One of the most common questions homeowners have when installing a Samsung Frame TV is whether the One Connect Box should be hidden behind the wall or left accessible. If you’re planning on an installation, you can also read our Samsung Frame TV mounting guide for a step by step breakdown of the process.
The Frame TV is designed to look like a piece of art, but the One Connect Box is still required to connect devices. Deciding where it goes has a direct impact on how clean the final installation looks.
In some cases, hiding the box is the best option. In others, leaving it accessible may be more practical depending on the setup and devices being used.
Samsung Frame TVs use a separate One Connect Box where all devices are connected, including streaming devices and other equipment.
This design allows the screen to remain thin and mount close to the wall, but it also means the box itself needs to be accounted for during installation.
Both the standard Frame and the Frame Pro use a One Connect Box, but they handle power and data differently.
A single thin cable connects the TV to the One Connect Box and carries both power and data. Because of this, the box typically needs to be located behind the TV if you want a fully concealed setup.
The TV plugs directly into a standard outlet for power, and the One Connect Box transmits data wirelessly. This allows more flexibility in where the box is placed.
Hiding the One Connect Box is usually the best option if your goal is a clean, gallery-style look with no visible wires or equipment.
A common approach is to install an in wall media box behind the TV. This creates a recessed space where the One Connect Box and cables can be placed inside the wall.
This approach works well when:
When done correctly, this allows the TV to look more like a framed piece of art rather than a traditional TV setup.
In some situations, hiding the One Connect Box may not be necessary or practical.
This can include:
With the Frame Pro in particular, the One Connect Box can be placed in a cabinet or console since it communicates wirelessly with the TV. This can simplify the installation while still maintaining a relatively clean appearance. This approach is often chosen when flexibility and ease of access are more important than a fully concealed look.
If you decide to hide the One Connect Box, planning is an important part of the process.
Once the TV location is confirmed, we mark the exact position for the media box using blue painter’s tape. We then record a short video explaining the layout and send it to you so it can be shared directly with your electrician. This helps ensure clear communication and avoids any confusion during installation.
A licensed electrician is required to install both the outlet and the media box. You can use your own electrician, or we can provide a list of electricians we have worked with who are familiar with this type of installation.
After the electrical work is completed, we return to mount the TV, connect the One Connect Box, and test the system to ensure everything is aligned and functioning properly.
If you’re looking for a step by step breakdown of how the TV is mounted and installed, you can read our Samsung Frame TV mounting guide: What to Know Before You Start.
If you decide to hide the One Connect Box behind the TV, the next step is choosing the correct size media enclosure box. The size you need depends on the type of Frame TV you have and whether you plan to hide additional devices along with the One Connect Box.
Thinking about this early helps avoid space limitations once the box is installed inside the wall. This is one of the most common areas where planning issues can affect how clean the final installation looks.
Because the One Connect Box carries both power and data, it typically needs to be installed behind the TV if you want a clean, fully concealed setup.
This requires a larger 17 inch recessed media box to fit the One Connect Box and allow enough space for cable connections and any additional devices. Since the TV relies on the box for both power and data, there is less flexibility in where it can be placed.
The Frame Pro offers more flexibility depending on how you want to handle the One Connect Box.
If you don’t plan to conceal the One Connect Box behind the wall, a smaller 9 inch media box can be used for power only. This option takes up less space and is often easier to install when there are obstructions inside the wall.
If you want to hide the One Connect Box along with devices like an Apple TV, a larger 17 inch media box is required.
If a gaming console is part of the setup, the Frame Pro can help maintain a cleaner look because the One Connect Box communicates wirelessly with the TV. This keeps the console with the One Connect Box and eliminates the need for an HDMI cable to the TV.
Adding a soundbar can introduce additional considerations. A soundbar typically requires its own power and cable management, which may involve additional outlets or wall plates. This can affect the overall appearance, especially if the goal is to maintain a minimal, art-like look.
It also changes how the wall space is used below the TV, which can impact placement and overall layout. Planning for this ahead of time helps ensure everything is positioned correctly and avoids the need for adjustments after installation.
We’ve worked in new construction, historic homes, and high rise buildings throughout Austin. Each type of home presents different conditions, including how the wall is built and what may be inside it.
This experience has taught us that although it adds one more step to the process, taking the time to plan ahead with a pre-installation inspection helps avoid issues during installation and leads to a smoother experience for the homeowner.
Whether you should hide the One Connect Box or leave it accessible depends on your wall conditions, the type of Frame TV you have, and how you plan to use your system.
If your goal is a clean, fully concealed setup, hiding the One Connect Box behind the wall is usually the best approach. If flexibility or wall limitations are a concern, leaving it accessible may be the better option.
If you have questions about your setup, feel free to reach out and we can walk through what makes the most sense for your needs and your space.
It depends on your wall conditions, the type of Frame TV you have, and how you plan to use your system. If your goal is a clean, fully concealed setup, hiding the One Connect Box behind the wall is usually the best option. If flexibility or wall limitations are a concern, leaving it accessible may be more practical.
That depends on the model and what you want to hide. The standard Frame typically requires a larger 17 inch recessed media box. The Frame Pro can sometimes use a smaller 9 inch box if the One Connect Box is not being hidden behind the wall.
Yes. If you do not plan to conceal the One Connect Box behind the wall, the Frame Pro can often use a smaller 9 inch media box for power only. If you want to hide the One Connect Box and additional devices, a larger 17 inch box is usually needed.
Yes. A licensed electrician is required to install both the outlet and the media box when the One Connect Box is being hidden behind the wall.
No. The Samsung One Connect cable is not rated for in-wall installation and should not be run behind the wall. If you want a clean look, the better approach is to use a properly installed recessed media box and code-compliant electrical setup.
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