’s why the next step is to identify whether or not these settings or devices have an impact on the subwoofer’s pairing ability.

HDMI Devices

Start by disconnecting all HDMI devices from your TV, including the Samsung soundbar.

Also, double-check if both the subwoofer and soundbar are receiving power, then follow the steps in solution #1 for manual “ID SET” pairing.

If the subwoofer pairs successfully, connect the soundbar to your TV and test the audio output.

HDMI-CEC

Next, temporarily set the “HDMI-CEC” function in your TV’s HDMI settings to “Off”.

Then, unplug the soundbar and attempt to pair the subwoofer while the setting is disabled.

Also, determine if the subwoofer connects, then again activate the “HDMI-CEC” function in the settings of your TV.

Note: The HDMI-CEC function can be found in the “Video” or “HDMI” menu on most TVs!

7. ‘Signal Boost’ the Subwoofer (DIY)

If the subwoofer fails to connect due to insufficient signal strength, there’s a clever solution to redirect and even strengthen the signal using household materials.

All you need is a piece of aluminum foil that can reflect light effectively.

Now, position the subwoofer so it faces the soundbar’s front panel directly, and place the aluminum foil on the front of the subwoofer.

Ensure both devices are turned on and follow the instructions to conduct the “ID SET” manual pairing of the devices. 

Note: Verify there are no other wireless devices in close proximity to the soundbar or subwoofer before initiating the manual pairing.

8. Reset the Samsung Soundbar

If nothing else works, then a factory reset should restore the Bluetooth connection between your soundbar and subwoofer.

All of your soundbar’s settings will be reverted to defaults, including the device’s registration within the SmartThings app.

Here’s how to factory reset the Samsung soundbar:

1. Unplug the soundbar’s power adapter from the back.
2. Locate and hold the “Power” button on the front panel.
3. Release once the “INT” message shows on the screen.
4. Next, wait until the soundbar finishes and then reboots.

Notice: The Samsung subwoofer does not reset a factory reset function!

9. Use a Wired Connection (Older Models)

Switching to a wired connection is perhaps the most effective solution whenever the Samsung subwoofer is not pairing.

An older Samsung soundbar and subwoofer models support auxiliary connections, which means that the Samsung subwoofer can also connect over a 3.5 mm AUX.

Note: Try to identify the exact cable length and size you will need for the ports on your devices.

How to Switch Samsung to Wired?

Locate the 3.5mm jack input on the back of the soundbar, then search for an identical port on the subwoofer.

Connect a standard 3.5mm AUX jack to the back of the soundbar, then plug the other end into the soundbar.

Consider relocating the subwoofer if the cable’s length is insufficient from the current position of your devices.

Now, play any audio through the soundbar to determine if the subwoofer picks up on the output and starts working.

Note: If your Samsung subwoofer is not pairing to the soundbar even after everything you’ve tried, consider getting in touch with Samsung customer service.