Is your Vizio Sound Bar HDMI ARC not working with your TV? The ARC (Audio Return Channel) protocol introduced as part of HDMI 1.4 has made it straightforward and intuitive for users to set up new audio devices with their TV.
However, this seamless interoperability between media devices isn’t without rare issues, something you might be currently dealing with with your new Vizio soundbar. It can happen during the first-time setup or in the middle of your binge-watch, but troubleshooting the issue can pose a daunting task for some.
Assuming all your AV devices are ARC-compatible, you can follow this guide to fix the HDMI ARC issues related to your Vizio soundbar.
1. Look for your TV’s HDMI “ARC” port
Modern TVs have at least four HDMI ports, but not all support the “ARC” or “eARC” functionality. It’s usually the one with the “HDMI 1” label on the back or side of your TV. Alternatively, check your TV’s user manual to see which HDMI port supports the feature. Note the HDMI OUT (ARC) port should be labeled correctly on your Vizio soundbar.
Once you find the correct HDMI ports on your devices, firmly plug the HDMI cable supplied with your Vizio soundbar into both ends. Your TV should auto-detect your soundbar and switch to the correct sound output source.
2. Set your Soundbar to the Correct Input
To verify whether you’ve set your Vizio soundbar to the correct input or not, start with powering on your TV and begin playing a movie or show. After that, press and hold the Input button on your soundbar remote for three seconds. You should start seeing the front indicator LEDs flashing.
Doing the following activates the “Auto-Input Search” function on your Vizio soundbar. It’ll cycle through all the inputs to pinpoint the one connected to your TV, then automatically switch to it. Ideally, we’d also recommend visiting your TV’s sound setting and setting the output to “HDMI” or “HDMI ARC.”
3. Check HDMI CEC Settings
The HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) protocol lets users control connected HDMI devices with one remote. For instance, you can adjust your Vizio soundbar volume or power it off/on using your TV remote.
While this particular feature allows for convenient media controls, it can also cause ARC to not work between your TV and soundbar. We recommend searching for the HDMI CEC settings on your TV, then setting it to “ARC only” instead of leaving it on “Auto.” If that doesn’t work, simply disable CEC on your HDMI devices.
The process varies depending on your TV brand, so you should check out the instructions manual supplied with your TV. A quick search on the web should also provide you with the necessary steps to follow.
4. Update your VIZIO Soundbar
If you own a newer Vizio SmartCast soundbar, updating its firmware might fix the HDMI ARC connectivity issues between the soundbar and particular devices. Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps:
- Download and install the Vizio SmartCast Mobile app on your Android or iOS device.
- Next, launch the app and perform the on-screen steps to link your SmartCast soundbar. It usually requires you to put the soundbar in Wi-Fi Setup mode first.
- Once you go through the setup process, go to the app’s Settings > System menu.
- Tap the Check for Updates option, then select Yes in the confirmation pop-up window.
The SmartCast Mobile app will download any pending firmware updates for your soundbar and install them automatically. The update process may take several minutes to finish, so have some patience. Abruptly powering it off can potentially brick your Vizio soundbar.
5. Vizio Sound Bar HDMI arc not Working: Try Factory Reset
Assuming there’s still no audio and your TV is working flawlessly with a different audio device over HDMI ARC, try resetting your Vizio soundbar to its factory state. The procedure vastly differs depending on your soundbar model, but it usually involves pressing a combination of buttons for a few seconds.
On most of the newer Vizio soundbars, you can initiate a factory reset by pressing and holding the Bluetooth and Volume Down buttons simultaneously on the soundbar itself for five seconds. Remember that this will erase all the settings you’ve set on your soundbar.
Final words
That’s how you fix the HDMI ARC-related issues on your Vizio soundbar. Apart from the five above troubleshooting steps, we suggest turning off the “ECO Mode” on the soundbar as it can cause such connectivity problems. Have none of the following fixes work, consider contacting Vizio Support for further technical assistance.
