LG C3 TVs can suddenly stop sending audio over eARC/ARC from built-in apps, even when the setup worked perfectly before. This typically happens when HDMI-CEC, eARC handshakes, and app updates interact in unexpected ways, causing the TV and soundbar to lose their audio connection.
Quick answer
- Power cycle both devices — unplug TV and soundbar for 60 seconds, disconnect HDMI cable during power-off
- Reconnect HDMI cable to the correct eARC/ARC port on your TV
- Power on TV first, then soundbar to establish proper handshake order
- Toggle HDMI-CEC and ARC settings off and on in both device menus
- Test with multiple streaming apps to confirm audio works consistently
Symptoms
- No audio from built-in TV apps (Netflix, YouTube, etc.) through your soundbar
- Sound cuts in and out randomly during streaming
- Soundbar display shows "TV Audio" but produces no sound or intermittent audio
- eARC/ARC worked previously but stopped after a TV update or power outage
- External devices connected to soundbar work fine, but TV apps don't
Quick checks
- Confirm HDMI connection — cable must be plugged into the ARC/eARC-labeled port on your LG C3 (usually HDMI 3 or 4)
- Check TV audio output — go to Settings → Sound → Audio Output and select ARC/eARC instead of TV speakers
- Verify soundbar input — ensure soundbar is set to HDMI ARC input, not optical or Bluetooth
- Test cable quality — swap in a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable if available
- Turn up TV volume — LG C3 volume controls the eARC output level even when using external audio
Step-by-step fix
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Power off both devices completely Turn off your LG C3 and soundbar, then unplug both from power outlets for 60 seconds.
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Disconnect HDMI cable Remove the HDMI cable connecting the TV's eARC port to the soundbar during the power-off period.
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Reconnect HDMI cable firmly Plug the cable back into the eARC/ARC port on your TV and the corresponding input on your soundbar. Avoid adapters or extension cables.
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Power on in correct sequence Turn on the LG C3 first and let it fully boot to the home screen, then power on the soundbar.
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Reset HDMI-CEC settings On LG C3: Settings → Connection → HDMI Settings → HDMI-CEC → turn off, wait 10 seconds, turn back on On soundbar: disable and re-enable HDMI control in its menu system
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Configure audio output LG C3: Settings → Sound → Audio Output → select ARC/eARC option Also check Settings → Sound → Digital Audio Output and set to "Auto" or "Dolby Digital"
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Test with streaming app Open Netflix or YouTube and play content. Watch the soundbar display for Dolby Digital, Atmos, or PCM indicators.
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Verify audio format compatibility If you get silence, try Settings → Sound → Digital Audio Output → change from "Auto" to "Dolby Digital" or "PCM"
If it still isn't working
Try a different HDMI cable — old or damaged cables are the most common cause of eARC dropouts. Use a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable rated for eARC.
Disconnect other HDMI devices — temporarily unplug game consoles, streaming boxes, and other HDMI sources from both TV and soundbar to eliminate HDMI-CEC conflicts.
Check for firmware updates — update both your LG C3 and soundbar firmware. Go to Settings → Support → Software Update on the TV.
Test external device audio — connect a streaming stick directly to the soundbar to determine if the issue is with the TV's internal apps or the eARC connection itself.
Factory reset audio settings — on LG C3, go to Settings → Sound → Reset to Initial Settings, then reconfigure eARC from scratch.
FAQ
Why does eARC work with external devices but not TV apps? The TV processes audio differently for internal apps versus passthrough from external sources. Built-in apps use the TV's audio processing, which can have different eARC handshake requirements than simple passthrough audio.
Should I use optical cable instead of HDMI ARC? Optical works as a backup but limits you to compressed 5.1 audio. eARC supports uncompressed multichannel and Dolby Atmos, so it's worth troubleshooting the HDMI connection first.
Why does the soundbar show "TV Audio" but produce no sound? This indicates the HDMI-CEC connection is established but audio isn't flowing properly. Usually fixed by power cycling both devices and ensuring the TV's audio output is set to eARC mode.
Does HDMI cable quality really matter for eARC? Yes, eARC requires more bandwidth than standard ARC. Older HDMI cables or those not rated for high-speed data can cause dropouts, especially with Dolby Atmos content.