Yes, if your Chromebook supports Android apps via the Google Play Store, you can download and use the SmartThings app. This allows you to connect to and control your compatible Samsung soundbar directly from your Chromebook, just like on a phone.
The living room was finally quiet. The television was mounted, the cables were hidden, and the new Samsung soundbar sat sleek and unassuming beneath the screen. I brewed a cup of tea, sank into the sofa, and opened my Chromebook, ready to fine-tune the audio for the movie I’d been waiting to watch all week.
That’s when the question hit me. I could control everything else from this laptop, but can I use the SmartThings app on a Chromebook with a Samsung soundbar?
The thought felt like a small but significant hurdle. My phone was charging in the other room, and the idea of juggling yet another device felt counterintuitive to the streamlined, connected home I was trying to create. My Chromebook was my command center.
Surely, there had to be a way to bridge this small gap.
This piece is for anyone who has found themselves in that exact spot, sitting on the sofa with a new piece of tech, wondering how to make it all play nicely together. We will explore the path to getting Samsung’s powerful control app running on the simple, efficient ChromeOS, turning your laptop into the ultimate remote for your sound system.
The Modern Chromebook: More Than Just a Browser
There was a time when Chromebooks were seen as little more than gateways to the internet. They were simple, fast, and secure, but their capabilities were often defined by what you could do in a web browser. For years, that was their identity.
If a task required a dedicated application, you typically had to reach for a different machine.
That reality, however, has quietly shifted. A few years ago, Google began integrating the Google Play Store, the same marketplace used by millions of Android phones, into its ChromeOS. This wasn’t just a minor update; it was a fundamental change in what a Chromebook could be.
Suddenly, these lightweight laptops gained access to a vast library of applications, from creative suites and productivity tools to the smart home control apps we rely on daily.
This evolution is the key to our soundbar dilemma. The SmartThings app, designed for Android and iOS, can now find a home on most modern Chromebooks. It means your laptop is no longer just for browsing movie reviews; it can be the very tool you use to perfect the movie’s sound, right from your seat.
This integration turns a device known for its simplicity into a surprisingly versatile hub for managing your digital life and your connected home.
Getting SmartThings on Your Chromebook: A Simple Path
Bringing the functionality of the SmartThings app to your Chromebook is a straightforward process, built on the bridge between ChromeOS and Android. You don’t need any special tricks or complicated workarounds. You just need to know where to look.
First, locate the Google Play Store icon on your Chromebook. It’s typically found in your shelf or app launcher, represented by the familiar multicolored triangle. A quick tap opens the door to the entire Android app ecosystem.
In the search bar at the top, type “SmartThings” and press enter. The official app from Samsung Electronics should appear as the top result.
From there, the experience is identical to installing an app on a phone. Click the “Install” button and let your Chromebook handle the download and setup. Once it’s finished, you can launch the app directly.
You will be prompted to sign in with your Samsung account, which is the same account that links all your connected Samsung devices, including your soundbar. Once you’re logged in, the app will automatically detect any devices associated with your account, and your soundbar should appear, ready for your command.
The Real-World Experience: What to Expect
Once the SmartThings app is running on your Chromebook, a new level of control is at your fingertips. The interface will look familiar, as it’s the same application you would use on your phone. You can dive into your soundbar’s settings to adjust the equalizer, raising the bass for an action movie or enhancing the treble for clearer dialogue in a drama.
You can switch between sound modes like Surround, Game, or Adaptive Sound with a simple click.
This is also the most reliable way to perform firmware updates. Manufacturers often release updates to improve performance or add new features, and the app is the central hub for managing them. Doing this from your Chromebook is far more comfortable than squinting at a tiny phone screen.
However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. The SmartThings app was designed primarily for the vertical screen of a smartphone. On a Chromebook’s wide, landscape-oriented display, the app may appear stretched or confined to a phone-sized window in the center of your screen.
While fully functional, the aesthetic isn’t always perfect. Performance can also vary depending on your Chromebook’s hardware. Still, for making those crucial on-the-fly adjustments without searching for your phone, it’s an elegant and incredibly useful solution.
Beyond the App: Alternative Ways to Command Your Sound
While the SmartThings app offers the deepest level of control, it isn’t the only way to manage your Samsung soundbar from your digital ecosystem. If you find the app experience on your Chromebook isn’t ideal, or if you simply prefer voice commands, there are other powerful options available.
Many modern Samsung soundbars come with built-in support for voice assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Since Google Assistant is deeply integrated into ChromeOS, this creates a seamless connection. You can link your Samsung account to your Google Home app, and from there, you can use your Chromebook’s microphone to issue commands.
Simple phrases like, “Hey Google, turn up the soundbar,” or “Hey Google, set the soundbar volume to 50 percent,” work effortlessly.
This method is perfect for quick, hands-free adjustments. And let’s not forget the most reliable tool of all: the physical remote control. While it may seem old-fashioned, the dedicated remote that came with your soundbar offers immediate, tactile access to core functions like volume, input selection, and sound modes without needing any software.
A balanced approach, using the app for deep settings, voice commands for quick changes, and the remote for instant access, creates a truly user-friendly home audio experience. For more on using Android apps, Google’s official support page is an excellent resource.
FAQ
Is the SmartThings app free to use on a Chromebook?
Yes, the SmartThings app is completely free. You can download it from the Google Play Store on your Chromebook without any initial cost or subscription fees. All you need is a free Samsung account to log in and connect your devices.
This account acts as the central hub that remembers your soundbar and other compatible smart devices, allowing you to control them from any device where you are signed in, whether it’s your phone, tablet, or Chromebook.
Will all Samsung soundbars work with the app on a Chromebook?
Most modern Samsung soundbars designed for smart connectivity will work with the SmartThings app, regardless of whether you are using it on a phone or a Chromebook. However, older models or very basic entry-level soundbars may lack the necessary Wi-Fi or smart features to connect to the app. A good rule of thumb is to check your soundbar’s product page or user manual for “SmartThings” or “Wi-Fi” compatibility.
If it works with the app on your phone, it will work with the app on your Chromebook.
Can I update my soundbar’s firmware using the Chromebook app?
Absolutely. Using the SmartThings app on your Chromebook is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to keep your soundbar’s firmware up to date. When a new update is available, the app will typically notify you.
You can then navigate to your soundbar’s device page within the app, access its settings, and initiate the update process. This ensures your soundbar always has the latest features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements released by Samsung.
What if the SmartThings app isn’t available in the Play Store on my Chromebook?
If you cannot find or install the SmartThings app, it’s likely that your Chromebook is an older model that does not support the Google Play Store or has compatibility issues. First, ensure your ChromeOS is fully updated by going to Settings > About ChromeOS. If the Play Store is enabled and the app still doesn’t appear, your device may not meet the app’s requirements.
In this case, you can rely on alternative control methods like the physical remote or, if supported, voice commands through a linked smart speaker.
Does the SmartThings app on my Chromebook work offline?
No, the SmartThings app requires an active internet connection to function. The app communicates with your soundbar and other smart devices through Samsung’s cloud servers. Your Chromebook and your soundbar must both be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for the initial setup and for the app to send commands.
This connection is what allows you to control your devices, check their status, and receive updates in real-time. Without internet, you will need to use the physical remote control.
Conclusion
The divide between our devices is smaller than ever. The question of whether a Chromebook can command a high-end soundbar is no longer a technical puzzle but a simple matter of knowing where to look. Thanks to the integration of the Google Play Store into ChromeOS, the answer is a clear yes.
You can download the SmartThings app and gain deep, granular control over your Samsung soundbar’s settings, from fine-tuning the audio mix to installing the latest firmware, all from the comfort of your laptop.
While the experience might have a few visual quirks, its core functionality remains powerful and convenient. It transforms your Chromebook from a simple productivity tool into a capable remote for your smart home. Paired with alternatives like voice commands and the trusty physical remote, you have a complete toolkit for managing your home theater.
Your devices are ready to work together in ways we once only saw in science fiction.
As these digital ecosystems continue to merge and overlap, how will you design your own perfectly connected space?
