The fastest way: HDMI eARC or optical cable

Most LG TVs connect to a soundbar through one of two cables: HDMI eARC (the newer, simpler method) or a digital optical cable (the older standard that still works reliably). HDMI eARC is faster to set up because it uses a single cable for both picture and sound, and it lets you control the soundbar volume with your TV remote. If your soundbar and TV both have HDMI eARC ports, that is the route to start with.

If your soundbar does not have HDMI eARC, or if you own an older LG TV, a digital optical cable works just as well—it carries sound only, not video, but the audio quality is identical. Both methods avoid the hassle of Bluetooth pairing and deliver stable, lag-free sound.

Bluetooth is a third option, but it is slower to set up and can drop connection if you move the remote or another device interferes. Save Bluetooth for a second soundbar in another room, not your main TV setup.

Key Takeaways

  • HDMI eARC is the simplest connection if both your LG TV and soundbar have an eARC port—it uses one cable and lets your TV remote control the volume.
  • A digital optical cable is the reliable backup if your soundbar lacks HDMI eARC or your TV is older.
  • You must enable eARC in your LG TV settings under Sound or HDMI settings, or the connection will not work.
  • After connecting the cable, select the soundbar as your audio output device in the TV menu so sound plays through it instead of the TV speakers.
  • If sound still does not play, check that the soundbar is powered on and set to the correct input, and that your TV is not muted.

Setting up HDMI eARC step by step

Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the HDMI eARC port on your LG TV—this is usually labeled "HDMI 3" or "HDMI 4," and the manual or TV menu will confirm which one. Plug the other end into the eARC port on your soundbar. Power on both devices and wait 10 to 15 seconds for them to recognize each other.

Next, go to your LG TV settings. Press the Settings button on your remote, then navigate to Sound or Audio. Look for an option called HDMI eARC, HDMI ARC, or Digital Audio Out. Turn it on. Some LG models call this "Simplink" or "HDMI CEC"—if you see that option, turn it on as well, because it lets your TV remote control the soundbar.

After enabling eARC, go back to Sound settings and find Sound Output or Speaker Settings. Change it from "TV Speaker" to "External Speaker" or "Soundbar." Your TV will now send all sound to the soundbar instead of its built-in speakers. Test it by turning up the volume on your remote—the soundbar should respond.

Connecting with a digital optical cable

If you are using an optical cable instead, plug one end into the Digital Audio Out (Optical) port on the back of your LG TV. This port looks like a small square hole with a red or black cover. Plug the other end into the optical input on your soundbar, remove any plastic caps, and power on both devices.

Open your LG TV settings, go to Sound, and find Sound Output or Audio Output. Select Optical or Digital Audio Out from the list. Your TV will now send sound through the cable to the soundbar. Adjust the volume using your TV remote or the soundbar's own controls.

Optical cables are durable and do not require any pairing or software updates. The trade-off is that your TV remote cannot control the soundbar volume—you will need to use the soundbar's remote or buttons to adjust it.

Troubleshooting when sound does not play

If you connected the cable but hear nothing, first check that the soundbar is powered on and set to the correct input. Most soundbars have an input button on the remote or the unit itself—press it until the display shows "HDMI" or "Optical," depending on which cable you used. If the soundbar is set to Bluetooth or a different input, it will not receive sound from the TV.

Next, make sure your TV is not muted. Press the mute button on your remote to toggle it off, then try adjusting the volume. If the TV volume bar appears on screen but the soundbar does not play, go back to Sound settings and confirm that you selected "External Speaker" or "Soundbar" as the audio output—not "TV Speaker."

For HDMI eARC specifically, check that you plugged the cable into the correct HDMI port. Not all HDMI ports on an LG TV support eARC—usually only one or two do. If you used the wrong port, unplug the cable and try the next HDMI port, then re-enable eARC in settings. If the soundbar still does not work, restart both devices by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in.

When to use Bluetooth instead

Bluetooth is worth considering only if your soundbar does not have HDMI or optical inputs, or if you want to play sound from a phone or tablet through the soundbar without using the TV. To pair via Bluetooth, press the pairing button on the soundbar (usually held for 3 to 5 seconds until a light blinks), then go to your LG TV Bluetooth settings and select the soundbar from the list. Enter the PIN if prompted—often "0000" or "1234."

Bluetooth works, but it introduces a slight delay between the picture on screen and the sound from the speaker, which is noticeable during movies or games. It also drops connection more often than a wired cable, especially if you move the remote far from the soundbar or use other wireless devices nearby. Use it as a backup, not your primary connection.

Checking your LG TV model and port compatibility

Before you buy a cable or soundbar, confirm what ports your LG TV actually has. Look at the back of the TV or check your manual for a diagram. Most LG TVs made in the last five years have at least one HDMI eARC port and a digital optical port. Older models may have only optical, or neither—in which case you are limited to Bluetooth or an adapter.

You can also find your TV model number on the back of the unit or in the Settings menu (usually under System or About TV). Search "[Your Model Number] ports" or "[Your Model Number] manual" online to see a diagram of the connections. This takes two minutes and saves you from buying the wrong cable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special HDMI cable for eARC?

No. Any standard HDMI cable works with eARC—you do not need to buy an "eARC cable" or a premium version. A basic HDMI cable from any electronics store will work. The eARC feature is built into the ports, not the cable.

Can I use both the TV speakers and the soundbar at the same time?

Most LG TVs will not play sound through both. When you select "External Speaker" in the Sound settings, the TV speakers turn off. If you want sound from both, you would need to buy a second soundbar or speaker and connect it separately, which is rarely worth the cost or setup time.

Why is there a delay between the picture and sound?

This usually means you are using Bluetooth, which has inherent lag. Switch to HDMI eARC or optical cable instead—both are lag-free. If you are already using a cable and still see delay, check that your soundbar is set to the correct input and that eARC is enabled in your TV settings.

What if my soundbar has only Bluetooth, no HDMI or optical?

You can use Bluetooth, but expect occasional connection drops and a slight audio delay during movies. If the soundbar is new, check the manual to see if it has a hidden optical or USB port. If it truly has only Bluetooth, consider whether a wired soundbar would be a better long-term choice.

Do I need to update my soundbar or TV software?

Not usually. Most soundbars and LG TVs work together without updates. If you bought the soundbar years ago and your TV is brand new, or vice versa, check the soundbar manufacturer's website for a firmware update—it takes 10 minutes and can fix compatibility issues. Your TV updates automatically over the internet.