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How To Connect Bose Soundbar to TV [4-Step Method]

Many people are apprehensive about installing Bose soundbars to TV. They say it’s hard to connect to a TV. You may be wondering how to do it and how hard it is.

How to connect a Bose soundbar to TV?

You can hook up your TV to Bose soundbars using HDMI, Optical, or AUX cables. Aux cables can be easy enough to set up. But HDMI and Optical cables need a few more settings to set up. If you don’t want the complexity of wires then you can straight up connect using Bluetooth. 

Are you still not convinced? Chill out! We’ll go through how to connect your Bose in the easiest possible way. 

Tag along!

Find out Which Ports You Have

The first step to linking your Bose speakers to your TV is to watch out for all the options. For that, you’ll have to check out which ports are available on both devices. 

People usually use three main ways to get their Bose speakers to work with their TVs. It all comes down to what you have. It is what your TV supports, as well as which Bose speaker you select.

Modern SmartTVs may support Bluetooth, HDMI, and even optical connections. Adaptors are offered for older TVs or if you really need them. 

The Bose app and WiFi connection are required to connect to the latest Bose units. You won’t need a remote to control Bose speakers.

4 Alternative Methods to Connect Bose Soundbar

I have prepared 4 easy methods to connect your Bose speakers to your flatscreen. Simple enough to follow even if you’re not tech-savvy. Trust me, if you just read the rest of this, you’ll be alright. 

Method 1: Using HDMI

A lot more work goes into connecting a soundbar to your TV than you might expect. HDMI-enabled televisions may connect to virtually any device that has an HDMI port. 

You’ll need a TV that has HDMI Audio Return Channel. And most of your work is done. Just follow these simple instructions:

Step 1: Set up the Devices

Make sure you have an HDMI cable on hand before you do this. HDMI ARC has the advantage of being compatible with normal HDMI cables. Check to see that your television and Bose soundbar are both switched off.

Step 2: Make the Connections

An HDMI cable should be connected to the Audio Out port on your Bose Soundbar. Your TV should have an HDMI ARC port. Check the manual so that you can easily find it. Then you should fix the other side of the cable to the TV’s port.

Step 3: Locate And Change Output Settings

Go to the ‘Audio’ section on your TV menu. There should be a few options like TV’s audio or other speakers connected wirelessly. If you connect with HDMI, then another option will be available. Choose it and change the output settings. 

Step 4: Enable ARC And CEC Settings

You may also have to enable ARC in your TV’s settings menu. Because this is an HDMI ARC port, you sometimes have to change these settings before it will work. 

You should also enable CEC in your TV’s settings menu. Some TVs may change the terminology, so make sure to refer to your user manual. 

Step 5: Change Audio Input Settings

On the Soundbar, or under the Soundbar’s settings, you can turn this feature on or off. You might also have to make a physical switch if there’s a button on your device.  Depending on the type of your Bose soundbar, the location and technique may differ.

That was it. If you hear the sound through the Bose then you’re good to go. If not, then try resetting the Bose soundbar and try again. 

Method 2: Using Optical Cable

Another way to connect your soundbar to your TV is with an optical cable. This isn’t as good as the first method. But it’ll work.

Make sure your TV has Optical outputs to use this method, or it won’t work. After ensuring that everything is in order, proceed with the next stages.

Step 1: Get the Devices Ready

Double-check that your television and soundbar both have an optical port. Especially if you’re not sure what one looks like. 

To get the best sound from your soundbar, buy an optical cable. But remember that it should be long enough to reach your TV’s optical port.

Step 2: Making a Connection

One end of the optical wire should be connected to your soundbar. The optical port on your TV should receive the opposite end of the optical cable.

Step 3: Update the Options

Just go to audio configurations on your TV to change how the sound works. You’ll find them under your TV’s main menu. Then go ahead and switch the audio output to ‘optical’. The setting on the Bose speakers needs to be switched to ‘digital’ 

After this, check out your sound quality. There are significant differences between HDMI and optical cables. You should consider that before making your choice. 

Method 3: Using AUX Cables

Try this method only when your HDMI and Optical cable is not working.  If you have an old model TV then HDMI and optical cables might be unavailable. 

It’s a more affordable option. But it isn’t a good choice because there are certain challenges with using this connectivity for audio.

Now you’d just have to follow these simple steps to connect.

Step 1: Check the Compatibility

To ordinary listeners, all sounds coming out of the speakers might feel the same. But to audiophiles like us, I’ll know the difference. So check your device compatibility with the AUX cables before buying one. 

You should use the following listed AUX cables if your TV can connect to this port:

Product 1
Product 2

These are all premium Aux cables that deliver amazing audio clarity over a wide range of lengths. It’ll allow you to connect your devices for all of your stereophonic needs.

Step 2: Connect the Ports

Afterward, you’ll just have to connect the aux cables to the two devices. You won’t have to change any settings this time. You’ll hear sounds directly from the speakers.

Sometimes you won’t have an AUX cable port. That time you can use an RCA conversion. They are fairly inexpensive. 

Method 4: Using Bluetooth

Bluetooth is the final option for connecting your Bose speaker. It’s usually not a good idea to connect the TV using Bluetooth. That’s because Bluetooth may make the sound quality worse.

Please keep in mind that this method will not function on older televisions. This system involves Bluetooth on both your Television and Bose speakers. A Bluetooth adaptor can be purchased if Bluetooth isn’t already built into your TV. 

Make sure both your TV and soundbar are ready to connect. Then, follow these steps to connect them:

Step 1: Turn on the Bluetooth on Both Devices

On your TV, go to the Bluetooth menu and switch it on. Then you’ll switch on Bluetooth on the Bose. To do that, simply press on the Bluetooth button. Then hold  the loudspeaker or remote control for a few seconds. 

If you see an indicator light turned on then your Bose is ready to be paired up. Pairing can be indicated in a variety of ways by individual models. Take another look to see what kind of indicator you should be on the lookout for.

Step 2: Pair up

Locate the Bose soundbar in the Bluetooth pairing menu’s list of available devices.

To pair them, choose a device. If you want to make sure your bluetooth speaker is working right. Play anything on the Screen.

Be careful to keep a close distance between the two devices. Keeping them far apart can make you face bluetooth pairing issues. The same can be said for Vizio sound bar pairing issues.

If you can hear sound coming from the soundbar, it should be all set up! The sound quality may be subpar. Bear in mind that an adapter could make the audio even worse.

FAQs

Question: Does Bose Soundbar connect to WiFi?

Answer: Yes, the Bose soundbar connects to Wifi. In addition, the Bose app allows you to access online music streaming services. You can also control the soundbar from the app.

Question: Can anyone connected to my WiFi have access to my Bose Soundbar?

Answer: In the Bose App, if you’ve enabled public access then anyone can get connected. As long as they are connected to the same wifi. This is good for friends and family. But, you can change the settings anytime you want. 

Question: Is it possible to use a different subwoofer with a Bose soundbar?

Answer: No, Bose speakers are incompatible with subwoofers from other brands. Just the Bose Bass module is supported with the Bose Soundbar. You can connect it to a Bose-compatible subwoofer like the Bass Module 500 or the 700.

Endnote

Now you know everything about how to connect Bose soundbar to TV. I’ve gone over all of the options. It’s now up to you to choose from them.

If setting up your TV with wire sounds to be a hassle, try going wireless!

That said, it’s time to part ways. Goodbye!