TCL Soundbar ARC Not Working? (Try These Fixes!)

If your TCL soundbar ARC not working, the solution is simple and effective, so keep reading!

The TCL soundbar could be refusing to connect over an HDMI ARC, because of an issue with the default device selection, the cable, or a hardware fault.

The solutions we will review throughout the guide include:

Advance further into the guide to discover more helpful and effective solutions!

How to Fix the TCL Soundbar ARC Not Working Issue?

Note: Have you checked if the connected TV’s output is audible through the built-in speakers?

1. Set the “HDMI ARC” As the Default Output

Some older or non-smart TVs may require a manual adjustment of the default output, every time a new audio device is connected.

So, the first step is to ensure that the input where your TCL soundbar is connected is specified as the TV’s default audio output.

To configure the audio output on most TVs, follow these instructions:

1. Press the “Menu” or “Settings” button on the remote control.
2. Navigate to the “Audio” or “Sound” tab from the menu page.
3. Look for a line that says “Default Output” or “Audio Device.”
4. Extend the menu to view all of the compatible audio devices.
5. Locate the option that says “HDMI ARC” or “TCL Soundbar.”

Based on the TV’s model and menu type, you will be able to either pick one of the inputs as the default source or the name of the connected device. 

So, if your TV has multiple HDMI inputs, ensure the correct one is selected through the TV’s menu, otherwise, the output will not be audible. 

2. Switch the TCL Soundbar’s Input Source

There’s a possibility that the TCL soundbar has been set to an incorrect input source, and it is unable to reproduce your TV’s audio over HDMI.

You may be required to manually cycle through the sources of the soundbar until “HDMI” appears on the display. 

• To switch the input sources of the TCL soundbar, ensure the soundbar is in “Standby” mode and press the “Source” button on the top panel.

Keep pressing the “Source” button until “HDMI” appears on the display and play audio through your TV to test.

Calibrate the soundbar and TV’s volume to determine if the audio output is functional and check if there are any issues. 

3. Enable “HDMI-CEC” In your TV’s Settings

Activating the “HDMI-CEC” function of your TV is another way to address the TCL soundbar HDMI ARC not working problem.

The function allows all devices connected to your TV over an HDMI cable to be controlled with a single remote control.

Of course, it does not make all TV functions compatible with the soundbar, but the soundbar will respond to simple controls such as controlling the power and volume state.

How to Enable HDMI-CEC On Popular TV Brands?
Samsung TV (Anynet+)	Go to “Home” → “Settings” → “General” → “External Device Manager” → “Anynet+” → “Enabled.”
Sony (BRAVIA Sync)	Go to “Home” → “Settings” → “External Inputs” → “BRAVIA Sync Settings” → “BRAVIA Sync Control” → “On.”
Philips (EasyLink)	Go to “Home” → “Setup” → “TV Settings” → “Installation” → “Preferences” → “EasyLink” → “Master EasyLink” → “On.”
Vizio (CEC)	Go to “Menu” → “System” → “CEC” → “Enabled.”
Hisense (Anyview)	Go to “Settings” → “System” → “HDMI Function” → “HDMI Control (Anyview)” → “On.”
TCL (T-Link)	Go to “Home” → “Settings” → “System” → “T-Link” → “T-Link ON.”

To test the soundbar’s HDMI connections, power off both your soundbar and the TV.

Wait for several seconds and press the “Power” button on the TV’s remote control.

If the connection is successful, both of the devices must turn on simultaneously via the press on the TV’s remote. 

4. Disconnect Other HDMI Devices

There could be interference caused by other devices connected over HDMI to your TV or soundbar.

In that regard, the next step is to unplug all external devices present in your TV’s setup, until the only device left is the TCL soundbar.

We also recommend removing devices connected over Optical, AUX, or component cables, as this could confuse the default output selection of the TV, especially if it’s older.

After that, check the sources menu and ensure the only input present in the TV’s setup is the soundbar. 

5. Update the TCL Soundbar Version

Updating the TCL soundbar’s OS version is another quick resolution to the TCL soundbar ARC not working problem.

You will need the following for the OS update procedure:

• A USB flash drive with at least 4 gigabytes of storage.
• A computer or laptop that’s connected to the internet.
• An available USB port on both the soundbar and PC.

Once you have all of that, proceed with these steps:

1. On your computer, access the TCL firmware downloads page.
2. Extend the section that matches the model of your soundbar.
3. Click the download link button to install the TCL firmware file.
4. Plug the flash drive into one of the 2.0/3.0 USB ports on your PC.
5. Open the flash drive’s directory and drag and drop the OS file.
6. Wait until the file is uploaded and eject the flash drive from the PC.
7. Connect the drive to the USB port of your TCL soundbar device.
8. Finally, wait until the update is identified and begins automatically.

Note: It may take between 3–5 minutes for your TCL soundbar’s firmware to update! 

6. Test the Soundbar with a Different TV

Perhaps, the issue is with the TV rather than with the TCL soundbar.

The only way to find out is to install the soundbar, along with all of its equipment to another smart TV over an HDMI ARC.

For this purpose, unplug the soundbar’s power supply first and proceed to disassemble the HDMI connection.

Once the equipment is separated, bring another HDMI-compatible TV you have or one that you’ve borrowed from a friend to test the soundbar.

Once the soundbar is plugged in, ensure it’s specified as the default output device in the output settings of the new TV.

Turn up the TV and soundbar volume to an appropriate percentage then proceed to test the output over an HDMI ARC. 

7. Factory Reset the TCL Soundbar’s OS

If the fault is still there, perhaps a factory reset might be the best resolution for the missing output over HDMI ARC.

For the reset to work, ensure the soundbar is turned on and connected to the power supply from the procedure’s start until the end.

Keep in mind that all of the soundbar’s settings and configurations will be erased after the factory reset.

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

1. Ensure the soundbar is in Standby mode (white blinking LED light.)
2. Press the “Play/Pause/OK” button on the soundbar’s front panel.
3. Release after the “FACTORY RESET” prompt shows on the display. 
4. Press the “Play/Pause/OK” button again to confirm the factory reset.
5. Now, wait until the TCL soundbar is restored to the factory settings.

Important: Do not interfere with the soundbar during the factory reset in any way!