Apple TV 4k won't connect to Samsung S-series Soundbar via Bluetooth

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Level 1

4 points

Apple TV 4k won't connect to Samsung S-series Soundbar via Bluetooth

There is a thread on here already with the same problem, except it is with Samsung Q-series. I could not reply to it for some reason.

I am unable to connect Apple 4K TV via bluetooth to the soundbar. I am only able to connect to the soundbar over airplay/wifi, which means I am unable to get Dolby Atmos sound quality.

Bluetooth connectivity works with my apple iPhone 12, so Dolby Atmos works. It is clear therefore it is Apple 4k TV problem.

S-series only has 1 x micro HDMI in. Apple TV has 1 x HDMI in, therefore HMDI connection is not a solution because you can't have another physical connection back into the TV. It has to be via Bluetooth, which doesn't work.

Has anybody been able to actually get a helpful answer from Apple? Clearly it is Apple TV issue.

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 17

Posted on Dec 4, 2023 1:52 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Dec 4, 2023 2:53 AM in response to BMAr1105

Apple TV’s Bluetooth is only for accessories, which the TV isn’t. Your only choice is to replace your soundbar with dual HDMI ports and possibly your TV too if it doesn’t have eARC.

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Answer 2

Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,734 points

Dec 4, 2023 3:11 AM in response to BMAr1105

Connect as:

Apple TV →[HDMI]→ TV → [HDMI (e)ARC]→ soundbar

for the best audio support.

Then set Apple TV to output audio to the TV, and set the TV to passthrough any audio to the soundbar.

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Answer 3

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Dec 4, 2023 5:11 AM in response to BMAr1105

All accessories. It’s not supported by Apple by design. Won’t work with any soundbar, any make.

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Answer 4

RichP23

Level 1

8 points

Jan 30, 2024 3:53 AM in response to Urquhart1244

Also, make sure soundbar is labeled as home theater as a connected device.

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Answer 5

BMAr1105 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 4, 2023 4:27 AM in response to hcsitas

to put things into context for you. I was able to connect Apple TV Bluetooth to Sony M3 Headphones, Wonderboom, Earpods, but not the soundbar. There is a wide range of Bluetooth codec quality there so the problem might be from Samsung

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Answer 6

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Dec 4, 2023 1:59 AM in response to BMAr1105

Use a cable like this one, max 3 feet https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KSDB25X

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Answer 7

BMAr1105 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 4, 2023 3:21 AM in response to hcsitas

You mean the soundbar* isn't an accessory?

I have just checked the codec on the soundbar and it uses SBC which is not suitable for movies/gaming since it has latency

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Answer 8

BMAr1105 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 4, 2023 2:31 AM in response to hcsitas

This won't work because as I said Apple TV and the soundbar both have only 1 HDMI slot each. If you already occupy both with this cable, then how are you going to connect to the TV display?

The soundabar already comes with a cable like that.

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