If your Sony TV suddenly stopped sending sound over eARC or ARC from built-in TV apps, you're not the only one dealing with this issue. HDMI-CEC, eARC, and app updates all interact in strange ways, so a small change in one place can mute the whole setup.
Quick answer
- Power cycle everything — Turn off TV and soundbar/receiver, unplug power for 60 seconds, disconnect HDMI cable
- Use the correct HDMI port — Connect to the eARC/ARC-labeled port on your Sony TV (usually HDMI 3 or 4)
- Reset HDMI-CEC handshake — Turn devices back on in order: TV first, then soundbar/receiver
- Check audio output settings — Set TV audio to external speaker/ARC mode, not TV speakers
- Toggle HDMI-CEC off and on — Disable and re-enable ARC/eARC in both device menus
Symptoms
- Sound works from external devices but not built-in TV apps
- Soundbar/receiver shows "TV Audio" but produces no sound or intermittent audio
- eARC connection worked before but suddenly stopped after an update
- TV apps play video but audio comes from TV speakers instead of external system
- Soundbar/receiver doesn't display Dolby Digital or Dolby Atmos indicators
Quick checks
- Confirm the HDMI connection — Make sure the HDMI cable from the TV is plugged into the ARC or eARC-labeled HDMI input on your Sony TV. On many sets it is only one specific port.
- Use a certified high-speed cable — Old or damaged HDMI cables are a very common cause of eARC drop-outs. Swap in a known-good, certified cable if you have one.
- Set TV audio to eARC/ARC — In the TV sound settings, select the option that sends audio to an external receiver or soundbar rather than the TV speakers.
- Turn the volume up on the soundbar/receiver — It sounds obvious, but if the receiver was muted or set to a different input, you will not hear anything from TV apps.
Step-by-step fix
-
Power everything off fully — Turn off the TV and the soundbar/receiver, then unplug them from power for 30-60 seconds. This clears the HDMI control state.
-
Unplug the HDMI cable during the power off — Disconnect the cable between the TV eARC/ARC port and the soundbar/receiver. Waiting a few seconds helps the devices forget the old link.
-
Plug the HDMI cable back in firmly — Re-connect the cable to the eARC/ARC port on the TV and the ARC-enabled input on the soundbar/receiver. Avoid adapters or wall plates for this test.
-
Power on the TV first, then the soundbar/receiver — Let the TV boot to the home screen before turning on the receiver. Many HDMI-CEC systems are picky about power-on order.
-
Set TV audio output — Go to Settings → Audio → Audio Output and select ARC/eARC or External Speakers instead of TV Speakers.
-
Open a simple TV app and test — Launch a built-in app like Netflix or YouTube and play a video. Give it a few seconds to negotiate audio. Watch the front panel of the soundbar/receiver for Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, or PCM indicators.
-
Toggle HDMI-CEC/ARC off and on — In both the TV and soundbar/receiver menus, temporarily disable HDMI-CEC and ARC/eARC, then turn them back on. This often forces a fresh handshake.
-
Check audio format settings — Some Sony models are picky about multichannel PCM or Dolby Atmos. If you get silence, try forcing the TV to output Dolby Digital or "Auto" instead of PCM only.
-
Test with multiple apps — Try at least two or three streaming apps. If only one app has no sound, open its internal audio or playback settings and confirm surround sound is enabled.
If it still isn't working
If you've walked through the reset process, tried multiple apps, and swapped the HDMI cable yet eARC or ARC still refuses to cooperate, try these additional steps:
- Simplify the setup — Temporarily disconnect all other HDMI devices from the TV and soundbar/receiver, then repeat the power-cycle process with just the TV and audio system connected.
- Disable Bluetooth audio — If the TV is paired with Bluetooth headphones or speakers, it may route sound there instead of to eARC.
- Check for firmware updates — Update both your Sony TV and soundbar/receiver firmware, as compatibility issues are often resolved in newer versions.
- Document the exact behavior — Note your TV model, which HDMI port you're using, what the soundbar/receiver display shows, and which apps fail. This information helps support teams diagnose the issue faster.
FAQ
Why does eARC work with my streaming box but not TV apps? Built-in TV apps use different audio processing than external HDMI inputs. The TV's internal audio routing may have different format compatibility or handshake requirements than pass-through audio from external devices.
Which HDMI port should I use for eARC? Use the port specifically labeled "eARC" or "ARC" on your Sony TV — usually HDMI 3 or HDMI 4. Regular HDMI ports don't support audio return channel functionality.
Do I need a special HDMI cable for eARC? For basic ARC, a standard HDMI cable works. For eARC and high-bandwidth audio like Dolby Atmos, use a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable to avoid dropouts.
Why does the connection work sometimes but not others? HDMI-CEC handshakes can be temperamental. Power-on order, app switching, and even TV software updates can disrupt the connection. The power cycle process usually re-establishes a stable link.