How to Connect a Soundbar to a TV Using Bluetooth

A great way of connecting your soundbar to your TV is by using a wireless Bluetooth connection. This can keep everything much tidier by reducing the number of tangled wires that tend to accumulate around your entertainment system.

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Ditching the wires also allows you to place your soundbar in the most convenient and acoustically pleasing location. Even if you’re new to Bluetooth, once you understand the basics of how to connect devices, it becomes rather easy.

So, let’s take a look at how to connect a soundbar to a TV using Bluetooth wireless technology…

Bluetooth Capabilities

If the prospect of ditching that mess of wires sounds incredibly appealing, but one of your devices isn’t Bluetooth capable, don’t worry. Even though it is a little more tricky and will require purchasing an accessory, it’s still usually possible.

In fact, almost anything is possible…

I’m going to take you through the basics of how Bluetooth works and how to connect your devices prepared, even if one of them isn’t equipped with built-in Bluetooth technology.

Bluetooth Basics

Bluetooth is a wireless frequency that allows devices to transmit signals between each other using radio signals. The process of connecting two Bluetooth devices together is known as “pairing,” making it possible for them to communicate.

Once paired, the two devices can then both send and receive digital data between each other. This can be in the form of a live audio signal or also in the form of files, including documents, videos, and audio.

Searching for a connection…

For your devices to communicate with each other, they first need to be placed into what’s known as “discoverable mode.” When both devices are placed into a discoverable mode, they both begin searching for a range of information.

The information includes details such as the device’s name, which Bluetooth class, what services are available, plus some more technical information. The only piece of information that is likely to be displayed, though, is the device name within a list.

An amazing discovery…

When both devices are placed into discoverable mode, one of them needs to be used to initiate the connection. Most commonly, it will be the source device used to control the connection process; in this case, that would be the TV.

To make both devices discoverable, it differs slightly from product to product. The process will be very similar, no matter what the brand, model, or type of product. I have included step-by-step instructions for the top three models to give you an idea.

Making Soundbars Discoverable

As I said, the steps to making your soundbar Bluetooth discoverable will vary slightly depending on the brand and model. It is usually a straightforward process, as you will see from these detailed guides.

JBL Bar Studio 2.0 – Value Bluetooth Soundbar

This soundbar from JBL provides great sound quality at an incredibly affordable price. It has various connections available, including HDMI, optical, 3.5mm auxiliary, and of course the most important of all – Bluetooth. Here are the steps to make it discoverable:

Place the JBL Bar Studio 2.0 into Bluetooth mode using the remote control.
Locate the Bluetooth button located on the second row in the top left corner.
Press and hold the button for three seconds to enter discoverable mode.
The source LED on the soundbar will quickly flash a blue color.

Sennheiser Ambeo – Premium Bluetooth Soundbar

Sennheiser’s amazing Ambeo soundbar offers immersive 5.1.4 channel 3D sound with deep 30Hz bass. It even manages to pull this off without the need for a subwoofer. Here are the steps for placing the Ambeo into Bluetooth discoverable mode:

Place the Sennheiser Ambeo into Bluetooth mode using the controls located on top of the soundbar.
Press and hold both the Multi-function button and the SOURCE button for two seconds.
The status LED will pulse blue to indicate the soundbar is in discoverable mode.

Bose TV Speaker – Small Yet Powerful Bluetooth Soundbar

Bose created the TV Speaker specifically to enhance dialogue elevating and clarifying both speech and pronunciation. The already convenient compact soundbar also benefits from a remote control. This is how to place it into discoverable mode:

The Bose TV Speaker is placed in Bluetooth mode using the included remote control.
The Bluetooth button is the second button from the top on the left-hand side.
Press the Bluetooth button on the remote control.
The LED light on the soundbar will pulse a blue color.

How to Access Bluetooth on Your TV

Not all TVs are Bluetooth enabled but don’t worry too much if yours isn’t. Some affordable and quality products can solve the problem of how to connect a soundbar to a TV using Bluetooth. To give you an idea of how to access Bluetooth on TVs that are enabled, I’ve included the top three models.

Samsung TU-8000 – 50-inch Smart TV

Most modern Samsung smart TVs use their own operating system known as Tizen. Accessing the Bluetooth settings should be very similar on any Samsung TV running this operating system. Here are the steps for placing the TU-8000 into discoverable mode:

Press the Home button on the remote control.
Using the on-screen menu enter the Settings.
Within the Settings, select Sound followed by Sound Output.
Select Bluetooth Speaker List and locate your soundbar.

LG 55UP8000PUA – 55-inch Smart TV

Just like with the Samsung TVs, LG uses its own operating system they call WebOS. Once again, the menu systems are very similar across the models but might vary slightly. I am using this 55-inch model as an example:

First, enter the menu system on your TV.
Select the Settings icon and then choose Advanced Settings.
From the “Sound” menu, select Sound Out.
Select LG Sound Sync Bluetooth, then select Detect.
Choose your soundbar from the list.

TCL 4-Series – 43-inch Smart Android TV

Even the more affordable brands like TCL now use an operating system. You are likely to find Android on many modern TV brands. The steps should be very similar, so take a look at how to access Bluetooth settings on the TCL 4-Series:

Press the Home button on the remote control.
Use the navigation buttons to select Settings and press OK to confirm.
Scroll down to Remote and Accessories and press OK to confirm.
Select Add Accessory and choose your soundbar from the list.

Adding Bluetooth to a Device

As stated earlier, don’t panic if either your soundbar or TV isn’t Bluetooth enabled. There are many quality and affordable products available. One thing to be aware of is that some of these products only offer either transmission or reception.

If you need an adapter for your TV, you need a transmitter. If it’s for your soundbar, then you’ll require a receiver. The options I’ve included, along with an explanation of how they work, are capable of performing both transmission and reception.

MiiLink – 3.5mm Auxiliary Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver

This product from MiiLink will work with either your TV or soundbar. It is simply connected using the 3.5mm auxiliary port. There is a small switch that can be used to swap between it operating as either a transmitter or receiver.

It is tiny and has a built-in rechargeable battery, so you can still enjoy a tidy and relatively wire-free experience. By adding an adhesive strip, it can easily be hidden behind either your soundbar or TV. Get up to 12-hours of use from a single charge.

Elegiant – Wireless Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver

If you don’t have a 3.5mm auxiliary port available on your TV or soundbar, don’t worry. The Elegiant offers optical and RCA connections as well as the 3.5mm auxiliary. Simply plug the transmitter/receiver in using the cable method that suits your device.

Ensure the switch is set to either RX (Receiver) or TX (Transmitter), and you’re good to go. This device is a little larger but does also have a larger rechargeable battery. Enjoy up to 24-hours use off a single 2.5-hour charge.

Need a Great Soundbar or Other Speakers?

We can help you with that. Check out our in-depth Sony HT-S350 Soundbar Review, our VIZIO SB3821-C6 Review, our Klipsch R-10B Review, and our KEF Q150 Review for awesome audio currently on the market.

You might also like our comprehensive reviews of the Best High End Home Theater Speakers, the Best Powered Speakers, the Best Wireless TV Speakers, the Best Smart Speakers, the Best 7.1 Home Theater System, and the Best Sonos Speakers you can buy in 2023.

And don’t miss our handy guides on How to Connect a Soundbar to a Computer, Connect a Soundbar to TV Without HDMI or Optical, Soundbar vs. Soundbase, and Bose SoundTouch 300 vs. Sonos Playbar for more useful information.