The fastest way: HDMI with ARC or eARC

Most modern soundbars connect to your TV using a single HDMI cable plugged into the HDMI ARC port (or eARC port on newer TVs). This port sends both picture and sound through one cable, and it's almost always labeled on the back of your TV — look for "HDMI ARC" or "HDMI eARC" printed next to the port number. Plug one end into that port and the other end into the HDMI input on your soundbar.

Once the cable is connected, turn on your TV and soundbar, then go into your TV's settings menu. Look for "Sound" or "Audio Output" and select "HDMI ARC" or "External Speaker" as the output. Your TV will now send all sound through the soundbar instead of its built-in speakers. You may need to turn down your TV's internal volume so the soundbar controls the overall level.

eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) is the newer standard and handles more sound formats, but regular ARC works fine for most people. If your TV or soundbar doesn't have ARC, the other methods below will still work.

Key Takeaways

  • HDMI ARC is the simplest method and uses one cable to send picture and sound from your TV to the soundbar.
  • Your TV's settings menu must be set to output sound through HDMI ARC, not through the TV's internal speakers.
  • If your TV is older and lacks HDMI ARC, optical audio (TOSLINK) is the next best option and requires a separate cable.
  • Bluetooth works for streaming from phones and tablets but not for TV sound unless your TV has Bluetooth audio output.
  • If nothing else works, a 3.5mm aux cable is a backup option, though it carries lower sound quality than HDMI or optical.

Optical audio (TOSLINK) for older TVs without ARC

If your TV doesn't have an HDMI ARC port, look for a square optical audio port (also called TOSLINK or S/PDIF). It's usually a small square opening on the back of the TV, sometimes labeled with a light symbol. Plug one end of an optical audio cable into your TV's optical port and the other end into the optical input on your soundbar.

Optical audio carries high-quality sound and works reliably, though it doesn't handle newer surround sound formats as well as HDMI does. Go into your TV's sound settings and select "Optical" or "Digital Audio Out" as the output. The soundbar will now receive all TV sound through the optical cable. You'll still need to control volume from the soundbar remote, since optical doesn't send volume commands back to the TV.

Bluetooth for phones, tablets, and some streaming devices

Most soundbars have Bluetooth built in, which lets you stream music and podcasts from your phone or tablet directly to the soundbar without any cables. Press the Bluetooth button on your soundbar remote (or hold it for a few seconds) until the soundbar enters pairing mode — you'll usually see a light blink or hear a tone. Then go to your phone's Bluetooth settings, find the soundbar's name in the list, and tap it to connect.

Bluetooth does not work for TV sound unless your TV has Bluetooth audio output, which is rare. If you want to use Bluetooth for TV, check your TV's settings menu under "Sound" or "Bluetooth" to see if it can send audio wirelessly. Most people use HDMI or optical for TV sound and save Bluetooth for streaming from other devices.

3.5mm aux cable as a last resort

If your soundbar has a 3.5mm aux input (a small round jack) and your TV has a headphone output, you can connect them with a standard aux cable. This is the oldest method and carries lower sound quality than HDMI or optical, but it works when nothing else is available. Plug one end into your TV's headphone jack and the other into the soundbar's aux input.

You'll need to control volume from the soundbar remote, and you may need to adjust your TV's volume to get the right level. This method is most useful as a backup if your other cables fail or if you're connecting a soundbar to an older device that has no other audio outputs.

Troubleshooting: No sound from the soundbar

If you've plugged everything in but hear nothing, the most common cause is that your TV is still set to output sound through its internal speakers. Go back into your TV's settings menu, find the sound or audio output section, and make sure it's set to HDMI ARC, Optical, or External Speaker — not "TV Speaker" or "Internal Speaker." Some TVs also have a separate setting to disable the internal speakers entirely, which forces all sound to the external device.

Check that the soundbar is powered on and that the input is set to the correct source. If you're using HDMI ARC, make sure you plugged the cable into the ARC port, not a regular HDMI port — regular HDMI ports don't send sound back to the soundbar. If you're using optical, make sure the cable is fully inserted into both the TV and soundbar. Try unplugging the soundbar for 30 seconds and plugging it back in to reset it.

If you still have no sound, test the soundbar with your phone using Bluetooth to confirm it works. If Bluetooth works but HDMI or optical doesn't, the problem is with your TV's audio output settings, not the soundbar itself. Consult your TV's manual for the exact menu path to audio output settings, as different brands use different names.

When to call a professional

You don't need a technician to hook up a soundbar — it's a straightforward process that takes a few minutes. However, if your TV is very old and has no HDMI ARC, optical, or aux output, or if you've tried all the methods above and still have no sound, there may be a hardware issue with your TV or soundbar. At that point, contact the soundbar manufacturer's support line (usually found on their website) to walk through more detailed troubleshooting.

If you're uncomfortable opening your TV's settings menu or can't find the audio output option, many electronics retailers offer in-store setup services for a fee. It's not necessary, but it removes the guesswork if you'd rather have someone else handle it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use HDMI ARC, or can I use optical instead?

Either works fine. HDMI ARC is simpler because it's one cable, but optical is just as reliable and works with older TVs. Pick whichever port your TV has. If your TV has both, HDMI ARC is slightly better because it handles more sound formats, but the difference is small for most people.

Can I connect my soundbar to my TV and my phone at the same time?

Most soundbars can switch between inputs, so you can have the HDMI cable plugged into your TV and also pair your phone via Bluetooth. Use the soundbar remote to switch between TV and Bluetooth mode. Some soundbars let you pair multiple phones, but only one device can play sound at a time.

What if my soundbar and TV are in different rooms?

HDMI and optical cables have distance limits — they work reliably up to about 50 feet, but longer runs may lose signal. If your rooms are far apart, Bluetooth is your best option if your TV supports Bluetooth audio output. Otherwise, you may need a wireless audio transmitter, which plugs into your TV's optical port and sends sound to a receiver connected to the soundbar.

Does the soundbar remote control my TV volume?

Not automatically. When you use HDMI ARC, some soundbars and TVs are set up to sync volume controls, but this varies by brand. Check your soundbar's manual to see if it supports CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), which lets one remote control multiple devices. If not, you'll use the soundbar remote for soundbar volume and the TV remote for TV settings.

Is it safe to leave the soundbar plugged in all the time?

Yes. Soundbars are designed to stay plugged in and draw very little power when idle. Leaving it plugged in won't damage it or waste significant energy. If you want to save power, use the soundbar's power button or unplug it, but there's no harm in leaving it connected.