JBL Soundbar No Sound? – (7 Effective Ways to Fix!)

Wondering what causes JBL soundbar no sound? Well, keep reading throughout this guide!

In most cases, the playback of the JBL soundbar can be regulated through the input device’s settings, a Bluetooth smartphone, or a TV.

So, this guide will help you uncover why there is no sound and help you troubleshoot the problem by providing you with some expert instructions.

If the JBL soundbar has no sound, ensure the device is set to the correct input source, perform a power cycle, and configure the TV’s “Default Audio Output” settings.

Also, re-establish the soundbar’s connection and force a factory reset.

Let’s unwrap the solutions in detail!

What Causes No Sound From JBL Soundbar?

Here’s why the JBL soundbar is not producing any playback:

To uncover reliable solutions for the JBL soundbar’s audio playback, keep reading further!

JBL Soundbar No Sound – Here’s How to Fix!

Note: Have you turned up the TV and soundbar’s volume from all sources?

1. Set JBL to the Correct Input Source

The first step is to ensure that the JBL soundbar is set to the correct input mode using the supplied remote control.

All remote controls compatible with JBL soundbars should have a “SOURCE” button on the upper-right end, allowing you to switch through the input options.

How to Adjust JBL Soundbar Input?

Pressing the “Source” button causes the display of the soundbar to cycle through the inputs and display the current one.

Based on the type of connection you use, your soundbar’s source must either be set to “HDMI,” “Optical” or “Bluetooth.”

If the issue wasn’t with the source, let’s learn how to power cycle the soundbar!

2. Power Cycle the Device and Soundbar

The playback of the JBL soundbar might have been muted or suppressed by an unstable power supply or non-lasting motherboard issues.

The power cycle takes under 60 seconds to perform and can address all underlying functionality issues with the JBL soundbar, so it’s worth the try!

Follow these instructions to perform a power cycle on the JBL soundbar:

1. Hold the JBL soundbar’s “Power” button for 20 seconds.
2. Disconnect the supplying power cord from the A/C outlet.
3. Wait for 60 seconds while the soundbar is disconnected.
4. Reconnect the A/C adapter and press the “Power” button.
5. Verify the JBL is connected with the output device and test.

Notice: You have to reconnect the soundbar’s Bluetooth if you’re using a wireless connection!

3. Re-establish the Soundbar’s Connection

Perhaps, the JBL soundbar has not established a proper connection to the smartphone, TV, or other source device, preventing it from producing an audible playback.

That’s why the next step is to reconnect the soundbar! 

How to Reconnect the JBL Soundbar’s Cable?

Follow these steps if there is a JBL soundbar no sound HDMI ARC or Optical:

1. Disconnect the HDMI or Optical cable from JBL’s rear panel.
2. Unplug the other end of the cable from the back of the TV unit.
3. Then, wait for 50–60 seconds while the cable is disconnected.
4. Optional: Reconnect the cable to an alternative port on the TV.
5. Verify the JBL soundbar is set to the correct input mode and test.

How to Reconnect the JBL Soundbar Bluetooth?

Here’s how to re-establish the JBL soundbar’s Bluetooth connection:

1. Access the Bluetooth settings on the TV or smartphone.
2. Locate the JBL soundbar’s profile within the menu options.
3. Highlight the pane, press “Options” and choose “Remove.”
4. Choose “Bluetooth” or “SOURCE” on the JBL remote unit.
5. Rediscover and connect your JBL soundbar to your device.

Note: The JBL soundbar’s “Bluetooth” mode can be activated or deactivated using the remote!

4. Specify JBL as the “Default Output” (TV)

If the JBL soundbar is not producing your TV’s playback over a wireless or wired connection, the device might not have been specified as a default output.

All TVs are designed to use the built-in TV speakers as a default audio device and connecting a third-party speaker or home theater may require re-adjusting the settings manually.

Here’s how to configure the default audio output on most TV devices:

1. Ensure your JBL soundbar is connected to the TV unit.
2. Access the “Settings” or “Menu” tab on the TV device.
3. Navigate to the “Audio” or “Sound” tab from the menu.
4. Locate the “Default Output” or “Default Audio” slider.
5. Highlight the menu and choose “JBL” or “Soundbar.”
6. Apply the changes and exit the TV’s audio configuration.

Note: If the soundbar has not established a secure connection with the TV, it will not appear as a selectable option within the menu!

5. Re-configure the TV’s Audio Format

Experimenting with the “Audio Format” configuration of your TV is another possible solution for the JBL soundbar’s inaudible playback.

Compatible formats with the JBL soundbar tend to be “Bitstream” or “Dolby,” but you should check what options are available for your TV and test.

Here’s how to change the audio format on most TV devices:

1. Press the “HOME” or “MENU” button on the remote control.
2. Navigate to the “Audio” or “Sound” menu from the category.
3. Next, choose the “Digital Audio Out” option from the menu.
4. Based on the available options, use “Bitstream” or “Dolby.”

If none of the following formats are supported by your TV, then set the feature to “Auto” and allow the TV to make automatic adjustments to the sound.

Note: If you cannot find the options, check online or consult the user manual for accurate instructions to change the audio format on your TV.

6. Reset the JBL Soundbar’s Settings

You should consider restoring the JBL soundbar’s system settings to default values in case of a misconfiguration with the audio or wireless settings of the device.

This takes less than 2 minutes for all of the JBL soundbar’s settings to be erased, along with any existing issues with the audio.

Here’s how to perform a factory reset on the JBL soundbar:

1. Power on your JBL soundbar and wait for 15 seconds.
2. Press and hold the “SOURCE” and “POWER” buttons.
3. Release the buttons after 15 seconds to start the reset.
4. Unplug your soundbar from power after about 1 minute.
5. Reconnect the power cord and turn on the audio device.

If the soundbar did not respond to the reset request by any means, press and hold the “VOL +,” “VOL –” and “SOURCE” buttons altogether to initiate the process.

In the meantime, ensure the JBL soundbar’s power cord is properly connected and check whether your device is turned on.

7. Use a Direct Soundbar Connection (HDMI, Optical)

If you were unable to configure the JBL soundbar’s playback over Bluetooth, it is recommended to switch to a direct HDMI or Optical direct connection.

Using a cable to deliver your soundbar’s audio to your TV is much more reliable and provides better quality in comparison to Bluetooth.

Here’s how to set up the JBL soundbar’s output over a wired connection:

1. Locate the “HDMI” or “Optical Out” port on the soundbar.
2. Install the respective cable into your JBL soundbar’s port.
3. Find the Optical Input or an “HDMI ARC” input on the TV.
4. Plug the other end of the audio cable into the TV’s rear end.
5. Go to the TV’s audio settings and find the “Default Output.”
6. Select the soundbar’s profile once it shows under the menu.

If the wired connection is not secure or not recognized by the TV, the soundbar will not show in the audio output options at all.

In addition, ensure an “HDMI ARC” (Audio-Return Channel) as it provides much crispier playout at higher frequencies and better soundbar quality output overall.

Quick Recap

So, to solve the JBL soundbar no sound issue, power cycle the source device and ensure it is specified as the “Default Audio Output” in your TV’s settings.

Next, re-establish your soundbar’s connection, re-configure the audio format, and force a soundbar factory reset.

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