Your family is asleep and it’s finally time to indulge in some TV time. You don’t want to wake them, so you decide it’s best to use some headphones.
You start looking at the back and sides of your TV, but cannot for the life of you find a headphone jack.
Then you start to wonder: does your Samsung TV even have a headphone jack? If not, what port does it have? How can you connect headphones to your TV without a headphone jack?
Keep reading to find out!
Quick Navigation
Do Samsung TVs Have Headphone Jacks?
No, newer Samsung TVs do not have headphone jacks.
While some older Samsung TVs do have headphone jacks (or 3.5mm audio ports), newer Samsung TVs are made without them.
This may be because most Samsung smart TVs support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to wirelessly connect their Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
Additionally, newer Samsung smart TVs are fitted with digital audio (optical) ports, which foster slightly better sound quality than 3.5mm audio ports.
They also support wired connections to external speakers or amplifiers, allowing users to add high-quality speakers to their TV setups.
How To Connect Headphones or an External Speaker?
Connect headphones or external speakers to your Samsung smart TV using a converter, Bluetooth, or HDMI.
Using a digital-to-analog audio converter will allow you to connect external sound devices via a wired connection.
Bluetooth, on the other hand, will allow you to connect Bluetooth-supported devices wirelessly.
Some sound bars also connect via HDMI, making them compatible with most modern TVs that have HDMI ARC. This is a great option if you want a sleek sound system that’s easy to set up.
Please note that Bluetooth audio may not be as clear as wired audio, so if you want a high-quality audio setup, we recommend using a digital-to-analog audio converter.
Digital to Analog Audio Converter
Materials Needed
- Digital-to-Analog Audio Converter (An optical cable is often included)
- 3.5mm (AUX) Audio Cable
- Compatible Headphones, Speaker, or Amplifier
- Samsung TV with an Optical Port
Instructions
Step 1: Plug one end of an optical cable into the digital-to-analog audio converter.
Step 2: Plug the other end of the optical cable into your TV’s optical port.
Step 3: Connect the digital-to-analog audio converter to a wall outlet using the provided DC power cable and a USB power adapter.
Step 4: Now, plug one end of an AUX cable into the converter’s AUX port.
Step 5: Finally, plug the other end of the AUX cable into your speaker’s AUX port.
Step 6: Check that everything is working correctly. If the sound isn’t clear or cuts out, ensure all the cables are secure and in good condition. If the setup isn’t working correctly, you may also need to change the sound output, depending on your speakers.
Watch the video below demonstrating how to connect external headphones or speakers to your Samsung TV using a digital-to-analog audio converter.
Bluetooth
Note: This option is only available for Samsung smart TVs.
Materials Needed
- Bluetooth headphones or speakers
- Bluetooth-Supported Samsung smart TV
Instructions
Step 1: On your Samsung smart TV’s Homescreen, click on Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Sound.
Step 3: Click on Sound Output.
Step 4: Now, turn your attention to your Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Turn them on and put them in pairing mode.
Please note that some Bluetooth accessories will automatically enable pairing mode when powered on, so consult your headphone or speaker’s manual for specific instructions.
Step 5: On your Samsung smart TV, click on Bluetooth Speaker List.
Step 6: Click on your headphones or speaker’s name from the list. If you don’t see your Bluetooth device’s name, ensure it’s charged, powered on, and in pairing mode.
Step 7: Then, click on Pair and Connect.
Step 8: Once your Bluetooth headphones or speaker have successfully paired to your TV, you will see a confirmation message on-screen. Select OK to exit this message and start using your Bluetooth headphones or speaker.
Watch the video below demonstrating how to connect Bluetooth headphones or speakers to a Samsung smart TV.
HDMI
Materials Needed
- HDMI-Compatible Soundbar
- HDMI Cable
- HDMI-Compatible Samsung TV
Instructions
Step 1: Plug the HDMI cable into one of your soundbar’s HDMI ARC ports.
Step 2: Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into one of your TV’s available HDMI ARC ports.
Step 3: Connect the HDMI-compatible audio device to power using the provided power cable. Then, power it on.
Step 4: Head to your TV’s Settings.
Step 5: Go to Sound.
Step 6: Navigate to Sound Output.
Step 7: Change the Sound Output to Soundbar.
Watch the video below demonstrating how to connect a soundbar to your Samsung TV via HDMI.
Wrapping Things Up
Most modern Samsung TVs do not have headphone jacks, but that doesn’t mean you can’t connect AUX-compatible devices to them!
Digital-to-analog audio converters allow you to connect your optical-supported TV to AUX-supported sound devices, and it couldn’t be easier!
If you don’t want to use a converter, you can try connecting your Bluetooth headphones or speakers to your TV wirelessly. However, this option is only available for Bluetooth-supported smart TV models.
Alternatively, you can connect a soundbar to your TV via an HDMI cable. Soundbars produce great sound and can elevate your TV setup significantly.
Whichever audio solution you decide to go with, we know you’ll fall in love with your Samsung TV’s audio setup.
What’s your favorite way to connect external audio devices to your Samsung TV? Do you prefer a wired or wireless audio connection?
Let us know in the comments below!
Yesenia Achlim is a technical copywriter and editor with a focus on AV equipment. She aims to break down complicated topics and make technology accessible, no matter your technical expertise. When she’s not teaching you how to replace a projector lamp, you can find her reading and baking.