How do I connect a soundbar to my TV?

Last checked November 14, 2026

Short answer

Use an HDMI cable between the TV's HDMI port marked ARC or eARC and the soundbar's HDMI ARC port. One cable carries the sound and lets the TV remote control the volume. If either one has no ARC port, use an optical cable instead.

Best matchHDMI cable for ARC and eARC (Ultra High Speed)

See the Belkin 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable (2 m) on Amazon

Same kind of part from other brands

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How to connect it

Find the TV's HDMI port marked ARC or eARC. Only that port sends sound out.
Connect an HDMI cable from it to the soundbar's HDMI ARC (or eARC) port.
In the TV's settings, turn on HDMI-CEC (Anynet+ on Samsung, SIMPLINK on LG, BRAVIA Sync on Sony).
Set the TV's sound output to the soundbar (often listed as HDMI ARC or receiver).

Check this first

Use the TV's HDMI port marked ARC or eARC, and the soundbar's HDMI ARC or eARC port. Then turn on HDMI-CEC in the TV's settings (Samsung calls it Anynet+, LG calls it SIMPLINK, Sony calls it BRAVIA Sync) so the TV remote controls the volume. No ARC port on either one? Use an optical cable instead.
Plug it into the TV's HDMI port marked ARC or eARC. Other HDMI ports do not send sound out.
An Ultra High Speed HDMI cable is the safe choice for eARC and Dolby Atmos, as the HDMI organisation recommends.
Turn on HDMI-CEC in the TV's settings so the TV remote controls the volume.

Other ways to do it

Instead of the HDMI cable (ARC / eARC).

Optical audio cable (Toslink)

It carries the TV's sound as light to a soundbar or receiver that has an optical input. It is the usual choice when the TV or soundbar has no HDMI ARC port.

See the Amazon Basics Toslink Optical Audio Cable (3.3 ft) on Amazon

Questions people ask

ARC or optical: which is better?

HDMI ARC. It carries more sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, and lets your TV remote control the volume. Optical is stereo or Dolby Digital 5.1 only, with no Atmos.

Do I need a special cable for eARC?

Not a special one, but the HDMI organisation recommends an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable to get everything eARC can do.

Why is there no sound?

Check the cable is in the TV port marked ARC, HDMI-CEC is on, and the TV's sound output is set to the soundbar.

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