Why Is My Sonos Beam Gen 2 Not Playing TV Sound on HDMI ARC

Problem Description

No sound on HDMI ARC usually means the TV audio output is set incorrectly or ARC is disabled. This guide enables ARC, confirms audio format, and re-syncs the Beam.

Why This Happens in Real Homes

No sound on HDMI ARC usually means the TV audio output is set incorrectly or ARC is disabled. This guide enables ARC, confirms audio format, and re-syncs the Beam. In day-to-day use, this usually looks like No TV audio through Beam; HDMI ARC port used; TV speakers still active.

Most cases trace back to HDMI cable not ARC compatible; TV output set to internal speakers; CEC disabled. The fix works best when you go step by step instead of changing multiple settings at once.

A practical order for this issue is: Check HDMI Port -> Enable CEC -> Set Audio Output -> Run Sonos TV Setup. After each step, test the exact behavior that was failing so you can confirm what actually solved it.

Symptoms

• No TV audio through Beam
• HDMI ARC port used
• TV speakers still active
• Sound works in Sonos app
• CEC disabled
• Audio delay or silence

Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.

Common Causes

• HDMI cable not ARC compatible
• TV output set to internal speakers
• CEC disabled
• Audio format unsupported
• Beam not set as TV device
• ARC port not used

Tools & Requirements

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Verify HDMI ARC/eARC Port Connection

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 must be connected to the HDMI port on your TV that is labeled ARC or eARC — this is the only port that sends audio from the TV back to the soundbar. Most TVs label this port (commonly HDMI 2 or HDMI 3 — check the label printed next to or above the HDMI port on the TV). Connecting to a regular HDMI port results in no sound.

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2

Enable CEC and ARC in TV Settings

Go to your TV's Settings > General or System > External Device Manager. Enable CEC (called Anynet+ on Samsung, SimpLink on LG, Bravia Sync on Sony, HDMI Control on Vizio). Also find the Audio Return Channel or eARC setting and enable it. Without CEC and ARC enabled, the TV does not send audio through the HDMI cable to the Beam.

3

Set TV Audio Output to External Speaker

In your TV settings, go to Sound > Audio Output. Select HDMI ARC, External Speaker, or Receiver — the exact wording varies by TV brand. If the TV is set to TV Speakers or Internal Speakers, audio plays through the TV speakers and nothing is sent to the Beam. On Samsung TVs, select Receiver (HDMI). On LG TVs, select HDMI ARC.

4

Re-run TV Setup in the Sonos App

Open the Sonos app, go to Settings > System > select the room with your Beam > TV Setup. Follow the wizard to re-configure the HDMI audio connection. The wizard tests the ARC link and adjusts audio format settings. This often resolves handshake issues that occurred when the TV or Beam was updated.

5

Change Audio Format to PCM or Dolby Digital

If using Dolby Atmos content and hearing no sound, your TV may not support passing Dolby Atmos through ARC (only eARC supports lossless Atmos). Go to your TV's Sound > Expert Settings > Digital Output Audio Format and set it to PCM or Dolby Digital instead of Auto or Passthrough. PCM stereo works with every setup and is a good test to confirm the audio path is functional.

Quick Solutions

Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.

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.