Polk Soundbar No Sound: Causes & Fixes

If you are a lover of rich melodies and crystal-clear audio, you would cherish a Polk soundbar, as their products are renowned for high-quality sound, and easy setup. However, as with most electronic devices, Polk soundbars can develop faults. 

A common problem most Polk soundbar users face is the issue of no sound, even when the devices are connected. This can be exasperating, as it defeats the purpose of elevating your audio experience. 

There are several reasons why your Polk soundbar might be unable to produce sound. To prevent you from employing the trial-and-error system, we have compiled a list of the possible causes and quick troubleshooting steps you can take, to get your sound back on.

Polk Soundbar No Sound: Possible Causes 

The reasons outlined below could just be the causative factor of the no sound problem you face, with your Polk soundbar. It could be one or the other. Therefore, it’s advisable to explore the different causes and try out the possible fixes, before concluding. 

• Loose/Weak Connection

Several cables are used to connect the soundbar and audio source, particularly when you are not using the wireless option which connects via Bluetooth or WiFi. If the cables are not tight and securely plugged in, it could cause sound interruptions. 

Polk soundbars can also pair with other devices via a wireless connection. A weak signal or too many devices connected to the network can affect the quality of sound. Sometimes, the sensor on the soundbar might also be the issue. 

• Faulty/Damaged Cables 

Over time, HDMI and optical cables wear down especially when they are in use regularly. This wear prevents the cables from supporting the bandwidth needed for the sound output. Damages, cuts, and folds on the cables, could also affect the connection leading to poor sound transmission. 

• Wrong Audio Output Settings

If you do not observe extensive damage to the cables after carrying out a physical inspection, your next option is to check the audio output settings. The audio output of the source device must be connected to the soundbar’s audio input port. 

If your TV model was manufactured below 2008, you most likely wouldn’t have the HDMI digital output port. All hope is not lost though, as the red and white analog cables can be used to make the soundbar work. 

• Incorrect Source on the Soundbar 

If you are using a TV as the source device, with a HDMI or optical cable for the connection, your source should be set to HDMI/Optical cable. Any other chosen source would result in no sound. 

• Enabled TV Speakers

Every TV set comes with inbuilt speakers. However, in an attempt to carry out its function, the soundbar can only work by bypassing these inbuilt speakers, and to bypass them, the speakers have to be disabled. If your TV speakers are enabled, there would be an interference. 

• Low Volume Settings/Muted Audio

Sometimes, the connection might be perfect and both your source device and soundbar are functioning as they ought. The issue then, might just be extremely low or muted volume levels. 

• Outdated Software (Firmware)

Every manufacturer provides regular software updates to enable users of their products to explore new features and maintain functionalities. If the firmware of your Polk soundbar is outdated, you are likely to experience regular bugs. Step-by-step instructions on how to update the firmware are given in the next section. 

• Might Need a Factory Reset 

A factory reset is always the last on the list of troubleshooting steps you can try. This is because a factory reset would completely wipe off all the information stored on your Polk soundbar, including WiFi settings, paired Bluetooth devices, etc. 

However, carrying out a fresh reset of your soundbar is preferable to leaving it to lose its functionality altogether. A detailed guide on how to carry out a factory reset will be provided below.

Polk Soundbar No Sound: How To Fix

There are several ways through which you can fix the various issues mentioned above. Be sure to follow the steps thoroughly, and refer to the user’s manual when unsure of what to do, as a maladjustment might further damage your soundbar. 

• Secure Connections & Replace Worn-out Cables

Regularly check the cable connection to ensure that the plugs are tight and securely fitted into their respective ports. It’s also advisable to keep the cables out of reach, from children and pets that can tamper with them. 

Sadly, if you notice wear on your HDMI/Optical cable upon physical inspection, the only option you are left with is to replace it. A damaged sensor would also require replacement. 

• Ensure Proper Connections

This spans across the audio output settings from your source device, and the correct input sources on your soundbar. Ensure that the sources are appropriately set, and all plugs are connected to their respective ports. 

The audio output from the TV/source device must match the input port on the soundbar. In the case of TV models manufactured below 2008, ensure that the color codes of the analog cables are correctly matched with those on the soundbar. 

• Disable TV Speakers

Be sure to disable your TV’s internal speakers from the Advanced Settings section. The process would be peculiar to various TV models. 

• Adjust Volume Settings 

Ensure you check the volume settings on the device. If it’s muted, you can simply correct that by utilizing the Mute button on the remote control. That should solve the problem immediately. If the volume levels are low, be sure to turn them up. 

• Update the Soundbar’s Firmware

To update the firmware on your Polk soundbar, you will need to connect it to the internet. There are two ways to do this: via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable. 

To update via the Wi-Fi: 

1. Download the Google Home app on your mobile device.
2. Open the Google Home app and follow the instructions to connect your Polk soundbar to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Once your soundbar is connected to the internet, it will automatically check for firmware updates.
4. If an update is available, you will be prompted to install it.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.

To update via Ethernet cable:

1. Connect an Ethernet cable from your router to the Ethernet port on the back of your Polk soundbar.
2. Once your soundbar is connected to the internet, it will automatically check for firmware updates.
3. If an update is available, you will be prompted to install it.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.

• Carry Out a Factory Reset 

To factory reset a Polk soundbar, you will need to follow the specific steps for your soundbar model. Here are the specific steps to factory reset some popular Polk soundbar models:

1. Polk Signa S1/S2: Press and hold the POWER, SOURCE, and VOL+ buttons on the top of the product for at least 10 seconds.
2. Polk Magnifi Mini: Press and hold the RESET button on the back of the product for at least 15 seconds. You will hear a higher and then a lower tone as confirmation. Please only release after hearing the second lower tone.
3. Polk Magnifi Max (SR): Press and hold the RESET button on the back of the product for at least 15 seconds. You will only hear one tone.
4. Polk Command Bar: Press and hold the Microphone Mute and Volume Down buttons on the top of the product for at least 10 seconds. For the Command Bar, the light ring turns blue indicating the boot sequence has started. When the device reboots, it will enter the setup mode and the light ring will spin orange. 

If the issue persists, be sure to contact the customer support service at Polk, for further expert assistance.