How to Set Up Samsung HW-Q990C properly is key to unlocking its full potential of the Samsung HW Q990C. It is one of the most powerful and immersive soundbar systems available. It has 11.1.4 channel surround sound. Dolby Atmos enhances the audio quality. The wireless subwoofer adds deep and powerful bass. Together, they create an incredible experience. The rear speakers enhance the sound even further. This soundbar is designed to transform your home entertainment setup.
Before you sit back and enjoy cinematic audio, you need to set it up properly. Do not worry. I have got you covered. This guide will walk you through the setup process step by step. You will learn how to connect your HW Q990C to your TV and WiFi. It will also cover resetting the system and optimizing performance. Let us get started.
How to Connect Samsung HW-Q990C to TV

To get the best sound from your soundbar, you need to connect it properly to your TV. The best method is using an HDMI ARC or eARC connection. This ensures high-quality and lag-free audio.
HDMI ARC/eARC Connection (Best for Premium Sound)
- Find the Right Ports: Locate the HDMI OUT (ARC/eARC) port on the back of your soundbar and the HDMI IN (ARC/eARC) port on your TV.
- Connect the HDMI Cable: Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the soundbar’s HDMI OUT (ARC) port and the other end into your TV’s HDMI IN (ARC/eARC) port.
- Enable eARC on Your TV: Go to your TV settings and turn on eARC mode to allow lossless, high-resolution audio.
- Select the Correct Audio Output: On your TV, navigate to Settings > Sound > Sound Output, then select Samsung Soundbar.
Pro Tip: If your TV has HDMI eARC, use it instead of ARC for full Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound support.
Alternative: Optical Cable Connection (For Older TVs)
- Connect one end of an optical cable to the OPTICAL IN port on the soundbar.
- Connect the other end to the OPTICAL OUT port on your TV.
- On your TV settings, switch the audio output to Digital Optical.
While optical connections work fine, they don’t support Dolby Atmos. If possible, stick to HDMI ARC/eARC for the best experience!
How to Connect Samsung HW-Q990C to WiFi
Connecting your soundbar to WiFi opens up a world of features, including streaming music directly, controlling settings via the Samsung SmartThings app, and getting firmware updates.
Steps to Connect to WiFi
- Download the Samsung SmartThings App on your Android or iOS device.
- Ensure Your Phone and Soundbar Are on the Same WiFi Network.
- Open the App and Tap “Add Device.”
- Select “Soundbar” and Follow the On-Screen Instructions.
- Once connected, you can control your soundbar wirelessly through the app.
Pro Tip: If the WiFi connection fails, try restarting your router and moving the soundbar closer to your router during setup.
Check out the complete Samsung HW-Q990C review here
Setting Up the Soundbar Components
To get the full 11.1.4 surround sound effect, proper placement of the subwoofer and rear speakers is crucial.
Powering On the Components
- Plug in the Subwoofer and Rear Speakers First.
- Then, Plug in the Soundbar.
- Wait for Auto Pairing. The subwoofer and rear speakers should automatically connect to the soundbar.
If they don’t pair automatically, press the ID SET button on the back of the subwoofer and speakers for 5 seconds until the LED blinks, then press ID SET on the soundbar remote.
Optimal Placement for Surround Sound
Subwoofer: Place it near your TV but not too close to walls to avoid distortion.
Rear Speakers: Ideally positioned behind your seating area at ear level for immersive surround sound. If rear placement isn’t possible, use the SmartThings app to configure them as front-facing speakers.
How to Reset Samsung HW-Q990C
Sometimes, your soundbar may experience connectivity issues or sound glitches. A reset can help restore it to factory settings.
Steps to Reset
- Unplug the Soundbar from Power.
- Press and Hold the “ID SET” Button on the Subwoofer and Rear Speakers for 5 seconds.
- Reconnect Power to the Soundbar and Turn It On.
- It Should Automatically Reconnect with the subwoofer and rear speakers.
If issues persist, reset via the SmartThings app by navigating to Device Settings > Reset Device.
Optimizing Sound Performance
Now that your Samsung HW-Q990C is up and running, let’s fine-tune the settings for the best experience.
Sound Calibration for Your Room
Samsung’s RoomFit Sound+ feature automatically adjusts the soundbar to your room’s acoustics:
- Open SmartThings App.
- Navigate to Sound Settings > RoomFit Sound+.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate audio based on your room’s size and shape.
Bass & Surround Sound Boost
Adjust Bass Enhancement in the SmartThings app for deeper bass. Set Surround Sound Expansion Mode for a wider soundstage.
Adaptive Sound Mode (For Dialog Clarity)
If you watch a lot of movies or TV shows, enable Adaptive Sound Mode in your soundbar settings. This enhances dialogue clarity while maintaining background audio balance.
Final Thoughts
With the Samsung HW Q990C, you are getting one of the best soundbars available. By following this setup guide, you can easily connect it to your TV and WiFi. You will also learn how to optimize its audio performance. The guide will help you troubleshoot common issues as well.