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Fix a TV that has ARC that will not work

We'll check the ARC port, CEC, audio output, and cable—or tell you when to call a technician.

Troubleshooting · Home electronics
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • TV remote
  • Soundbar or receiver remote
  • High Speed HDMI cable or better
Step 1 of 5

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the ARC port and CEC, then rule out settings and cable.

  • Confirm the soundbar is connected to the TV HDMI port labeled ARC. ARC only works on that port.
  • Good: You have confirmed the connection. Proceed to Check ARC port and CEC.
  • Bad: No sound at all from TV—see fix-tv-has-no-sound.

Check ARC port and CEC

Goal: Confirm the HDMI ARC port and HDMI-CEC are enabled.

  • Check the soundbar HDMI cable goes to the TV port labeled ARC.
  • Enable HDMI-CEC in TV Settings (CEC, Device control). Enable it on the soundbar too.
  • Good: ARC port and CEC enabled. Sound appears. Done.
  • Bad: Still no sound—proceed to Check audio output and cable.

Check audio output and cable

Goal: Confirm the TV sends audio to ARC and the cable is good.

  • Open TV Settings > Audio. Select HDMI ARC or external speaker.
  • Reseat the HDMI cable at both ends. Try a High Speed HDMI cable.
  • Good: Output fixed or cable reseated. Sound appears. Done.
  • Bad: Still no sound—proceed to Power-cycle.

Power-cycle

Goal: Reset the ARC handshake between TV and soundbar.

  • Unplug the TV and the soundbar from power. Wait 30 seconds. Plug both back in. Turn on the soundbar first, then the TV.
  • Good: Power-cycle fixes the issue. Sound appears. Done.
  • Bad: Still no sound—call a technician.

When to get help

Call a TV or audio technician if:

  • You have checked port, CEC, settings, cable, and power-cycle and ARC still does not work.

Verification

  • The TV sends audio to the soundbar over HDMI ARC.
  • The soundbar plays sound from the TV (built-in apps, antenna, other HDMI sources).
  • CEC is enabled on both TV and soundbar.
  • The HDMI cable is firmly connected at both ends.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. ARC port and CEC Confirm ARC port; enable CEC on TV and soundbar.
  2. Audio output Set TV audio output to HDMI ARC or external.
  3. Cable Reseat cable; try High Speed HDMI cable.
  4. Power-cycle Unplug TV and soundbar for 30 seconds; plug back in.
  5. Call a pro ARC does not work after all checks.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • TV model
  • Soundbar or receiver model
  • HDMI cable type
  • Steps already tried

Is the soundbar connected to the TV ARC port?

ARC only works on the port labeled ARC.

Check the HDMI cable from the soundbar. It must go to the TV port labeled ARC or HDMI (ARC). Connected to ARC port: check CEC. Wrong port: move cable to ARC port, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Move cable to ARC port

Move the HDMI cable to the TV port labeled ARC. Enable CEC on TV and soundbar. Set TV audio output to HDMI ARC. Test.

Done

Is HDMI-CEC enabled on TV and soundbar?

ARC often requires CEC.

Open TV Settings. Enable HDMI-CEC (or CEC, Device control). Check soundbar menu for CEC or HDMI control. Both enabled: check audio output. One off: enable both, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Enable CEC and test

Enable CEC on TV and soundbar. Set TV audio output to HDMI ARC. Power-cycle: unplug TV and soundbar for 30 seconds, plug back in. If sound appears, done. If not, reseat cable and try different cable.

Done

Is TV audio output set to HDMI ARC?

TV must send audio to ARC.

Open TV Settings > Audio. Select HDMI ARC or external speaker. Reseat cable. Power-cycle TV and soundbar. If sound appears, done. If not, call a technician.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would TV ARC not work?
Wrong HDMI port (must use ARC port), CEC disabled, wrong audio output setting, loose or incompatible cable, or handshake issue. ARC requires HDMI-CEC on most TVs.
Can I fix TV ARC that will not work myself?
Yes. Check the ARC port, CEC, audio output, and cable. Most ARC issues are port, CEC, or settings related.
When should I call a technician for ARC that will not work?
If you have checked port, CEC, settings, cable, and power-cycle and ARC still does not work. The HDMI ARC circuit or soundbar may need repair.

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