Worried With TCL Soundbar No Sound? (Here’s the Fix!)
If you’re dealing with the TCL soundbar no sound issue, stay with us as we can help you!
The sudden output outage of your TCL soundbar might have something to do with the input source’s selection, the connection type, or the TV settings.
Fortunately, we’ve uncovered plenty of solutions that will help:
Keep reading to discover the details of all the solutions above and how to apply them efficiently!
The Top 6 Proven Solutions for TCL Soundbar No Sound!
Note: It’s important to ensure that your TCL soundbar and TV volume aren’t lowered and the “Mute” status is also set to “OFF.”
1. Change the TCL Soundbar’s Input Source
The first step is to ensure that the TCL soundbar is set to the correct input source, matching the physical cable connection.
This step does not apply to soundbars connected via Bluetooth, as the remote control only allows for the regulation of the physical sources.
- To change the input source on your TCL soundbar, press the “AUX,” “OPTICAL” or “USB” buttons on the remote control.
For example, if the soundbar is connected over an Optical cable, press the “OPTICAL” button on the remote to automatically switch to that source.
2. Set the TCL Soundbar as the Default Output
The next possible reason why there is no sound from the TCL soundbar is an improperly specified default output device in your TV’s settings.
Both modern and older TVs might require you to manually set the audio output device once it’s physically connected over a wired connection.
Follow these simple steps to adjust the default output on most TVs:
- Press the “Settings” or “Options” button on the remote.
- Navigate to the “Audio” or “Sound” tab from the settings.
- Access the “Default Device” or “Output Device” options.
- Ensure the TCL soundbar is securely plugged into the TV.
- Search for the TCL soundbar’s connection in the output tab.
- Highlight the soundbar and press “OK” to save the changes.
Note: It is also recommended to disconnect other wired or wireless devices from the back of your TV that could potentially interfere with the soundbar’s connection.
3. Plug the TCL Over a Different Connection
There is a high chance that the audio fault of your TCL soundbar comes from the cable that is used for the TCL connection.
Before proceeding, it is recommended to test the current cable of the TCL soundbar on another input-compatible unit to determine whether it is functional or not.
Hence, based on the current cable connection you use, proceed with the appropriate steps!
3.1 How to Pair TCL Soundbar Over HDMI?
If you’re using an HDMI cable, plug one end into the “HDMI ARC” port on the soundbar and the other end into the TV’s “HDMI ARC” connector on the side or rear panel.
3.2 How to Pair TCL Soundbar Over Optical?
If using Optical, find the small Optical connector, typically found right next to the power input and gently push the cable in to move the latch away. Then, connect the other end to the TV’s input.
3.3 How to Pair TCL Soundbar Over Bluetooth?
First, put your soundbar in “Pairing” mode by holding the “Bluetooth” button for 3–4 seconds.
Then, discover the soundbar through your TV’s menu to establish the connection.
3.4 How to Pair TCL Soundbar Over AUX?
Locate the small 3.5mm AUX jack on the soundbar and plug the 3.5mm cable into the port on your TV.
This may require a manual switch-up of the TV’s default audio device.
3.5 How to Pair TCL Soundbar Over USB?
If using USB, find the 2.0/3.0 USB connectors on the back of your TV and plug one of the ports with the USB jack on your soundbar.
Tip: Ensure your soundbar is also set to the correct input source after changing the connection!
4. Unplug the TCL Soundbar for 60 Seconds
A standard resolution for the TCL soundbar with no sound problem is to perform a power cycle.
It takes less than a minute for all of the soundbar’s power to drain effectively, which allows for a clean relaunch of all system services that could be causing the issue.
So, proceed with the following steps to power “cycle” the soundbar:
- Press the “Power” button on the soundbar to power off the unit.
- Disconnect the power adapter from the back of the soundbar.
- Unplug the other end of the adapter from the electrical A/C outlet.
- Wait for 45–60 seconds while the soundbar has discharged fully.
- Reconnect the power adapter on both ends and test the soundbar.
If the soundbar is experiencing any form of power insufficiencies, attempt connecting the device to a different outlet, remove all third-party equipment from the setup, and check the adapter.
5. Enable the “HDMI-CEC” Option on your TV
If using an HDMI to connect your soundbar, you should indefinitely enable the “HDMI-CEC” option in your TV’s system setting.
HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) allows for all devices connected over HDMI to respond with a single remote control.
Here’s how to activate the HDMI-CEC feature on most TVs:
- Press the “Home” or “Menu” button on the TV’s remote.
- Navigate to the “HDMI” or “Display” tab in the options.
- (Tip) Some TVs may have a separate tab for HDMI-CEC.
- Find the feature within the settings menu of the TV device.
- Set the feature to “ON,” save the changes, and exit the tab.
Now, pressing the volume or power buttons on the TV’s remote control should also control the same features on the soundbar.
6. Restore the Soundbar to System Defaults
The factory reset is an extremely effective solution whenever the TCL soundbar is connected but has no sound.
The procedure erases all of your soundbar’s settings and restores them to the factory values, as they were when you turned the device on for the first time.
Here’s how to perform a factory reset on the TCL soundbar:
- Wait until the TCL soundbar enters Standby mode (blinking white LED).
- Hold the “Pause/Play/OK” button on the remote control for 7 seconds.
- Wait until the soundbar’s display shows the “FACTORY RESET” option.
- Press “Play/Pause/OK” once again to confirm the factory restoration.
Cease all interactions with the soundbar once the factory reset starts.
It may take around 1–2 minutes for the soundbar to reset, so be patient and do not unplug the power adapter or press any of the “Power” buttons.
Finn Wheatley, a Master’s graduate in Computer Science from UCL, London, honed his skills at small data science consultancies. There, he helped large corporations enhance their data capabilities by deploying cutting-edge machine learning analytics and resolving technical hurdles.