Why Is My Sonos Beam Gen 2 Not Getting Sound Over HDMI eARC?
- HDMI cable not supporting eARC bandwidth
- TV eARC not enabled in settings
- Wrong HDMI port used on TV
Problem Description
Your Sonos Beam Gen 2 is connected via HDMI eARC but you get no sound from your TV. The soundbar shows connected in the Sonos app but TV audio does not play through it. You have to use TV speakers instead. The HDMI cable is plugged in but audio does not transfer to the Beam.
Symptoms
- No sound from Beam when watching TV
- TV audio plays through TV speakers not Beam
- HDMI connected but no audio signal detected
- Beam shows connected but stays silent
- Sound works from Sonos app but not TV
- Audio cuts out intermittently during shows
Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.
Common Causes
- HDMI cable not supporting eARC bandwidth
- TV eARC not enabled in settings
- Wrong HDMI port used on TV
- CEC/ARC settings disabled on TV
- Audio format set to unsupported codec
- HDMI handshake failed requiring reconnection
Most fixes happen in the first 3 steps.
Some TVs have buggy eARC implementation. Check for TV firmware updates if problems persist after setup.
Tools & Requirements
These tools will help you complete this fix.
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Step-by-Step Solution
Use Proper HDMI Cable
eARC requires an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable or at minimum a Premium High Speed cable. Basic HDMI cables may not support the bandwidth needed for eARC audio. The cable that came with your Beam should work. If using a different cable try a certified one rated for HDMI 2.1.
Needed for this step
Anker HDMI Cable 8K@60Hz, 6.6FT Ultra High Spee...
$16.99Connect to Correct TV Port
Only one HDMI port on your TV supports ARC or eARC. It is usually labeled HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC. Check your TV ports and connect the Beam to this specific port. Other HDMI ports will not send audio to the soundbar even if the cable is connected.
Enable eARC in TV Settings
Go into your TV audio settings. Find ARC or eARC and make sure it is enabled. Some TVs default to internal speakers. Change audio output from TV Speakers to External Audio System or ARC. The exact menu location varies by TV brand but is usually under Sound or Audio settings.
Enable CEC on TV
CEC allows devices to communicate over HDMI. It must be enabled for ARC to work. Find CEC settings on your TV. Samsung calls it Anynet+. LG calls it SimpLink. Sony calls it Bravia Sync. Enable whatever CEC option your TV has. Without CEC the Beam cannot receive audio commands.
Power Cycle Both Devices
HDMI handshakes sometimes fail and need reset. Unplug both your TV and Sonos Beam from power for 30 seconds. Plug the TV in first and let it fully boot. Then plug in the Beam. This forces a fresh HDMI connection and often resolves audio issues.
Quick Solutions
Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.
If this comes back after following these steps, check whether a recent app or firmware update reset a default setting — the fix works, but the setting gets reverted silently.
If your TV only has ARC not eARC the Beam will still work but Dolby Atmos passthrough requires eARC.
This issue almost always looks more complex than it is — the majority of cases trace back to a single setting, a stale credential, or a default that shipped wrong.
- HDMI cable not supporting eARC bandwidth
- TV eARC not enabled in settings
- Wrong HDMI port used on TV
- CEC/ARC settings disabled on TV
- Audio format set to unsupported codec
Before you go — try one of these (they fix most cases).
Official Manufacturer Manual
Sonos provides official product documentation through their online manual rather than downloadable PDF. Access setup guides, troubleshooting steps, and product specifications for your Sonos Beam Gen 2.
Source: sonos.com
Need More Help? Sonos Support
Note: The contact information below connects you directly to Sonos's official customer support team, not Trunetto. They can help with warranty claims, device replacements, and advanced technical issues.
