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Sonos · Receivers & Amps · 2026-03-16

Sonos Arc Ultra Dolby Atmos Not Working — How to Enable It

Sonos Arc Ultra Dolby Atmos Not Working — How to Enable It

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Quick answer

Symptoms

You may notice the following symptoms when Dolby Atmos is not working on your Sonos Arc:

Quick checks

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, perform these quick checks:

  1. Confirm that your TV supports Dolby Atmos.
  2. Ensure that the HDMI cable is firmly connected to both the Sonos Arc and the HDMI ARC/eARC port on your TV.
  3. Check that the correct HDMI input is selected on your TV.
  4. Make sure your Sonos Arc has the latest software update installed.

Step-by-step fix

  1. Check the HDMI Connection: Make sure the Sonos Arc is connected to the HDMI ARC or eARC port on your TV. If you're unsure, refer to your TV's manual for the correct port.

  2. Inspect the HDMI Cable: Use a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable to ensure optimal performance. If you need one, you can find a Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (paid link).

  3. Adjust TV Audio Settings: Go to your TV settings, navigate to the audio settings, and select 'Bitstream' or 'Dolby Atmos' as the audio output format.

  4. Update Sonos Arc Software: Open the Sonos app on your device, go to Settings > System > System Updates, and check for any available updates for your Sonos Arc.

  5. Restart Devices: Unplug both your Sonos Arc and your TV from the power source. Wait for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in and power them on.

  6. Test with Dolby Atmos Content: Play a movie or show that is known to support Dolby Atmos. Check if the soundbar indicates Dolby Atmos playback.

If it still doesn't work

If you’ve followed all the steps and Dolby Atmos is still not functioning, consider reaching out to Sonos customer support for further assistance. They can provide more specific troubleshooting based on your setup.

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FAQ

Q: Why is my Sonos Arc not displaying the Dolby Atmos logo?
A: This may indicate that the content being played is not Dolby Atmos compatible or that the audio settings on your TV are not configured correctly.

Q: Can I use a regular HDMI cable for Dolby Atmos?
A: It is recommended to use a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable for the best performance with Dolby Atmos.

Q: Does my TV need to be updated for Dolby Atmos to work?
A: Yes, sometimes TV firmware updates include improvements for audio formats like Dolby Atmos. Check your TV manufacturer's website for any updates.

Q: What should I do if my Sonos Arc is still not working after troubleshooting?
A: Contact Sonos customer support for assistance, as they can provide tailored help for your situation.

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