Cannot pair Xbox to Samsung tv

I have the same issue:

* the plain Xbox controller (non elite) connects via bluetooth to the TV and is recognised by the Xbox cloud app on my Samsung TV. I can use it to play games using the Samsung Xbox app.

* the brand new Xbox Elite Series 2 controller connects via bluetooth to the TV and is NOT recognised by the Xbox cloud app.

I tried several attempts deleting the pairing, re-pairing. Turn off TV on the power switch. Re-installing the Xbox app on the Samsung TV.

The result is always the same:

* The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller connects successfully to the TV and is shown as Paired and Connected in the Samsung TVs feature where you add external devices.
* But the Xbox app shows the yellow ! exclamation mark and does not recognise the Elite Controller.

I’ve paired my other non Elite standard Xbox controller now vie Bluetooth and USB, which works both.

Hello EmmaC_OT, my name is Jose, i am here to help you in any way I can.

Yes, it is possible to pair the XAC with a Samsung smart TV to change channels among other things. To do that, follow these steps:

Turn on the XAC and the Samsung TV.

On your Samsung TV, go to Settings > General > Accessories > Bluetooth.

Turn on Bluetooth on the XAC.

The Samsung TV should detect the XAC. Select the XAC from the list of detected devices.

Once the XAC is paired with your Samsung TV, you can use the buttons on the XAC to control the TV.

To change channels, press the Channel Up or Channel Down button.

To adjust the volume, press the Volume Up or Volume Down button.

To play or pause a video, press the Play/Pause button.

To advance or rewind a video, press the Forward or Back button.

Once the XAC is paired with your Samsung TV, you can use it to listen to TV audio through headphones or speakers connected to the XAC.

If your Samsung TV supports Bluetooth, but you can't pair it with the XAC, you can try the following:

Make sure the XAC and Samsung TV are turned on and close to each other.

Restart the XAC and Samsung TV.

Try pairing the XAC with the Samsung TV in an environment with less Bluetooth interference.

I hope this information has been useful to you, have a good day.

Joe, I have solved this issue. Go here: https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/xbox-accessories/9NBLGGH30XJ3 and download XBOX accessories app. Then with a USB type C, which is what I use for my Samsung phone, connect your controller to your PC/laptop and open the app. The app will notify you that you need to update your controller. After the update I deleted all pairings between the controller and TV and started a new pair. At first the TV would recognize the controllers and give the message "need pairing" but the TV wouldn’t pair the controller. I did a hard reboot on the controller and a reboot of the TV and paired again and voil there was the controller paired to XBOX. I hope this works for you

No. I would assume that the Xbox app on our Samsung TVs might need an update.

Or, we need an firmware update for our Elite Series 2 Xbox controllers, which can only be done using an actual Xbox hardware or a Windows PC. I have neither.

My current workaround is using the “cheap” standard Xbox wireless controller I had already.

I got the Elite Series 2 controller for free, as it was part of a marketing campaign, buying that particular Samsung TV series, you receive an Xbox controller for free and a Game Pass. However, that Xbox controller doesn’t pair with the Xbox app. (It pairs with the TV only.)

It would be great if anyone who knows Xbox 2nd level support contact details forwarding this thread, so that MS can look into that and update the Xbox app for Samsung smart TVs. Or I go in a shop and ask if they can check if the Elite controller has the latest firmware installed.

here is my info. I've spent at least 5 hours or so over the phone with Samsung to resolve this issue. they tell me its my sound bar, which it is not. here is my info below. Also I can set my TV to bitstream 5.1, but the audio lag cannot be adjusted to sync.
I cannot use 5.1 uncompressed.

TV Model and Brand: Samsung UN60JS8000 (2016 model)

Soundbar Model and Brand: Samsung HWK550ZA 3.1 Channel with added optional 2 wireless speakers (5.1 surround)

Exactly how you have your set up right now: Xbox One S to HDMI 1 on TV and ARC HDMI 3 from TV to Sound bar