How to Connect a Sound Bar to Your TV

The three ways to connect a sound bar

A sound bar connects to your TV through one of three methods: HDMI, optical cable, or Bluetooth wireless. HDMI is the fastest and most reliable — it carries both picture and sound through a single cable and lets your TV control the sound bar's volume. Optical cable (also called Toslink) is older but still works well if your TV has the port. Bluetooth is wireless but slower to respond and can drop the connection if something blocks the signal.

Which method you use depends on what ports your TV and sound bar actually have. Most modern TVs have HDMI ports on the back or side. Older TVs might have only an optical port. Your sound bar's manual will list which connections it supports — check that first before buying cables.

The physical connection takes five minutes. The setup — making sure sound comes out of the bar instead of the TV speakers — takes another five. Most people get stuck on the setup part, not the cable.

Key Takeaways

HDMI is the best choice if your TV has an HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC, because it lets your TV control the sound bar and requires only one cable.
Optical cable works on almost any TV made in the last 15 years and is more reliable than Bluetooth, but you cannot control volume from your TV remote.
After you plug in the cable, you must go into your TV's audio settings and change the output from "TV speakers" to the sound bar or external audio.
If you use HDMI, connect the cable to the HDMI port on the back of your TV labeled ARC or eARC, not to any other HDMI port.
Bluetooth works without cables but adds a half-second delay to sound and can disconnect if you move the remote too far away.

HDMI connection with ARC or eARC

HDMI is the easiest method if your TV supports it. Look at the HDMI ports on the back of your TV — one of them should be labeled ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). eARC is newer and faster, but both work the same way. If you do not see a label, check your TV's manual or look up your model online.

Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the ARC or eARC port on your TV. Plug the other end into the HDMI port on the back of your sound bar. Then turn on both devices. Your TV should recognize the sound bar automatically, but you may need to go into your TV's settings to confirm the audio is routing to the bar instead of the TV speakers.

The advantage of HDMI ARC is that your TV remote will control the sound bar's volume — you do not need a separate remote. If your TV does not have an ARC port, or if the sound bar does not have HDMI input, use optical cable instead.

Optical cable connection

Optical cable (Toslink) is a thin, square connector that carries sound only, not picture. It works on almost any TV made since 2008. Look for a port on the back of your TV labeled Optical Out, Toslink, or Audio Out. Some TVs hide this port behind a small plastic door.

Plug the optical cable into that port on the TV, then plug the other end into the optical port on your sound bar. The cable is directional — it only works one way, but the connectors are shaped so you cannot force it in backwards. Turn on both devices and wait 10 seconds for them to recognize each other.

After the cable is connected, go into your TV's audio settings. The path varies by TV brand, but it is usually Settings > Sound > Audio Output or External Speaker. Change the setting from "TV Speaker" or "Internal Speaker" to "Optical Out" or "External Audio". Your TV remote will not control the sound bar's volume with optical — you will need to use the sound bar's remote or app.

Bluetooth wireless connection

Bluetooth is the simplest to set up physically because there are no cables. Press the Bluetooth button on your sound bar (or hold it for three seconds) until a light blinks. Then go to your TV's Bluetooth settings — usually under Settings > Sound or Settings > Bluetooth — and look for your sound bar's name in the list of available devices. Select it and wait for the light on the bar to stop blinking, which means it is paired.

Bluetooth works well for casual listening, but it has two drawbacks. First, there is a half-second delay between when sound plays on your TV and when it comes out of the bar — noticeable during movies or games. Second, the connection can drop if you move the remote too far away or if another Bluetooth device is nearby. If the sound cuts out, unpair the devices and pair them again.

Use Bluetooth only if your TV does not have HDMI ARC or optical ports, or if you are in a temporary setup. For a permanent installation, HDMI or optical is more reliable.

Changing your TV's audio output settings

Plugging in the cable is not enough — your TV is still sending sound to its own speakers by default. You have to tell it to use the sound bar instead. The exact steps depend on your TV brand, but the principle is the same on all of them.

On Samsung TVs, go to Settings > Sound > Sound Output and select "External Speaker" or the name of your sound bar. On LG TVs, go to Settings > Sound > Sound Out and select "External Speaker". On Sony TVs, go to Settings > Sound Settings > Audio Output and select "Audio System" or "Receiver". On Roku, TCL, or other budget brands, look for Settings > Audio or Settings > Sound and change the output from "TV Speakers" to "HDMI ARC" or "Optical".

If you cannot find the setting, search online for "[Your TV Model] audio output settings" — the exact path is usually in a forum or the manufacturer's support page. Once you change it, test by playing something on your TV. Sound should come from the bar, not the TV. If it still comes from the TV, go back and check that you selected the right output.

Troubleshooting no sound from the sound bar

If you plugged everything in but hear nothing from the sound bar, check these things in order. First, make sure the sound bar is powered on — look for a light on the front. Second, check that the cable is fully inserted into both the TV and the sound bar. A cable that looks plugged in but is actually loose is the most common cause of no sound.

Third, go back into your TV's audio settings and confirm you selected the sound bar as the output. If the setting still shows "TV Speakers", the change did not save — try selecting the sound bar again and wait 10 seconds before backing out of the menu. Fourth, check the volume on the sound bar itself — it may be muted or turned all the way down. Use the remote or buttons on the bar to turn it up.

If you are using HDMI ARC and still have no sound, try unplugging the HDMI cable, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in. Sometimes the TV and sound bar need to re-negotiate the connection. If that does not work, try a different HDMI cable — the first one may be damaged.

When to use each connection type

Use HDMI ARC if your TV has an ARC or eARC port and your sound bar has HDMI input. This is the best choice for most people because it requires only one cable, lets your TV remote control volume, and carries the best sound quality.

Use optical cable if your TV does not have HDMI ARC, or if you are connecting an older sound bar that only has optical input. Optical is reliable and works on almost any TV. The downside is you cannot control volume from your TV remote.

Use Bluetooth only if your TV has no HDMI ARC and no optical port — rare on TVs made after 2010. Bluetooth is convenient for temporary setups or if you move the sound bar between rooms, but it is less reliable than wired connections for a permanent installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular HDMI cable or do I need a special one?

A regular HDMI cable works fine for ARC and eARC. You do not need to buy an expensive "ARC cable" — any HDMI cable will carry the signal. The only requirement is that you plug it into the port labeled ARC or eARC on your TV, not into a regular HDMI port.

Why does my sound bar work with Bluetooth but not with the HDMI cable I plugged in?

Your TV is probably still set to output sound through its own speakers. Go into Settings > Sound and look for an option called "Audio Output", "Sound Out", or "External Speaker". Change it from "TV Speakers" to your sound bar's name or "HDMI ARC". If you do not see that option, your TV may not support ARC — try optical cable instead.

Do I need to buy a new TV or sound bar if they do not have matching ports?

No. If your TV has optical but your sound bar only has HDMI, use the optical cable. If your TV has HDMI ARC but your sound bar only has optical, use the optical cable. Any two devices can connect as long as they share at least one port type. Bluetooth is always an option as a backup.

Will the sound bar work if I connect it to a different HDMI port instead of the ARC port?

No. Regular HDMI ports carry picture only, not sound. You must use the port labeled ARC or eARC. If your TV does not have an ARC port, you cannot use HDMI — use optical cable instead.

Can I connect multiple sound bars to one TV?

You can only output sound to one device at a time. If you want to switch between sound bars, you would have to go into your TV's audio settings and change the output each time. For most people, one sound bar is enough.

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.