Troubleshooting a soundbar not working is a difficult endeavor. Most soundbars have a minimal number of controls and no display to tell you what is wrong. Because of this, problem-solving often means a lot of trial and error. However, knowing what to try first can save you some time.
Soundbar not working can be due to improper connections/settings, or physical setup. Quick fixes: power cycling, checking connections, and correct device settings. If no sound, adjust the volume or test different audio sources. If issues persist, consult the manual or consider professional help.
Your soundbar not working properly could be for a host of different reasons. Below you'll find some of the most common issues users have with their soundbars. If you follow these troubleshooting instructions step by step, you should be able to fix what’s wrong while saving the most time and money.
When the System Won't Work at All
Before you try any of these steps, you should always try a power cycle first. Unplugging your device and plugging it back in after about 15 seconds is the easiest troubleshooting step, which can solve a variety of problems.
Without going too deep, the first category of problems covers instances where the system fails to work at all.
The Soundbar Won’t Turn On
Most power issues are fairly simple problems with equally simple solutions.
- The first thing you want to do is check if it is actually on. Usually, soundbars will have an indicator light of some kind indicating that they are powered on.
- If your soundbar is indeed not powering on, be sure to use the power button on the soundbar instead of the remote. If this works to turn on your soundbar, your remote’s battery, or the remote itself, may need to be replaced (it's worth noting you can also use a RCA Universal remote)
- Check all the connections: ensure the soundbar is connected to a sound source and power outlet, check for debris-free and secure connections, and inspect for any damaged wires or cables.
Soundbar Connected But Has No Sound
Checking Volume Settings:
- Initially, use the remote control to adjust the volume.
- If unsuccessful, manually adjust the volume on the soundbar itself.
- Confirm that the volume on your source device (e.g., TV, smartphone) is set to maximum.
Using the HDMI CEC Feature:
- If your soundbar is connected via HDMI, you may be able to take advantage of a feature called HDMI CEC feature.
- This allows for a single remote to control the volume of all connected devices.
Checking and Securing Connections to the Soundbar:
- Inspect all cable connections between the soundbar and the source device to ensure they are tightly secured.
- For wireless connections, verify that the soundbar is correctly paired with the source device.
- If there's no sound, try using alternative ports on the device to exclude the possibility of damaged ports.
Cable Testing:
- Replace the current cable connecting the soundbar to the device with a different one.
- This step helps determine if the soundbar not working is due to a faulty cable.
Alternative Audio Source Connection:
- Connect a different audio source to the soundbar to test its functionality.
- If the soundbar still doesn't work, this could indicate internal damage or a technical malfunction in the soundbar.
Soundbar Not Working Due Issues With To System Performance
The next category of soundbar not working issues reflects a system that powers on and is functional but may have some performance issues. In addition to these troubleshooting steps, you can reference our guide on how to make a soundbar sound better in general for more tips here. And if you happen to be dealing with a Vizio or Samsung soundbar, check out the specific guides for Vizio and Samsung soundbar not working.
No Improvement from TV Sound
If you get sound, but it sounds like your TV’s sound, it probably is.
Check your audio settings to ensure that your source device is routing sound to the soundbar. The easiest way to do this is to consult the manual for your source device and follow installation instructions connecting external audio devices.
This may result in similarly poor audio quality or no sound. If either of these is the case, follow the instructions for dealing with no sound above. Your soundbar not working may be caused either by an issue with your volume settings or your connections.
Sound Is “Weird” or Quiet
If your soundbar is not working as expected, producing only quiet sound despite maximum volume settings, it may be due to special audio modes being activated or the soundbar getting incompatible audio signals.
- Special Audio Modes: Check if your soundbar is set to ‘night mode' or ‘dialogue-enhancement mode'. These modify sound for specific scenarios.
- Night Mode: Lowers certain frequencies to avoid disturbing others. Many soundbars allow you to toggle night mode directly from the remote control. If not, you can access the Night Mode in the Settings.
- Dialogue-Enhancement: Amplifies higher frequencies, ideal for news and narrated content.
- Night Mode: Lowers certain frequencies to avoid disturbing others. Many soundbars allow you to toggle night mode directly from the remote control. If not, you can access the Night Mode in the Settings.
Many soundbars allow you to toggle these modes directly from the remote control. If not, you can access them in the Settings to disable them.
- Incompatible Audio Signals: Ensure your source device's audio output matches your soundbar's required capabilities.
- Audio Mismatch: It might be that your source device is broadcasting a type of audio your soundbar can’t fully produce. Problems may arise if a 5.x surround sound signal is sent to a 2.x or 3.x soundbar.
- Sound Channel Loss: Rear channels might not be reproduced correctly. To adjust your TV’s audio settings, find an option like ‘Audio Format', ‘Digital Audio Out', or ‘Sound Output' and select the one compatible with your soundbar.
- Audio Mismatch: It might be that your source device is broadcasting a type of audio your soundbar can’t fully produce. Problems may arise if a 5.x surround sound signal is sent to a 2.x or 3.x soundbar.
Sound and Picture Out of Sync
This problem can occur when your source device is connected directly to your soundbar which passes the video on to the TV. Many TV boxes, Sky boxes, and disc players have a feature to prevent this. In your box’s audio settings menu, you may find an “audio delay” feature. Adjust the audio delay until you are happy with the syncing.
Noise From The Soundbar
The noise of “fuzziness” in the sound quality can come from a few different places. For that reason, we can break our approach here down into two categories:
Checking All Connections and the Source
When facing unwanted issues with the sound system, try the following:
- Check Cables: Ensure all cables, particularly for analog audio, are fully inserted and secure.
- Interference Issues: If connections are fine, interference might be the problem, often caused by the cable.
- Adjust Volume Settings: Set the source device to maximum volume and control volume with the soundbar to minimize interference impact.
Modifying the Positioning
The mere position of a particular cable can create a loop that captures radio interference. One simple solution is moving or organizing your cables. Although this can be as simple as using rubber bands or twist ties, there are other accessories you can use to organize your cables like the JOTO Cable Management Sleeve (on Amazon), for example.
If the connections you use are shielded, such as HDMI, you might want to consider upgrading your cables. Cheap cables may use poor shielding materials, allowing for interference.
Unwanted noise might be due to “60 cycle hum,” a low buzzing caused by nearby high-voltage currents, often from household wiring or fluorescent lighting. To resolve this, try to relocate the soundbar. If wall-mounted, remove it and find a hum-free area on your wall for the best soundbar position.
Problems with Device Connections
These soundbar not working issues are around the devices failing to connect, or failing to stay connected.
The Soundbar Turns Off During Playback
If your soundbar repeatedly cuts off while you are watching content, it may be due to energy-saving settings. Since these settings may be beneficial both to the environment as well as the longevity of your device, you might want to keep them on if you can.
- Maximize Source Device Volume:
- Access the volume settings on your source device (TV, smartphone, etc.).
- Increase the volume to its maximum level.
- Access the volume settings on your source device (TV, smartphone, etc.).
- Control Volume Using Output Device:
- After setting the source device volume to maximum, use a soundbar's remote or physical controls to adjust the listening volume.
- After setting the source device volume to maximum, use a soundbar's remote or physical controls to adjust the listening volume.
- Disable Energy-Saving Mode on Soundbar:
- If the steps above don't help, you can always disable the energy-saving mode. You can locate it in the settings of your soundbar.
- This might be done using a remote, buttons on the soundbar, or an accompanying app.
- If the steps above don't help, you can always disable the energy-saving mode. You can locate it in the settings of your soundbar.
No Sound from the Subwoofer
Being unable to get sound from the subwoofer is especially frustrating since subwoofers can add a lot to a soundbar setup (our article). As always, check whether the subwoofer is powered on. Sometimes, the subwoofer may have its own power source you need to connect. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the power cords.
If you still don’t get sound, check the connections. Ensure that wires are not damaged by swapping them out. Also, look at our related article on connecting a subwoofer to a soundbar, so you make sure you're not missing any important steps.
Soundbar Can’t Connect via Bluetooth
If you're facing issues connecting to your soundbar via Bluetooth or WiFi, typically it's due to it being paired with other devices. Check your manual and unpair the soundbar from these devices, which usually involves toggling the Bluetooth off and then on again.
If your soundbar is still not working, be sure to reference our article on how wireless soundbars work, as well as how to connect them to a TV wirelessly, to better understand what may be causing the problem.
Still Having Trouble?
If nothing above worked for you, it's time you must consider some nuclear options.
Factory Reset
If all else fails, you can try a factory reset. The process for doing this will differ from device to device, but it will restore your device to its factory settings. Consult your manual for instructions on how to do this.
Return/Exchange (Under Warranty)
If you have a new soundbar that's not working, check if it's returnable or exchangeable. For in-store purchases, repackage and discuss an exchange with customer service. For online purchases, contact customer service, ideally by phone.
Return/Exchange (Not Under Warranty)
If your soundbar is past the return period, try contacting customer service; they might not change policy but it's worth asking. Check if it's under warranty and follow the provided instructions to avoid voiding it.
If it's not under warranty, contact the manufacturer for possible repairs or referrals to licensed repair shops. Get estimates for shipping, labor, and turnaround time, but note they can't provide accurate quotes without examining the soundbar.
The Final Solution: Selling for Parts
Ultimately, your decision depends on your priorities. If repair techs deem your soundbar unfixable, your best bet might be to consider selling it for parts. Repair techs and recycling companies often buy such items for parts and materials, offering some funds towards a replacement.
