Setting up a home theater system can be an exciting process, and with a VIZIO soundbar and subwoofer, you can enjoy an immersive audio experience without much hassle. But one of the key steps in this process is pairing your VIZIO subwoofer with the soundbar to ensure seamless audio output, and sometimes that can be a hassle.
To pair a Vizio Subwoofer to a Vizio Soundbar, start by turning on both devices and placing them within a few feet of each other. Watch for the LED light on the subwoofer to blink as it works through pairing mode, and turn solid after pairing has completed.
In the following sections, we will cover the essential steps to effectively pair your VIZIO subwoofer with the soundbar, including troubleshooting tips and some additional resources. Oh, and remember to start by checking the volume settings and making sure your TV isn't on mute or turned down too low to hear!
How To Pair A Vizio Subwoofer
Pairing your Vizio subwoofer with the soundbar is pretty easy, especially if you have a new unit fresh out of the box. Later we'll talk about how to reset your soundbar or sub, incase you bought either one used and/or it has all it's pairing slots full already, but for now, try these simple steps to pair a Vizio soundbar to a Vizio sub “from scratch:”
- Turn on both devices: Ensure that your Vizio soundbar and subwoofer are switched on. Press the power button on the soundbar or use a remote if paired with one.
- Get devices closer: Place the soundbar and subwoofer about a foot apart, facing each other for the initial pairing. This will allow them to easily communicate, though they can be farther apart once they're paired.
- Enter pairing mode: Make sure both the soundbar and subwoofer are in pairing mode. Check for a blinking LED light on the subwoofer indicating that it's in pairing mode.
- Wait for connection: Give the devices a moment to establish a connection. Once the LED light on the subwoofer becomes solid, it means the pairing is successful. Your Vizio subwoofer is now wirelessly connected to the soundbar via Bluetooth.
That's it! Your Vizio subwoofer is now paired with the soundbar, ready to enhance your audio experience. If you didn't get solid lights indicating a connection, though, or you can't get sound out of the sub, next we'll turn our attention to some troubleshooting steps you can try.
Troubleshooting Vizio Subwoofer Connection Issues
It's hard to know what problem may be causing your connection issues, so briefly consider these before turning your attention toward trying to get in touch with Vizio support.
Wireless Connection Issues/Interference
Sometimes, the reason behind the subwoofer not pairing with your soundbar may be due to wireless connection issues or interference. Make sure both devices are plugged in, turned on, and at least a foot apart (but also close enough that they can “see” each other's signals clearly, a few feet apart maybe).
Check for other electronic devices that might be causing interference and either move them or turn them off: if your soundbar is right next to your router or a wireless repeater, try temporarily moving it away while you reattempt pairing.
Feedback or Sound Quality Issues
If you're experiencing feedback or poor sound quality when using your VIZIO subwoofer, try adjusting the placement of the subwoofer. This can have a significant impact on the output quality. Experiment with different positions and distances until you find the ideal spot.
If the sound issues aren't caused by the physical placement of the sub (more on that here), then you can assume this interference is actually from wireless signals or, more rarely, a hardware fault within the sub (more likely if you purchased it used…).
Audio Syncing Issues
When your subwoofer is not synchronizing properly with your soundbar, you may experience audio syncing issues like dialogue not matching lips or other mismatched audio/video situations.
You should restart your device in this case, and if the problem persists, pull up the Vizio soundbar's user manual (find yours here) and figure out if it has an “audio delay” feature. If it does, modify the delay time to force the audio to match the video. If you can't fix it this way, you should get in touch with Vizio support.
Using SmartCast to Update Your Equipment
Updating your VIZIO soundbar and subwoofer can help resolve any issues that may be occurring. Use the Vizio SmartCast app (on iOS or Android) to check for updates and apply them as needed. This may not only fix current issues but also improve your overall audio experience. Note that both devices need to be connected to the same WiFi network for this to work.
Contacting Vizio Support
If none of this has moved you forward, you officially have a complicated problem on your hand–something we can nether predict nor fix based on the info above. So, go ahead and open a ticket with Vizio Support to try and get some advanced support on your issue.
Bonus: Connecting Third-Party (Non-Vizio) Subs to a Vizio Soundbar
Sometimes, you may want to connect a third-party subwoofer to your Vizio soundbar for a more customized audio experience. While it's not guaranteed that all non-Vizio subs will be compatible, it's worth giving a try with the right connection process.
First, check if your third-party subwoofer has a wired connection option. If so, locate the audio input on the subwoofer, usually labeled “line in” or “input.” You'll need a 3.5mm to RCA cable to connect the subwoofer with the soundbar's audio output. After connecting the cable, power on both devices and adjust the volume levels to find the perfect balance.
Some non-Vizio subwoofers might offer a Bluetooth connection. In this case, put your subwoofer into pairing mode (consult the sub's manual for instructions). Navigate to your soundbar's settings and select Bluetooth pairing mode, then choose the detected subwoofer from the list of available devices. Keep in mind that connecting via Bluetooth may result in a slight audio lag compared to a wired connection.
If your third-party subwoofer uses a wireless proprietary connection, compatibility might be more challenging. Some tech-savvy users may find workarounds to connect non-Vizio subs with proprietary wireless transmitters, but we recommend caution as this may lead to unexpected results or suboptimal audio performance.
Bassline Breakdown: The Final Note on Vizio Subwoofer Pairing
Setting up a home theater is like orchestrating a symphony, where each component plays its part to perfection. And when it comes to speakers, it's even more literally like a symphony – with you as the conductor telling which speakers where to speak from, and managing the connections to your TV and everything that goes along with that. And once paired, a Vizio subwoofer will enhance your home theater's audio experience in a big, bassy, way!
