To connect a Samsung wireless subwoofer without a soundbar, you’ll first need to know whether your subwoofer supports Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity. Some subwoofers are designed to connect solely with a specific brand’s soundbar and may not function properly without it.
Generally, a subwoofer is designed to work with a soundbar or a set of speakers to deliver a balanced sound profile with a full range of frequencies. The soundbar or speakers cover the mids and highs, while the subwoofer handles the low frequencies or bass.
Why connect Samsung wireless subwoofer without a soundbar?
There may be several reasons why someone would want to connect a Samsung wireless subwoofer without a soundbar:
- The soundbar is broken or malfunctioning: If the soundbar that came with the subwoofer is not working correctly, the user might still want to use the subwoofer with another audio system.
- Preferential Audio Setup: Some people may prefer a different setup for their audio systems and want to pair the subwoofer with other speakers or another soundbar, not the one provided with the subwoofer. This might occur if the user finds a different soundbar or set of speakers that delivers better sound quality or has other features they want.
- To Boost the Bass of a Device: The user might want to boost the bass output of a particular device, such as a TV, computer, or music player. In this case, they might connect the subwoofer directly to the device.
- Cost Saving: Some users may already have a sound system and want to add a subwoofer without buying a full kit, including a soundbar. They might buy a separate subwoofer and attempt to connect it directly.

However, connecting a subwoofer without the corresponding soundbar or speakers can lead to imbalanced sound or other issues because these components are typically designed to work together. Some wireless subwoofers are designed to connect solely with a specific brand’s soundbar and may not function properly without it. Therefore, it’s always best to use a soundbar and subwoofer that are designed to work together, if possible.
However, if your subwoofer has Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capability, you can try connecting it directly to your source of audio, such as a TV, smartphone, or computer, using the following steps:
How to connect Samsung wireless subwoofer without a soundbar via Bluetooth
- Turn on the Bluetooth on your device (smart TV, smartphone, or PC)
- Turn on the subwoofer
- Put the subwoofer into pairing mode (Check the manual for instructions on how to do this)
- Go to the Bluetooth settings on your device and look for the subwoofer in the list of available devices
- Select the subwoofer to pair it with your device
How to connect Samsung wireless subwoofer without a soundbar via Wi-Fi
- Connect your subwoofer to your Wi-Fi network. This often involves using a specific app or following steps outlined in the subwoofer’s manual.
- Once the subwoofer is connected to the same network as your device (smart TV, smartphone, or PC), you should be able to select it as an output option in your device’s audio settings.
How to connect Samsung wireless subwoofer without a soundbar via an AV receiver
A wireless subwoofer can’t typically be directly connected to an AV receiver or with an optical cable because the subwoofer communicates wirelessly (usually through a proprietary communication protocol) with the soundbar, which acts as the intermediary between the source of the sound and the subwoofer.
However, if you have a subwoofer that includes a wired option (like an RCA input), you may be able to connect it to an AV receiver through the receiver’s subwoofer pre-out port. Here’s a general guide:
- Locate the subwoofer output on the back of the AV receiver. This is usually labeled “SUB OUT” or “SUBWOOFER OUT”.
- Connect one end of the subwoofer cable (typically an RCA cable) to the receiver’s subwoofer output.
- Connect the other end of the cable to the input on the back of the subwoofer.
- Power on both devices.
- Check the settings on your AV receiver to ensure that it’s configured to output sound to the subwoofer.

How to connect Samsung wireless subwoofer without a soundbar via an optical cable
For connecting a device with an optical cable, the device, and the receiver, both need an optical or “TOSLINK” port. Here’s a basic guide:
- Locate the optical or “TOSLINK” output on the back of the device (TV, soundbar, etc.).
- Connect one end of the optical cable to the device’s optical output.
- Locate the optical or “TOSLINK” input on the back of the AV receiver.
- Connect the other end of the optical cable to the receiver’s optical input.
- Power on both devices.
- Check the settings on your device to ensure it’s configured to output sound to the optical output. Similarly, check the settings on your receiver to ensure it’s set to receive sound from the optical input.
Always refer to your specific device’s user manual or contact the manufacturer’s customer support for the best guidance. These general instructions may not apply to your specific subwoofer, AV receiver, or other devices.
What may be wrong when connecting Samsung wireless subwoofer without a soundbar?
The audio quality or synchronization with other speakers may not be ideal when connecting a subwoofer directly to a source device without a soundbar because the soundbar usually acts as a mediator that coordinates the audio output.
Also, remember that not all Samsung wireless subwoofers may support this functionality. If you can’t get it to work, it might be because your specific model doesn’t support it. Always refer to the user manual or contact Samsung support for specific instructions related to your model.
Why your Samsung subwoofer won’t connect to the soundbar?
If your Samsung subwoofer isn’t connecting to the soundbar, it could be due to a variety of reasons:
- Interference: Other wireless devices or electronic appliances near your soundbar or subwoofer can cause wireless interference. Consider moving these devices away to see if the subwoofer can connect.
- Distance: The subwoofer and soundbar might be too far away from each other. Most wireless subwoofers need to be within a certain range of the soundbar to connect properly.
- Pairing Issues: The soundbar and subwoofer might not be properly paired. You might need to reset the connection, or re-pair them, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Power Issues: Make sure both your soundbar and subwoofer are plugged in and powered on. Also, check to ensure the cables are securely plugged in.
- Faulty Hardware: The subwoofer or soundbar might have a hardware problem. If you’ve tried troubleshooting and the subwoofer still won’t connect, it might be necessary to get the hardware checked by a professional.
Here are some general steps to fix the connection:
- Check the power and cables: Ensure that both the subwoofer and soundbar are powered on and that all necessary cables are securely connected.
- Move the subwoofer closer to the soundbar: If the devices are far away from each other, try moving them closer together.
- Eliminate possible sources of interference: Remove any potential sources of wireless interference, such as other electronic devices or wireless equipment, from the vicinity of your soundbar and subwoofer.
- Reset the devices: Turn off and unplug both your subwoofer and soundbar for a few minutes. Then plug them back in and turn them on to see if they connect.
- Repair the devices: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to put the soundbar and subwoofer back into pairing mode and attempt to pair them again.
- Contact Samsung Support: If none of the above steps work, consider reaching out to Samsung’s customer support for further assistance. It’s possible that there might be a hardware or firmware issue that needs professional attention.
Always refer to your specific device’s user manual or contact the manufacturer’s customer support for the best guidance. These general instructions may not apply to your specific subwoofer and soundbar.
How to Reset Samsung Soundbar Linking ID
If you need to reset the linking ID for your Samsung Soundbar, you can generally do so by following these steps:
- Power Off: Switch off both your soundbar and subwoofer.
- Turn on the Subwoofer: Power on the Subwoofer but keep the soundbar turned off.
- Enter Pairing Mode: On the back of your subwoofer, there should be a “Link” or “ID Set” button. Press and hold this button for 5-6 seconds. You should see the LED lights on the front of the subwoofer blink.
- Turn on the Soundbar: While the subwoofer’s LED lights are blinking, power on your soundbar. Do not press any other buttons on the soundbar or the remote.
- Complete Pairing: The soundbar and subwoofer should automatically pair. Once paired, you should see the LED lights on the subwoofer stops blinking and stay solid.
Keep in mind these instructions might vary depending on the model of your Samsung soundbar and subwoofer. Always check your user manual or contact Samsung Support if you are unsure or have difficulties resetting the linking ID.
Can a Samsung subwoofer work with any soundbar?
Generally, a Samsung subwoofer is designed to work best with the Samsung soundbar it sells. This is because they use specific protocols or technologies to connect with each other, often wirelessly. Due to these proprietary connection methods, many wireless subwoofers and soundbars are not interchangeable between different models or brands.
That being said, if your Samsung subwoofer has a wired option (like an RCA input), and your soundbar has a subwoofer output, you may be able to connect the two using an RCA cable. But even in this case, it’s important to remember that the sound quality or balance might not be as good as when using a matched subwoofer and soundbar pair from the same manufacturer.
Always check the user manual or contact the manufacturer’s customer support to confirm whether a specific subwoofer will work with a specific soundbar. It’s generally recommended to use a subwoofer and soundbar that are designed to work together for optimal sound quality and ease of use.
Does a Samsung subwoofer require power?
Yes, a Samsung subwoofer does require power. The subwoofer is a speaker that handles the low-frequency sounds in your audio setup, and like all speakers, it requires power to function.
Most Samsung subwoofers are powered subwoofers, which means they have a built-in amplifier. This allows them to handle the power needs of producing low-frequency sound without placing extra demands on the amplifier in your soundbar or other components of your audio system.
It must be connected to a power source to provide power to the subwoofer. This is usually done by plugging it into a wall outlet using a power cord. Always ensure your subwoofer is securely plugged into a power source before troubleshooting any sound output or connectivity issues.
In addition to providing power, this connection often allows the subwoofer to communicate wirelessly with the soundbar, so it can receive the audio signals it needs to reproduce. However, some subwoofers may have additional wired connections that allow them to receive audio signals.
How to connect a Samsung wireless subwoofer to a soundbar?
Connecting a Samsung wireless subwoofer to a Samsung soundbar usually involves the following general steps:
- Power on Both Devices: Plug both the soundbar and subwoofer into a power source and turn them on.
- Activate Pairing Mode on Subwoofer: A button on the back of your subwoofer should be labeled “ID Set.” Press and hold this button until the light on the front of the subwoofer starts blinking.
- Activate Pairing Mode on Soundbar: On some soundbar models, you might also need to press a pairing button on the soundbar. Refer to your soundbar’s user manual to find out if this step is necessary.
- Pair the Devices: The devices should automatically pair with each other. Once paired, the light on the front of the subwoofer should stop blinking and stay steady.
Note: If you’re setting up the subwoofer and soundbar for the first time, they may automatically enter pairing mode when you turn them on, so you won’t need to put them in pairing mode manually.
These are general instructions, and the specific steps may vary depending on the model of your Samsung soundbar and subwoofer. Always refer to the user manuals for your specific devices for the most accurate instructions. If you’ve followed these steps and are still having trouble connecting your subwoofer and soundbar, contacting Samsung’s customer support might be a good idea for further assistance.