There is no sound when using a TV or audio system with the ARC/eARC feature

This article is provided to help troubleshoot the Audio Return Channel (ARC) or Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) feature not working with your TV and audio system when both are compatible with the HDMI® ARC/eARC feature.

Before you start

• Verify that both the TV and the audio system you are using are compatible with the ARC feature. The ARC feature eliminates the need to use an additional composite audio cable or an optical cable when connecting an audio system to a TV. Most devices that support the ARC or eARC feature will have one or more HDMI ports labeled (ARC or eARC/ARC).
• If only one device is compatible, the ARC/eARC feature can't be activated and you'll need to connect the audio system with an optical cable or audio cable to get sound from your TV. A separate article is available with various connection options for how to hear the TV sound through speakers of a stereo receiver or home theater system.
• For information on the ARC feature, see the article What is the Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature?

Troubleshooting

Perform the steps as needed to help resolve your issue. Check if the issue is resolved after each step that's performed. If model-specific information is required in order to complete any of these steps or to determine if your product supports the ARC/eARC feature, refer to the manuals for your products.

1. Perform a power reset of your TV and audio system
   1. Turn off both devices.
   2. Disconnect the power cords and HDMI cables from both devices.
   3. Leave the devices disconnected for two minutes.
   4. Reconnect the HDMI cable to the HDMI IN (ARC or eARC) input of the TV and then the other end to the HDMI OUT (ARC or eARC) of the audio system.
   5. Connect the power cords to both devices.
   6. Power on the TV first, then the audio system.
2. Update your TV and audio system to the .
3. Ensure the Control for HDMI option is set to ON for both devices. The HDMI control settings may vary depending on your device, check your device manual if you need specific details. For BRAVIA™ TV models, choose Enable from the BRAVIA Sync device list. Enabling the BRAVIA Sync device list on a BRAVIA TV
   1. Open the Settings screen. How to access Settings
      • Using the Quick Settings button (For models released in 2019 or later)
        1. Press the (Quick Settings) button on the remote control.
        2. Select Settings.

      • Using the HOME button
        1. Press the HOME button on the remote control.
        2. Select Settings.
   2. Under General Settings, select Watch TV.
   3. Select External Inputs.
   4. Select BRAVIA Sync Settings.
   5. Select BRAVIA Sync device list.
   6. Select Enable.

   Notes:

   • Check the BRAVIA Sync device list on your TV, your audio system should be listed if both devices are properly connected with ARC/eARC activated. If the audio system is not listed, then replace the HDMI cable.
   • When replacing the HDMI cable, it's recommended that the replacement HDMI cable is new or a known working cable in good condition. Avoid using long cables, adapters, and extenders.
4. Check your audio system settings, the Audio Return Channel (ARC/eARC) or the TV Audio Input Mode setting should be set to On or Auto.

   Note: This setting may be different or may not be available on some products.

5. Check your HDMI cable. Make sure you are using a high-speed HDMI cable and it's securely connected to the HDMI ports labeled HDMI IN (ARC or eARC) port of the TV and to the HDMI OUT (ARC or eARC) of the audio device. Avoid using long cables and remove any adapters or extenders.

   Note: When using eARC, a Premium HDMI cable should be used or audio issues may occur.

6. Disconnect the HDMI cables from all devices and clear the data and cache from the ExternalInputServices app (Android TV™ and Google TV™ models). Clearing data and cache from the ExternalInputServices app
   1. Turn off all devices.
   2. Disconnect all devices connected with an HDMI cable from the TV.
   3. Open the Settings screen. How to access Settings
      • Using the Quick Settings button (For models released in 2019 or later)
        1. Press the (Quick Settings) button on the remote control.
        2. Select Settings.

      • Using the HOME button
        1. Press the HOME button on the remote control.
        2. Select Settings.
   4. From the Settings menu, follow the steps that best match the menu on your model:
      • Select Apps → See all apps → Show system apps → ExternalInputServices → Clear data and Clear cache → OK.
      • Select Apps → System apps → ExternalInputServices → Clear data and Clear cache → OK
        Notes:

        • Settings may be different for your TV so check your TV manuals for specific information.
        • Selecting Clear data → OK may also clear the cache.
        • Third-party devices may cause the Control for HDMI or BRAVIA Sync function of the TV and the audio device to stop working. If you want to continue using the device that causes the problem, you may be able to use a CEC-Less HDMI cable or CEC-Less HDMI adapter. Contact the device manufacturer for details.

7. Make sure all other devices are disconnected from your TV and then connect only your audio system to eliminate the possibility of another device causing a problem.

Additional troubleshooting

If the issue still occurs, try these additional troubleshooting steps:

1. Make sure the speaker settings on your TV are set to use your audio system.

   Note: You won't automatically receive sound from your audio system after connecting the cable. Check your TV sound settings to ensure it's set to use the audio system.

   1. Open the Settings screen. How to access Settings
      • Using the Quick Settings button (For models released in 2019 or later)
        1. Press the (Quick Settings) button on the remote control.
        2. Select Settings.

      • Using the HOME button
        1. Press the HOME button on the remote control.
        2. Select Settings.
   2. From the Settings menu, follow the steps that best match the menu on your model:
      • Select Display & Sound → Audio output → Speakers → Audio system.
      • Select Sound → Speakers → Audio system
2. Make sure your audio system input is set to TV by pressing the INPUT or TV button on your audio system remote.
3. Set the Digital Audio Output settings of your TV to PCM.

   Note: If the audio system connected to the TV doesn't support DTS or Dolby Digital, it may not output sound depending on the type of broadcast or video.

   For Android TV and Google TV, follow these steps to change the Digital Audio Output setting to PCM:

   1. Open the Settings screen. How to access Settings
      • Using the Quick Settings button (For models released in 2019 or later)
        1. Press the (Quick Settings) button on the remote control.
        2. Select Settings.

      • Using the HOME button
        1. Press the HOME button on the remote control.
        2. Select Settings.
   2. Select Sound, Display & Sound, or BRAVIA Settings depending on your TV.
   3. Select Audio output.

      Note: Skip this step if unavailable.

   4. Select Digital audio out, and then set it to PCM.
4. For Android TV and Google TV models, clearing the data and cache of an app may resolve sound issues. If an app is causing problems with sound, select that app and clear the data and cache. For additional information refer to the article Clear Data and Clear Cache on your Android TV or Google TV.