Connecting your TV to a TCL soundbar should instantly improve your audio experience—but sometimes things don’t go as smoothly as expected. Whether you're using HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX, or Bluetooth, this guide will walk you through the most common issues and how to fix them.

🔌 1. No Sound from the Soundbar

✅ Check the Basics:

Make sure the soundbar is powered on.

Double-check that the cables are fully plugged in—both to the TV and soundbar.

Set the correct input on the soundbar (e.g., HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX, Bluetooth).

🎮 2. HDMI ARC Isn’t Working

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is the most popular way to connect a TV and soundbar with one cable. If it’s not working:

📋 Step-by-Step Fix:

Connect to the HDMI ARC port on your TV and the HDMI OUT (ARC) port on the soundbar.

On your TV, enable CEC and ARC:

TCL Roku TV:
Settings > System > Control other devices (CEC)
Enable ARC and System Audio Control

Other TV brands: Look for CEC, Anynet+, Simplink, or Bravia Sync in settings.

Set your TV’s Audio Output to HDMI ARC or Receiver.

Set Digital Audio Format to PCM for best compatibility.

Select HDMI ARC on the soundbar.

🧠 Pro Tip: Use a High-Speed HDMI cable that supports ARC/eARC.

🔊 3. Optical Connection Has No Sound

Using an optical cable? Here’s what to check:

📋 Fix It Fast:

Make sure the optical cable is fully seated on both ends.

Set your TV’s Audio Output to Optical or Digital Audio Out.

Change the audio format to PCM—TCL soundbars may not support Dolby Digital or DTS over optical.

Select Optical on the soundbar input.

🔦 Look for a red light coming from the end of the optical cable when connected to the TV. No light = bad connection.

🎧 4. AUX (3.5mm) Cable Isn’t Working

If you're using a standard audio cable (AUX), check the following:

🛠️ Quick Fix:

Plug the cable into the AUX IN port on the soundbar and the headphone/audio out port on the TV.

Set your TV audio output to Headphone or Line Out.

Choose AUX as the input on the soundbar.

Turn the volume up on both the TV and the soundbar.

🔁 Try another AUX cable to rule out damage.

📱 5. Bluetooth Connection Not Pairing or Playing

TCL soundbars with Bluetooth allow wireless TV audio—but setup issues are common.

📋 How to Fix It:

Make sure your TV supports Bluetooth audio output (not all TVs do!).

Put the soundbar into Bluetooth pairing mode (look for a blinking light).

On your TV, go to Bluetooth settings and select the soundbar from the list.

Confirm the TV is sending audio via Bluetooth.

🔌 Note: Some TCL soundbars prioritize HDMI or Optical if connected. Temporarily unplug other cables when pairing over Bluetooth.

🔁 6. Soundbar Doesn’t Turn On with the TV

Want the soundbar to power on automatically with your TV?

Here’s How:

Use HDMI ARC + CEC to sync power.

Enable CEC on your TV (may be called T-Link, Anynet+, Simplink, etc.).

Some models support Auto Power On from the soundbar settings—check your manual.