Is Your Sonos HDMI Arc Not Detected? (8 Proven Fixes!)

sonos hdmi arc not detected

If the Sonos HDMI ARC not detected, we have discovered a few quick and effective solutions!

Connecting Sonos over HDMI ARC requires configuring some of the device’s audio settings and ensuring the HDMI connection meets the soundbar’s requirements.

So, this guide will help you identify faults with Sonos ARC detection and provide reliable solutions to eliminate the problem.

If the input device doesn’t detect Sonos Arc’s HDMI, check the soundbar’s input mode, set Sonos as default output, and reseat the HDMI cable.

If the issue persists, test with a replacement cable and force a factory reset on the soundbar.

Proceed further with the guide to uncover more details!

Why is Sonos Arc HDMI ARC Not Detected?

why sonos arc hdmi arc not detected

Here are all possible reasons why Sonos Arc isn’t connecting over HDMI:

  • There’s an issue with Sonos Arc’s selected “Input Mode.”
  • The soundbar is not connected to an HDMI “ARC” input.
  • The soundbar is not set as the TV’s default audio output.
  • There’s a fault with the HDMI connection of the soundbar.
  • A hardware defect with Sonos Arc or the TV’s HDMI input.

To discover the respective solutions for the possible causes, proceed with the solutions below!

Sonos HDMI ARC Not Detected – Here’s How to Fix

Note: Have you tried rebooting your Sonos Arc soundbar?

1. Connect Sonos to the HDMI “ARC” Input

connect sonos to the hdmi “arc” input

Not connecting the Sonos soundbar to an HDMI “ARC” input on the back of the TV may prevent the system from recognizing your product.

So, the first step is to identify which of the TV’s HDMI inputs is using an “Audio Return Channel” or “ARC” in short, only for audio device connections.

How to Identify HDMI ARC Input On TV?

You can uncover which of the TV’s inputs are designed for audio in the following methods:

  • Visually check the HDMI inputs and look for an “ARC” labeled port or sticker.
  • Consult with the TV’s user manual to check which of the inputs return audio.
  • Check the TV’s on-screen menu and check which input has “ARC” next to it.
  • Visit the manufacturer’s website and learn which port on your TV is “ARC.”
Note: Typically, inputs that use audio-return technology will always have a small “Audio” or “ARC” sticker right above the port or on the underside.

2. Set Sonos Arc to the Correct Input Mode

set sonos arc to correct input mode

If you’ve recently used the Arc soundbar on an alternative input or have paired it wirelessly, you must manually switch back to the TV’s input through the Controller app for mobile.

You need to navigate to the room configuration where the soundbar is assigned and select the TV as output.

Here’s how to set the Sonos Arc soundbar to the correct input mode:

  1. Open the Sonos controller app installed on your device.
  2. Select the “room” where the Sonos Arc soundbar is added.
  3. Click “Browse” and select the TV from the available options.
Tip: Ensure the Sonos app is updated to the latest version, or reinstall it if there are issues!

3. Set the Soundbar as a Default Output

So, the next step is to ensure the Sonos soundbar is specified as the TV’s default audio output through the “Sound” or “Audio” settings.

All TVs are designed to use the “Built-In Speakers” or “TV Speakers” by default, so connecting external audio devices requires manual adjustments.

set soundbar as default output

Here’s how to re-configure the default audio output on most TVs:

  1. Access your TV’s homepage menu and navigate to “Settings.”
  2. Navigate to the “Audio” or “Sound” tab from the configuration.
  3. Highlight the “Audio Output” or “Default TV Output” selection.
  4. In the drop-down menu, select the “Sonos Arc” soundbar option.
  5. Lock in the selection and test the output of the TV and soundbar.

Remember that you have to re-adjust the volume of both devices after selecting the soundbar as a default audio output.

When this is done, your Sonos Arc soundbar should be detected.

Tip: For accurate instructions on how to adjust the output, consult with the TV’s user manual!

4. Reconnect Sonos Arc’s HDMI Cable

A potential fault with the physical connection will prevent the TV from recognizing the Sonos Arc soundbar’s HDMI connection.

So, the next step is to re-seat the audio/video cable on both ends and check if the Sonos Arc soundbar will re-occur in the TV’s output settings.

reconnect sonos arc’s hdmi cable

Here’s how to properly reseat Sonos Arc’s HDMI cable:

  1. Unplug the HDMI cable from the soundbar’s HDMI input.
  2. Disconnect the other end from the back of the TV device.
  3. Wait for 60 seconds and connect the cable on both ends.
Notice: Ensure the cable is securely connected on both ends after reinstalling it!

5. Power Cycle the Sonos Soundbar

Another practical solution is to perform a power cycle on the affected Sonos soundbar product.

It takes less than 30 seconds to discharge your Arc soundbar’s power and relaunch all system services that could be causing issues with the wired connection.

power cycle the sonos soundbar

Here’s how to power cycle the Sonos Arc in easy steps:

  1. Unplug the soundbar’s power cable from the A/C outlet.
  2. Disconnect the other end of the cable from the soundbar.
  3. Wait for 60 seconds while the soundbar is disconnected.
  4. Reconnect your supplying cable on both ends and test.
Note: Before reseating the power adapter, ensure it is in a proper condition and there aren’t any obstructions to the soundbar’s port or the electrical outlet.

6. Test Sonos Arc on a Different Device

The reason why HDMI ARC not detected Sonos could be because of a problem with your input device.

To determine if Sonos Arc is functioning properly, it is strongly recommended to test the soundbar on an alternative HDMI-compatible device.

So, ensure the testing device supports “ARC” HDMI and check if Sonos Arc has to be manually specified as the default audio output.

Tip: Typically any smart TV must have at least one HDMI ARC port on its back!

7. Use an Alternative HDMI Audio Cable

use an alternative hdmi audio cable

An HDMI cable that experiences fluctuations or no longer functions properly may prevent the TV from recognizing the Sonos Arc soundbar.

The next step is to determine if the cable is faulty and test the soundbar’s connection with a replacement HDMI cable.

How to Identify Faults with the HDMI Cable?

When inspecting an HDMI cable, watch out for plastic cover damage, bent ports, or broken connectors on either of the tips.

Apart from recognition issues, a malfunctioning HDMI cable may still work but cause losses in the signal, reduced quality, or cause the soundbar to unpair.

8. Set up “HDMI-CEC” On the Affected TV

set up “hdmi-cec” on affected tv

Another method for testing Sonos Arc’s functionality is enabling the “HDMI-CEC” feature within the TV’s settings.

The “Consumer Electronics Control” feature is available on all TVs that have an HDMI input and allows for controlling physically connected devices using only the TV remote.

Here’s how to enable the “HDMI-CEC” feature on most TVs:

  1. Press the “Home” or “Menu” button on the remote control.
  2. Navigate to “General”, “Settings” or the “Video” menu tab.
  3. Next, go to “HDMI Settings,” “Video Settings” or “HDMI.”
  4. Lastly, find the HDMI-CEC within the menu and activate it.

The HDMI-CEC feature goes under a different name on all TV systems.

You can consult the user manual or check online to uncover the exact name of the feature for the exact TV model.

9. Restore Sonos Arc to Factory Defaults

Perhaps, a misconfiguration in Sonos Arc’s settings is preventing the TV from recognizing the installed HDMI connection.

Another practical solution is to restore the soundbar to the factory default settings and reinstall the HDMI connection with the TV.

restore sonos arc to factory defaults

Follow these instructions to restore Sonos Arc to default settings:

  1. Disconnect the Sonos Arc soundbar from the A/C supply.
  2. Press and hold the inactive “Infinity” button on the panel.
  3. Keep holding the button while reconnecting the soundbar.
  4. Release the button after the LED starts blinking in green.
  5. Wait until the Sonos Arc has finalized the factory restoration.

That’s it. Your Sonos Arc soundbar is now reset and the HDMI ARC must finally be detected!

Note: It takes less than 30 seconds for the Sonos Arc’s wireless and audio settings to be reset!

What to Do If Your Sonos HDMI Arc Is Not Detected When Trying to Connect Your Sonos Beam?

If you’re facing sonos beam tv connection issues, first check your HDMI ARC settings on both the TV and the Sonos Beam. Ensure the HDMI cable is securely connected and try using a different HDMI port. Restart both devices to refresh the connection, and consider updating firmware for optimal performance.

Quick Recap

So, if the Sonos HDMI ARC not detected, verify the soundbar is set to the “HDMI” input mode, reconnect the HDMI cable, and set Sonos as the default TV output.

If the issue persists, replace the HDMI cable, activate “HDMI-CEC” and factory reset the Sonos Arc soundbar.

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