Samsung is shutting down its Samsung Sound app on March 31, 2027, less than a year after launching it. If you use the app to control a Samsung soundbar or speaker, those controls are moving back to SmartThings. You don't have to do anything today, but here's what's changing and how to switch in a few minutes.
What Samsung Announced
A notice now appears inside the Samsung Sound app. It says the app is being folded into SmartThings to offer “a more convenient and unified experience,” according to Android Authority.
The app keeps working until March 31, 2027. After that, you'll need SmartThings to set up and control your Samsung audio gear.
The Sound app launched on Android and iOS only months ago. It was meant to give Samsung's speakers and soundbars their own app, separate from SmartThings, but it arrived without some features SmartThings already had.
Who's Affected
On its US support site, Samsung lists three product types for the Sound app:
- Q-Series soundbars
- Wi-Fi speakers
- The Music Frame
SamMobile reports that the app supports Samsung's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi soundbars and wireless speakers released in 2024 or later.
If you already control your soundbar through SmartThings, nothing changes for you.
How to Move Your Soundbar to SmartThings
To keep your existing settings, register your device in SmartThings, Android Authority advises. Samsung's support pages say your phone and soundbar need to be on the same Wi-Fi network and signed in to the same Samsung account.
- Install the SmartThings app from the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store, and sign in with your Samsung account.
- Turn on your soundbar or speaker.
- Open the Devices tab and tap Add, the plus sign.
- Tap Scan nearby (on iPhone, Scan for nearby devices).
- If your soundbar doesn't show up, tap Add next to Samsung devices and pick it manually.
- Follow the on-screen steps, then choose a location and room for the device.
Samsung notes that menus can differ by model and software version. If you run into trouble, check for a software update on the soundbar first.
Will You Lose Any Features?
Probably not, and you may gain some. When the Sound app launched, it was missing several controls SmartThings already offered, including IP control, Auto Power Off and a Tap Sound shortcut, Android Authority noted. SmartThings already handled most of what the Sound app did.
Samsung hasn't published a detailed feature list for the move, though, so check your favorite settings once your soundbar is in SmartThings.
When Should You Switch?
There's no rush, but there's also no reason to wait until March. Moving now takes a few minutes and means you won't lose access to your soundbar's settings when the app shuts down.
Once your device shows up in SmartThings, you can uninstall the Samsung Sound app.
