Can't hear TV sound from the soundbar or home theater system

This article provides various steps and information to help troubleshoot this problem. Because this issue could be caused by several conditions, check if the issue is resolved after each step performed.

We recommend first starting with a power reset of your devices, and then as needed to check your cable connections, followed by checking certain system settings and then other steps if necessary. Some steps are specific to BRAVIA™ TV models (Google TV™ and Android TV™) and your steps and menus may vary, check your product manuals if you need model-specific information. For other manufacturers, refer to your product documents for specific details.

1. Check the volume levels of the TV, soundbar, or audio device.
2. Check if your soundbar or audio system is muted. Depending on the order in which the TV and systems are turned on, or if the mute button on your remote was pressed, the audio system may be muted. Some systems will display MUTING on the front panel.
3. If applicable, toggle the NIGHT mode button on the soundbar remote.
4. If using a soundbar, some source output levels may be lower than normal. You may be able to use the built-in Demonstration mode to verify operation:
   • On the soundbar, press and hold the  TV button for 5 seconds.
   • The Demonstration mode activates and if sound is heard through the soundbar and subwoofer, then the issue is with the source or TV.
   • On the soundbar, press and hold the  TV button for 5 seconds to turn the demonstration mode off.
5. Make sure your soundbar or audio system input is set to TV by pressing the INPUT or TV button on your remote. Do the same source check if you have multiple sources connected to your soundbar or audio system.
6. Perform a power reset of your TV and soundbar or audio system

   Note: Some soundbar systems have a software reset. Refer to the How to reset the Soundbar article.

   1. Turn off both devices (TV and audio system).
   2. Disconnect the power cords from both devices.
   3. Leave the devices disconnected for two minutes.
   4. Reconnect the power cords for both devices, then turn on your TV, followed by your audio system.
7. Check and verify your cable connections (HDMI®, optical, or analog) 

   Note: If you have additional devices connected to your TV or soundbar (Blu-ray Disc™ player, Set-top box, etc.), we recommend checking those cables within this step as well.

   1. Turn off both devices.
   2. Disconnect the cables connecting your TV to your soundbar or audio system.
   3. Check your cables to ensure they're in good condition, if not, replace the cables as needed.
   4. Reconnect the cables connecting your TV to your soundbar or audio system making sure all cables are secure. Then turn on your TV, followed by your system. Refer to the connection options as needed.

      Note: Depending on the model, connection options and labels may vary, and some settings may be unavailable. For details, refer to your TV or audio device documents.

      Connection options:

      • If both the TV and soundbar or audio system have HDMI® ports labeled as ARC or eARC

        

        • A - HDMI IN (ARC or eARC/ARC) port on the TV
        • B - HDMI cable (high-speed HDMI cable)
        • C - HDMI OUT (ARC or eARC/ARC) port on the soundbar or audio system

        1. Ensure that the system is properly connected to the TV by using an HDMI cable. and matching ports (ARC or eARC/ARC).
        2. Set the BRAVIA Sync control to On.

           Note: If your TV is other than a BRAVIA TV, check the supplied manuals to search the settings related to the HDMI CEC function and set it to On.

        3. Check the following settings on the audio system
           • Set the Control for HDMI to On.
           • In the HDMI settings, set the Audio Return Channel (ARC) or TV Audio Input mode to On or Auto.
      • If either the TV, soundbar, or audio system HDMI ports lack an ARC or eARC label (using an optical audio cable)

        

        • A: HDMI IN port on the TV
        • B: HDMI cable
        • C: HDMI OUT port on the soundbar or audio system
        • D: Optical OUT port on the TV
        • E: Optical audio cable
        • F: Optical IN port on the soundbar or audio system

        1. Using the HDMI cable, connect the HDMI IN port on the TV to the HDMI OUT port on the soundbar or audio system.
        2. Using the optical audio cable, connect the Optical OUT port on the TV to the Optical IN port on the soundbar or audio system.
        3. Check the following settings on the TV
           • Set the BRAVIA Sync control to On.
             Note: If your TV is other than a BRAVIA TV, check the supplied manuals to search the settings related to the HDMI CEC function and set it to On.
           • Change the TV audio output setting to PCM and check whether the sound is output. These steps may vary, check your product manuals for model-specific details.

             Changing a BRAVIA TV (Google TV and Android TV models) audio output settings to PCM

             1. On the supplied remote control, press the (Quick Settings) or HOME button (depending on the model).
             2. Select Settings.
             3. The next steps will depend on your TV menu options:
                • Select Display & Sound → Audio output → Digital audio out → PCM.
                • Select Bravia Settings → Digital audio out → PCM.
                • Select Sound → Digital audio out → PCM.

             Note: If the soundbar or audio system connected to the TV does not support compressed audio, sound may not be output depending on the type of broadcast or video. Check your TV manual for more details.

        4. Check the following settings on the soundbar or audio system (if applicable).
           • Set the Control for HDMI setting to ON.
           • In the HDMI settings, set the Audio Return Channel (ARC) or TV Audio Input mode to Off.
      • If using only an optical audio cable

        

        • A: Optical OUT on the TV
        • B: Optical audio cable
        • C: Optical IN on the soundbar or audio system

        1. Using the optical audio cable, connect the Optical OUT port on the TV to the Optical IN port on the system.
        2. In the HDMI settings on the audio device, set the Audio Return Channel (ARC) or TV Audio Input mode to Off.
        3. Change the TV audio output setting to PCM and check whether the sound is output. These steps may vary, so check your product manuals for model-specific details.

           Changing a BRAVIA TV (Google TV and Android TV models) audio output settings to PCM

           1. On the supplied remote control, press the (Quick Settings) or HOME button (depending on the model).
           2. Select Settings.
           3. The next steps will depend on your TV menu options:
              • Select Display & Sound → Audio output → Digital audio out → PCM.
              • Select Bravia Settings → Digital audio out → PCM.
              • Select Sound → Digital audio out → PCM.

           Note: If the soundbar or audio system connected to the TV does not support compressed audio, sound may not be output depending on the type of broadcast or video. Check your TV manual for more details.

      • If using only an analog audio cable

        

        • A: Analog Audio OUT on the TV
        • B: Analog audio cable (3.5mm stereo cable, male-to-male)
        • C: Analog Audio IN on the soundbar (if equipped) or audio system

        1. Using the analog audio cable, connect the Analog Audio OUT port on the TV to the Analog Audio IN port on the audio device.
        2. In the HDMI settings on the audio device, set the Audio Return Channel (ARC) or TV Audio Input mode to Off.
8. Check the audio output setting of your TV to verify it's set to use your audio device. If you have a BRAVIA TV, set the TV settings for Speakers to Audio System.
   • BRAVIA TV speaker settings

     These steps may vary, check your product manuals for model-specific details.

     1. On the supplied remote control, press the (Quick Settings) or HOME button (depending on the model).
     2. Select Settings.
     3. The following steps vary depending on your TV menu options:
        • Select Display & Sound → Audio output → Speakers → Audio system
        • Select Sound → Speakers → Audio system
   • For other manufacturers, check your product documentation for proper settings.
9. Update your TV and soundbar or audio system to the