Linda recently got this new wireless subwoofer to add the extra bass effect to her home theater system. One day, she noticed that her wireless subwoofer not working anymore. The soundbar remains on yet the wireless subwoofer stops working.
She played music or some movie to check. The sound was coming only from the soundbar. But unfortunately, there was no deep bass effect that gives a 3D vibe all over the room. Since she was new to this, she couldn’t do much and asked for my help.
If your subwoofer also stopped working just like Linda’s, this article is what covers all your concerns. You will also get the absolute solutions that you had been looking for elsewhere. So be there till the end.
Why Does My Wireless Subwoofer Fail To Work?
There could be a few main reasons why your subwoofer fails to work at all. They are pretty basic or, call it minor, so people tend to neglect them. And thereby face this annoying problem.
But first, know that this is a very common and a very random problem. So never think that you are the only one dealing with this.
- The subwoofer remains OFF: So the subwoofer might remain switched off. If so, no matter how hard you try, it will never work (Hilarious but unknowingly, it happens)
- The subwoofer might be distantly placed from the other device: This is a very common case. The subwoofer remains far away from the other pairing device. Due to the longer distance, it does not work. Make sure you always place it at a minimum distance to avoid such issues.
- Presence of electronic devices: True that! Sometimes the presence of electronic devices like microwaves compels the subwoofer to stop working. This is because the signals get interrupted and you end up with a failed subwoofer.
Instant Fix Subwoofer Not Working Issue (Using Your Soundbar)
Here is a tip that could probably help your subwoofer to work smoothly and perfectly again. For this, you need to use a soundbar.
- Turn off your soundbar using its remote.
- Push the ID set button that is located on the back of your soundbar. For this, use a paperclip. Just like how you open up the sim card tray of your mobile phone.
- Push and hold it for around 5 seconds until you notice the Bluetooth light changing its state. This resets the soundbar.
- While it keeps blinking, take the remote of the soundbar. With the power being OFF, press and hold the MUTE button for 5 seconds. Until you observe the ID set on the display of the soundbar.
- Now turn on the soundbar and check if the blue light remains constant. The blue light being constant means that your subwoofer is working alright.
How to Solved Wireless Subwoofer Not Working Problem
Wireless subwoofer problems are very annoying, I know. In order to get rid of this problem, I have come up with 7 ways! Now if the instant tip doesn’t work out for you, you can stop panicking and try these methods. Amy one of them would definitely work out for your subwoofer.
1. Pairing Problem
One of the most common causes leading to the failure of the subwoofer is the pairing problem. Most of the users find it hard to pair as some subwoofers come with complex features. So to fix this issue, you need to:
- Firstly, unplug both the subwoofer and the other device that you want it to pair with.
- Now switch on the power of the subwoofer first and then the other pairing device. Make sure that both the subwoofer and the other device must be in the POWER MODE.
- Press the Pairing Button on the Sub to enable it to pair with a nearby device. Once you enable the pairing mode, the white light on the sub will start blinking rapidly.
- The other device should also be in the pairing mode.
2. Loose Power Connection
Another random yet unnoticeable cause leading to a failed subwoofer is its loose power connection. When the power connection is not snug and stable, the subwoofer power indicator does not flash. In that case:
- You need to make sure that the power cord of the subwoofer is tightly secured to the power outlet or surge protector.
- Sometimes the power outlet turns defective so you can check and replace that as well.
- Then again, check the wires of the pairing devices. They might wear out, break, and so on. So, it is wiser to inspect everything before troubleshooting.
- Yet, if the power keeps disconnecting after a while and something doesn’t seem alright, you can always unplug and plug back your sub into the power outlet.
3. Speaker Wires
I would also recommend taking a look at the speaker wires. Because they tend to turn faulty or broken due to short circuits or fuses.
If it turns out to be worn out, you always have the option to replace them anytime. However, if you are thinking of repairing them, a professional would take care of all that hassle.
4. Ventilation Problem
When something gets wrong with the ventilation, the subwoofer indicator will flash red. When the subwoofer is not open to proper ventilation, it might stop working at all. Because ventilation problems will ultimately lead to overheating of the subwoofer. And it will not be able to function properly. To eradicate this problem,
- Make sure that nothing is blocking the ventilation holes of the subwoofer. Be it dust particles or anything, get rid of it.
- Place the sub in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid using it for a longer time.
5. The Menu Settings
Sometimes, the Menu Settings are responsible for this blunder. That also happens unknowingly. So, make sure you check both the settings of the sub and the pairing device as well.
Your subwoofer should be linked to the proper audio input. And for the input device, check its manual and make sure that the settings are done accordingly.
6. Distance Between The Subwoofer And The Input Device
This is a very important reason but people hardly maintain this. Thereby, they come up with subwoofer issues every now and then. So, keep these things in mind:
- Place the subwoofer and the input device as close as possible. They should stay at a minimum distance of at least 33 feet.
- Avoid keeping them in metal cabinets.
- Make sure to remove any other wireless devices between the sub and the input device. The signals and the frequency of the wireless devices trigger the signals. Thus the presence of such devices acts as an obstacle between the sub and the input device.
7. Speaker Test
Speaker Test is basically a test that you conduct to make sure that your sub is functioning properly. The newer models have this feature so if you have a new sub, you can try this out.
All you need to do is:
- Switch OFF the power of your subwoofer.
- Move on to the remote and press the right button that is just beside the huge control button at the center.
- Press and hold it for ten seconds and the speaker test starts right away!
What If These Methods Don’t Work/Fail?
Well, subwoofers get really complex at times. Moreover, there are plenty of poor-quality subwoofers available at markets. They grab all your attention at comparatively cheaper rates. So within a year or two, you end up with a failed subwoofer.
And oh yes! Excessive and prolonged use of subwoofers also wears them up so these methods might not work in that case as well. In such situations, replacement remains to be the only option left. But before that, you can try troubleshooting the subwoofer. To troubleshoot:
- Turn ON the subwoofer. Confirm that the LED indicator is flashing.
- Take the remote and press the VOLUME (+) button to turn up the volume.
- Now disconnect the power of the subwoofer and wait a minute or two.
- Replug/Reconnect the power.
- Once the power is ON, go to settings and pair up your subwoofer with your input device.
If troubleshooting still doesn’t bring your subwoofer to work properly, you can try resetting the input device at once! For instance, in terms of soundbar:
- Turn On the soundbar.
- Press the POWER button while holding the INPUT and the VOLUME (-) button. You need to do this at the same time.
- Now there will appear a RESET option on the display. Simply go for it.
- Turn off the power and keep it like that for 30 seconds.
- Plug in back the power and relink the subwoofer and the soundbar.
Relinking Subwoofer
If you follow the above steps and your subwoofer starts working, that’s great. But what if it stops working again in the middle? How would you relink the connection of your subwoofer? We have got it covered too!
1. Turn on the power switch if it is Off.
2. Press and hold the power switch for at least 5 seconds
3. Once you hold it, it will start blinking at a rapid rate.
4. Now turn on your soundbar.
5. There will be a DEMO button beside the power button (the specifications vary per model). Press it and hold it for 5 seconds as well.
6. Once you do this, all the indicators will keep blinking.
7. This ensures that the relinking is under processing.
8. Once the relinking process completes, the blue light indicator beside the power switch button will light up instead of blinking rapidly.
9. That is when your subwoofer is perfectly relinked with the soundbar.
Why Is No Sound Coming From The Subwoofer?
If no sound is coming out of your subwoofer, then that could possibly mean outdated firmware. In that case, you need to update the firmware version of the subwoofer.
Needless to mention, the firmware version of your input device should be the latest one as well.
Just go to the Settings and it will direct you to check the firmware version.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have covered all the necessary stuff you need for your subwoofer to work/function. Yet, you might come up with these Frequently Asked Questions. As I mentioned earlier, this is a common thing and you are not alone.
Why is my subwoofer not working but the speakers are?
Well, if the speakers are good but the subwoofer isn’t working, check the connection to whether it is securely connected. Plus, inspect for any broken or damaged wires. If everything seems okay, unplug the subwoofer and replug it again.
My Samsung subwoofer shows blue light on but there is no sound. How do I fix it?
When there is a blue light on the indicator of your subwoofer, yet you receive no sound, that means it is unable to detect the input device. And that happens when the subwoofer and the input device are quite far from each other. They should never be far more than 33 feet.
Conclusion
So here I am, at the end of this article. I believe that you will follow these methods and your subwoofer will start working perfectly again. However, if you are new to subwoofers and don’t like DIY, consult a technician who could come over and diagnose your failed subwoofer. Apart from that, these simple methods would work out absolutely for your subwoofer so do try all of them for instant results!