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Soundbar connected but no audio coming through

The TV is sending audio to the wrong output, or the soundbar isn't set as the default speaker. Changing the audio output setting in the TV's settings fixes it about 8 times out of 10.

When a soundbar is connected but silent, the TV isn't routing audio to it — it's either using the internal speakers or the wrong HDMI port. We'll check the audio output setting, make sure you're using the HDMI ARC/eARC port, and change the audio format if needed.

Risk: Low ⏱ 10-15 minutes Beginner

⚡ Before you start

✓Have your soundbar remote handy to check volume and settings
✓Know which HDMI port your soundbar is plugged into — check if it's the one labeled ARC or eARC
✓Keep your TV remote nearby for navigating settings

Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.

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Step 1 of 6

Verify the soundbar is plugged into the HDMI ARC or eARC port

Not all HDMI ports support audio return. The ARC/eARC port is the only one that sends audio from the TV to the soundbar.

Look at the HDMI ports on the back of your TV and find the one labeled HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC
Unplug the HDMI cable from whatever port the soundbar is currently in
Plug it into the ARC or eARC port instead
Wait 10 seconds and turn up the soundbar volume to check if audio comes through

Don't force the HDMI cable in — if it doesn't slide in easily, stop and check the port is clear
Don't unplug the soundbar power during troubleshooting — always use the mute button on the remote instead

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Step 2 of 6

Change the TV audio output to external speaker

The TV may be set to play through its internal speakers. You need to tell it to send audio to the soundbar instead.

Go to Settings → Sound → Sound Output or Audio Output
Look for options like Internal Speaker, HDMI, HDMI ARC, or External Speaker
Select HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC, or External Speaker depending on what's available
Play a video or program to confirm the soundbar is now producing audio

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Step 3 of 6

Change the audio format to PCM

Some soundbars don't support all audio formats like DTS or Dolby Digital. Changing to PCM works with all soundbars.

Go to Settings → Sound → Audio Format or Advanced Audio
Look for options like PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS, or Auto
Select PCM — this is the simplest format that every soundbar understands
Play a video to test whether sound now comes through the soundbar

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Step 4 of 6

Make sure the soundbar itself isn't muted

The soundbar has its own volume control and mute button separate from the TV.

Pick up the soundbar remote and check the mute button — it's often a microphone icon with a line through it
If the mute button is lit up or highlighted, press it to unmute the soundbar
Check the volume dial — turn it up partway to make sure it's not at zero
Play a video or song on your TV to confirm you now hear sound through the soundbar

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Step 5 of 6

Unplug and replug the HDMI cable firmly

A loose HDMI connection can stop audio from reaching the soundbar even though the cable looks plugged in.

Locate the HDMI cable running from your TV to the soundbar
Unplug it completely from both the TV and soundbar ends
Wait 5 seconds, then plug it back in firmly at both ends
Verify you see the connection lights on both devices, then play a video to test audio

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Step 6 of 6

Try using an optical cable instead of HDMI

If HDMI isn't working, an optical audio cable provides an alternative connection that often works better.

Check if your TV has an optical audio out port (usually labeled S/PDIF or Optical) on the back
Check if your soundbar has an optical in port — most do
If both have optical ports, unplug the HDMI ARC cable and connect an optical audio cable between the TV and soundbar instead
On your TV, go to Settings → Sound → Audio Output and select Optical instead of HDMI
Play a video to check if audio now comes through the soundbar

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Common mistakes to avoid

Plugging the soundbar into any HDMI port instead of specifically the ARC/eARC port
Not checking if the soundbar is muted on its own remote — people forget soundbars have separate volume controls
Assuming the cable is plugged in when it's actually loose
Not knowing that DTS or Dolby Digital audio formats sometimes don't work with all soundbars

Signs you need professional help

If you've checked the HDMI ARC port, the audio output setting, and tried an optical cable as an alternative and still have no sound, there may be a compatibility issue or hardware problem. Get in touch and we can help troubleshoot the connection.

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Related Guides

→ No sound coming through HDMI from your laptop or console → No sound from TV after connecting a soundbar

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