How to Connect an LG Soundbar to an LG TV

The fastest way: HDMI eARC or optical cable

Most LG soundbars connect to LG TVs through one of two wired methods: HDMI eARC (the newer, simpler option) 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 the TV control the soundbar's volume with your remote. Optical cable requires a separate audio connection but works on almost every LG TV made in the last fifteen years.

If your LG TV has an HDMI port labeled "eARC" or "ARC", use that one. Plug one end of an HDMI cable into that port and the other end into the HDMI input on the back of your soundbar. Then turn on both devices and go to your TV's sound settings to confirm the soundbar is selected as the audio output. The TV should recognize it automatically within a few seconds.

If your TV does not have eARC or you prefer optical, use a digital optical cable instead. Plug one end into the optical audio output on the back of your TV (it looks like a small square port with a plastic cover) and the other end into the optical input on the soundbar. This method works without any setup — the soundbar will play whatever sound the TV sends.

Key Takeaways

HDMI eARC is the simplest connection method if your LG TV has an eARC port, because it uses one cable and lets your TV remote control the soundbar volume.
Digital optical cable is the reliable backup option that works on older LG TVs and does not require any settings changes after you plug it in.
After connecting by either method, check your TV's sound settings to make sure the soundbar is selected as the audio output device.
Bluetooth pairing is an option for wireless connection, but it can drop the signal if obstacles block the path between TV and soundbar.
If sound does not play after connecting, restart both the TV and soundbar, then check that the correct input is selected on the soundbar itself.

How to set up HDMI eARC step by step

Start by turning off both your TV and soundbar. Locate the HDMI eARC port on the back of your LG TV — it is usually labeled "HDMI 3" or "HDMI 4" with "eARC" printed next to it, though some models label it differently. Check your TV's manual if you cannot find it; not all LG TVs have eARC, but most made after 2018 do.

Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the eARC port on your TV. Plug the other end into the HDMI input on your soundbar. Turn both devices back on. Your TV should detect the soundbar within ten to twenty seconds. Go to your TV's settings menu, find the sound or audio section, and look for an option called "Sound Output" or "Audio Output". Select your soundbar from the list. Your TV remote should now control both the TV volume and the soundbar volume.

If the soundbar does not appear in the list, turn off the TV, unplug the HDMI cable for thirty seconds, plug it back in, and turn the TV on again. This forces the TV to re-detect the connection. If it still does not work, check that your soundbar's HDMI input is actually labeled for eARC — some soundbars have multiple HDMI ports, and only one of them supports eARC.

Using a digital optical cable instead

Optical cable is the right choice if your TV does not have eARC, if you want a connection that never needs troubleshooting, or if you already own an optical cable. The setup takes less than a minute. Locate the digital optical audio output on the back of your TV — it is a small square port with a hinged plastic cover. Remove the cover and insert one end of a digital optical cable (also called a Toslink cable) into that port until you hear a click.

Plug the other end of the optical cable into the optical input on your soundbar. Turn on both devices. The soundbar will automatically receive sound from the TV with no settings changes needed. If you do not hear sound, check that the soundbar's input is set to "Optical" or "Toslink" — there is usually a button on the soundbar or its remote to switch between inputs.

One limitation of optical cable: your TV remote cannot control the soundbar volume. You will need to use the soundbar's remote or its physical buttons to adjust volume. This is not a problem if you keep the soundbar remote nearby, but it is worth knowing before you choose this method.

Connecting wirelessly with Bluetooth

LG soundbars can pair with LG TVs over Bluetooth, which means no cables running along your wall. The trade-off is that Bluetooth can occasionally drop the connection if something blocks the signal between the TV and soundbar, and the setup takes a few more steps than a wired connection.

Put your soundbar in pairing mode. On most LG soundbars, you do this by pressing and holding the Bluetooth button on the remote or the soundbar itself for three to five seconds until a light blinks. Some models require you to hold down a physical button on the back of the soundbar instead — check your soundbar's manual if you are not sure which one.

Go to your TV's Bluetooth settings. On LG TVs, this is usually in Settings > Sound > Sound Output or Settings > Bluetooth. Select "Scan" or "Search for Devices". Your TV will look for nearby Bluetooth devices. When your soundbar appears in the list, select it. The two devices should pair within a few seconds, and you will see a confirmation message on your TV screen.

After pairing, your soundbar will connect automatically whenever both devices are turned on and in range. If the connection drops, turn the soundbar off and back on, or go back to your TV's Bluetooth settings and select the soundbar again.

Troubleshooting when sound does not play

If you have connected the soundbar but hear no sound, start with the simplest fix: restart both devices. Turn off your TV and soundbar completely, wait ten seconds, and turn them back on. This clears temporary connection problems that happen occasionally with any audio device.

Next, check that your TV is actually sending sound to the soundbar. Go to your TV's sound settings and confirm that the soundbar is selected as the audio output. If it is not listed, try unplugging the HDMI or optical cable for thirty seconds, then plugging it back in. Some TVs need this reset to recognize a new audio device.

If you are using a wired connection and the soundbar still has no sound, check the soundbar's input selector. Most soundbars have a button on the remote or the device itself to switch between HDMI, Optical, and Bluetooth inputs. Make sure it is set to the input you actually plugged the cable into. If the soundbar is set to Bluetooth but you connected it with HDMI, it will not play anything.

For Bluetooth connections, move the soundbar and TV closer together. Bluetooth has a range of about thirty feet in open space, but walls and metal objects can reduce that. If they are more than fifteen feet apart or separated by multiple walls, the connection may drop. Moving them closer together often solves the problem when ready.

Which connection method is best for your setup

Choose HDMI eARC if your LG TV has an eARC port and you want the simplest setup. You get one-cable convenience, automatic volume control from your TV remote, and the best sound quality. This is the method LG recommends for newer TVs.

Choose optical cable if your TV is older than 2018, if you want a rock-solid connection that never needs troubleshooting, or if you do not mind using the soundbar remote for volume. Optical has been the standard for fifteen years and works on virtually every LG TV. It is also the cheapest option — optical cables cost five to ten dollars.

Choose Bluetooth only if you cannot run cables and do not mind occasionally reconnecting the devices. Bluetooth is convenient for a tidy setup, but it is less reliable than wired connections and cannot be controlled by your TV remote. It works best when the soundbar and TV are in the same room and within fifteen feet of each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both HDMI eARC and optical cable at the same time?

You can plug both cables in, but your soundbar will only play audio from one input at a time. Most soundbars default to HDMI if both are connected. If you want to switch between them, use the input button on the soundbar remote. There is no benefit to having both plugged in unless you are switching between different audio sources regularly.

Why does my soundbar keep disconnecting from Bluetooth?

Bluetooth drops when obstacles block the signal or when the TV and soundbar are too far apart. Move them closer together, away from metal objects and thick walls. If disconnections keep happening, switch to a wired connection instead — HDMI eARC or optical cable will not drop the signal.

Do I need to change any settings on my soundbar after I connect it?

For HDMI eARC and optical cable, no settings changes are needed on the soundbar itself. Just make sure your TV's sound output is set to the soundbar in the TV's settings menu. For Bluetooth, you only need to pair the devices once, and they will reconnect automatically afterward.

What if my LG TV does not have an eARC port?

Use a digital optical cable instead. It works on every LG TV made in the last fifteen years and requires no settings changes. Optical is just as reliable as eARC, though you will need to use the soundbar remote to control volume instead of your TV remote.

Can I control the soundbar volume with my TV remote if I use optical cable?

No. Optical cable only carries audio, not control signals. Your TV remote cannot adjust the soundbar volume. You will need to use the soundbar's remote or its physical buttons. HDMI eARC does allow TV remote control, which is one reason it is preferred when available.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.