If your Samsung soundbar’s HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is not working, it could impact your overall viewing and listening experience in a negative. Not to worry, there are several steps you can try to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
In this article, we will go over some common causes of a Samsung soundbar HDMI ARC not working and provide step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Samsung Soundbar HDMI ARC Not Working: How to Fix the Problem
1. Check the HDMI Cable and Connections
The first step in troubleshooting a Samsung soundbar HDMI ARC not working issue is to check the HDMI cable and connections. Make sure the HDMI cable is securely plugged into both the soundbar and the TV. If the cable is loose or damaged, it could be causing the ARC to not work properly.
Additionally, make sure you are using a high-quality HDMI cable. Cheap or damaged HDMI cables can cause issues with the ARC function. If you are using a low-quality HDMI cable, try replacing it with a high-quality one to see if that resolves the issue.
2. Check the Soundbar and TV Firmware
Another common cause of a Samsung soundbar HDMI ARC not working is outdated firmware. Both the soundbar and the TV need to have the latest firmware for the ARC function to work properly.
To check for updates on your Samsung soundbar, follow these steps:
- Press the “Menu” button on the soundbar remote.
- Navigate to the “System” tab and select “Software Update.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to check for and install any available updates.
To check for updates on your Samsung TV, follow these steps:
- Press the “Menu” button on the TV remote.
- Navigate to the “Support” tab and select “Software Update.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to check for and install any available updates.
- Make sure to turn off your soundbar and TV before installing any updates.
3. Check the Soundbar and TV HDMI Settings
In some cases, the HDMI ARC function may not work properly if the HDMI settings on the soundbar and TV are not properly configured. Follow these steps to check and adjust the HDMI settings on your Samsung soundbar and TV.
- On the soundbar, navigate to the “HDMI” menu and make sure the “HDMI Control” setting is enabled.
- On the TV, navigate to the “HDMI” menu and make sure the “HDMI Control” setting is enabled.
- On the TV, navigate to the “Audio” menu and make sure the “Audio Output” setting is set to “ARC.”
- On the soundbar, navigate to the “Audio” menu and make sure the “HDMI Out” setting is set to “ARC.”
- If these settings are not properly configured, try adjusting them and see if that resolves the issue.
4. Try a Different HDMI Port
If you have tried all of the above steps and the Samsung soundbar HDMI ARC is still not working, try using a different HDMI port on the TV. Some TVs have multiple HDMI ports, and sometimes one of them may not be functioning properly. By switching to a different port, you may be able to fix the issue.
5. Power Cycle the Soundbar and TV
One of the most basic troubleshooting steps you can try when experiencing issues with your soundbar’s HDMI ARC is to power cycle both the soundbar and the TV. This means turning both devices off and unplugging them from the wall outlet for a few minutes before plugging them back in and turning them on again.
This can help reset the HDMI connection and resolve any temporary issues that may be causing the ARC function to not work properly.
6. Try a Different HDMI Cable
You may want to try using a different HDMI cable. Even high-quality HDMI cables can become damaged or go bad over time, so it’s worth trying a different cable to see if that resolves the issue.
7. Make Sure the Soundbar and TV are Compatible with HDMI ARC
Not all soundbars and TVs are compatible with HDMI ARC, so it’s important to make sure both your soundbar and TV support the feature. If either device does not support HDMI ARC, the function will not work regardless of your troubleshooting efforts.
To check if your soundbar and TV are compatible with HDMI ARC, consult the manufacturer’s documentation or website for more information.
8. Check for Any Interference
Interference from other electronic devices or even physical objects can cause issues with the HDMI ARC function. To check for interference, try moving any other electronic devices that may be in close proximity to the soundbar and TV and see if that resolves the issue.
Additionally, make sure there are no physical objects blocking the soundbar or TV, as this can cause interference with the HDMI signal.
9. Contact Samsung Customer Support
If all of the above steps failed, it may be a more serious issue that requires professional assistance. In this case, you may want to contact Samsung customer support for further assistance.
Samsung customer support can help diagnose the issue and provide recommendations on how to fix it. They may also be able to provide additional troubleshooting steps or refer you to a Samsung service center if necessary.
Conclusion
If none of these steps got your Samsung soundbar working again, it may be a hardware problem with the soundbar or TV. In this case, you may need to contact Samsung customer support or bring the device to a Samsung service center for further assistance.
Additionally, you may want to check if there are any known issues or recalls related to the soundbar or TV model you are using. Samsung may have issued a firmware update or other solution to fix the issue.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that you are using the soundbar and TV correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Incorrect usage or setup can sometimes cause issues with the HDMI ARC function.
