Vizio Sound Bar Not Working? Here’s How To Fix It

If your Vizio Soundbar is not working, you're probably experiencing the video on the screen playing while the Vizio Soundbar has no sound. The Vizio soundbar is known for its impressive surround sound capabilities, providing an immersive audio experience. So, experiencing this issue may leave you worried. Whether you're dealing with no audio, intermittent audio, or no power at all, there are steps you can take to try and fix the issue.

If your Vizio soundbar isn’t working, it's most likely due to audio setting issues on your TV, or a glitch on the soundbar requiring restarting or a factory reset. Note that optical connections don't support Dolby sound, so in that situation some speakers not working is normal.

This article covers common causes and provides troubleshooting tips for Vizio soundbars not working. It provides detailed guidance on performing soft and hard resets and resolving settings and soundbar connection issues. Additionally, the article addresses common issues that users may encounter with Vizio soundbars and includes a section dedicated to frequently asked questions.

Key Points on Vizio Soundbar with No Sound:

• When Vizio soundbars stop working, it's usually because of improper connections on your soundbar and/or TV, incorrect audio settings, or a software glitch.
  
• If your Vizio Soundbar has no sound, the first thing you should check is your TV sound settings and connections. Next, you can do a soft reset (also known as a power cycle), or even do a hard reset/a factory reset.
  

Basic Vizio Soundbar Troubleshooting (3-steps)

The most common issues with Vizio soundbars (like this one on Amazon) consist of just three steps. Most people just have a mismatch on their audio settings (forum), or need a factor reset of their device. So, try working through this 3-step list first.

First: If your Vizio soundbar is not working, the first step is to check your audio settings. Make sure that your soundbar is selected as the primary audio output device in your device settings. This can be done on most devices by going to Settings > Sound > Output and selecting your soundbar.

Next: try power cycling your soundbar. To do this, unplug the power cable from the outlet for 30 seconds and then plug it back in. This can help reset your soundbar and fix any issues that might be causing it to not work properly.

Lastly, you may have to reset the device. This will erase all settings and return your soundbar to its default state. To do this, refer to the user manual for your specific model, and you can use Vizio's soundbar-lookup tool here to find your specific manual and instructions on how to reset a Vizio soundbar.

Remember, these are just basic troubleshooting steps. For more in-depth troubleshooting, keep reading. Our blog posts on troubleshooting common soundbar issues can also be a helpful resource. If you simply can't get any sound out of your Vizio TV, check out this article.

But for now, we're going to keep working you through this Vizio soundbar issue!

More Advanced Guidance on TV Sound Settings and Soundbar Connection Issues

When your Vizio soundbar is not working, it's important to check your TV sound settings and connections. This can help you identify and fix any issues that may be causing the problem. If you didn't find a quick fix against this detail in the last section, then here are a few more things you should consider.

Using HDMI ARC on a Vizio Soundbar

If you're using an HDMI cable to connect your Vizio soundbar to your TV, make sure you're using the HDMI ARC port on both devices. This will allow the soundbar to receive audio signals from your TV. To enable ARC on your Vizio soundbar, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings menu.
   
2. Find and select Audio.
   
3. Now, select the HDMI ARC and turn it on.

You can read more about HDMI ARC in our guide here, but for now, you need to know that it's a way that the soundbar can control the TV and vice versa, so, an ARC connection could be causing volume inputs, specifically volume down inputs, that are keeping the volume low and making it seem like the soundbar won't work.

How To Set The Correct Audio Output On Your TV

To ensure that your TV is sending audio signals to your Vizio soundbar, you need to set the correct audio output. This can usually be done in the TV settings menu.

1. Go to Settings on your TV.
   
2. Look for an option that says Audio Output or Sound Output.
   
3. Select the option that corresponds to your Vizio soundbar. This may be labeled as External Speakers or Soundbar, as well as SPDIF or Optical/Digital (if you're connecting through an optical cable).
   

Optical Cable Connection

If you're using an optical cable to connect your Vizio soundbar to your TV, make sure the cable is securely plugged in to both devices. You may also need to select the optical input on your soundbar. To do this, press the Input button on your soundbar remote and select Optical.

Note that if you’re using Dolby Atmos with HDMI-eARC, the optical cable can’t carry that many channels, so you won’t be able to actually produce Dolby Atmos sound from an optical connection. In this case, it's best to use an HDMI cable and enable HDMI ARC. We have another article on using optical vs. arc for soundbars here that you should peruse.

Factory Resetting Your Vizio Soundbar

If you've tried troubleshooting your Vizio soundbar and it's still not working, the next step is to perform a hard reset/factory reset. This will erase all settings and return the soundbar to its original state. Here is how to perform a factory reset:

1. Locate the Bluetooth and Volume down(-) buttons on your soundbar.
   
   • Depending on the model, the buttons could be on the top or the side of your soundbar. If you're not sure where the buttons are located, consult the user manual or look up your model on Vizio's website using the link we gave earlier to Vizio's model lookup page.
     
2. Press and hold the Bluetooth and Volume Down(-) buttons at te same time for 5 seconds.
   
3. All LEDs will flash 3 times, indicating that the reset has started.

This can get a little complicated, with at least some users reporting (forum) that their factory reset path uses buttons involving the volume down button, which leads to behavior where the newly-reset soundbar seems like it's not working…but, actually, the volume is just turned down!

Common Vizio Soundbar Problems and Solutions

If you're experiencing issues with your Vizio soundbar, here are some common problems and solutions to help you troubleshoot. These will work whether or not you have a VSB200 soundbar, a VSB210WS, and M Series or Vizio Elevate soundbar, or the common Vizio 5.1 surround options. Basically, his should work for any Vizio soundbar.

Vizio Soundbar Connected But No Sound

Another sound issue you may experience is Vizio TV with no sound, even if it's connected properly. To troubleshoot, set your audio system input to TV using the INPUT or TV button on the remote, and check if the audio system is muted, as it may have been muted when turning on the TV and audio systems or pressing the mute button.

The subwoofer or Surround Sound Not Working

If you're not hearing any sound from the subwoofer or surround speakers, it could be due to a few reasons. First, check that all cables are properly connected. If they are, try adjusting the audio settings on your TV or soundbar. Make sure that the audio output is set to “surround sound” or “5.1 channel.”

Bluetooth Pairing Unsuccessful

If you're having trouble pairing your soundbar with a Bluetooth device, there are a few things you can try.

• First, make sure that your device is within range and that Bluetooth is turned on.
  
• Next, try resetting the soundbar and your device.
  
• If you're still having issues, try clearing the Bluetooth pairing history on the soundbar and your device.

Vizio Soundbar Flashing White Lights

The flashing white lights on a Vizio soundbar could indicate settings and connection problems. To fix a Vizio soundbar flashing white lights issue, try holding the Bluetooth button for 5-6 seconds, or simultaneously pressing the input and volume up buttons for the same duration. Resetting the soundbar by holding the Bluetooth button and volume down key for 5 seconds is also an effective solution. Remember to pair the soundbar with only the most used device and avoid power surges.

Soundbar Not Working With Certain Apps

If your soundbar is not working with certain apps, it could be due to compatibility issues. Some apps may not be compatible with your soundbar's audio format. Try adjusting the audio settings on your TV or soundbar to see if that helps. If you're still having issues, delete and re-download the app from scratch to try and force a new connection. If problems still persist, you'll need to get in touch with the app's customer support.

The Soundbar Won't Power On At All

If your soundbar won't power on at all, it could be due to a power cable or hardware issue. First, check that the power cord is properly connected and that the outlet is working. If it is, try resetting the soundbar by unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. If you're still having issues, contact Vizio support – maybe your unit is still under warranty!

Preventative Measures

To prevent future issues with your Vizio soundbar, make sure to keep it clean and dust-free. Avoid placing it in areas with excessive heat or moisture, and make sure to unplug it during thunderstorms or power outages. Regularly updating the firmware can also help prevent software issues that may cause your soundbar to stop working.

A Sound Decision

Navigating through audio issues can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge, it becomes a manageable challenge.

Remember, the first step in solving a problem is understanding it. Whether it's connection issues, distorted sound, or a stubborn remote, there's always a solution (even if the solution is replacing the device). It's all part of the journey to achieving an amazing home theater experience!

Frequently asked questions

How Long Does A Soundbar Last?

A quality soundbar can last up to 20 years if well-maintained but may start to degrade after 5 years of extensive usage. Factors such as leaving it on all the time, putting it in an enclosure, and not moderating the volume can contribute to a shorter lifespan. Regular cleaning, proper placement, and avoiding physical damage from kids and pets can help increase the longevity of a soundbar.

How To Update Vizio Soundbar?

To update your Vizio soundbar, you can follow these general steps:

1. Check for Updates: First, ensure that your soundbar is connected to the internet. Then, navigate to the settings or system menu on the soundbar using the remote control.
   
2. Software Update: Look for an option related to software or firmware updates. Select this option, and the soundbar will check for any available updates.
   
3. Download and Install: If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the update. This process may take some time, so be patient and avoid interrupting the update.
   
4. Reboot: Once the update is complete, the soundbar may prompt you to reboot. Follow the instructions to restart the soundbar.