Sony TV no audio over eARC: error messages and fixes

No sound over eARC from a Sony Bravia almost always comes down to three things: the audio output is still set to the TV speakers, eARC Mode is on Manual instead of Auto, or the cable's in the wrong HDMI port. On Sony's Google TV interface these are easy to miss because they live in two different menus. Work them in order.

Fix it

1. Use the eARC port. Only one HDMI input on a Bravia supports eARC — it's labeled eARC/ARC (often HDMI 3). The cable has to run from that port to the soundbar or receiver's HDMI eARC output.
2. Send audio to the system, not the TV speakers. Settings > Display & Sound > Audio output > Speakers > Audio System. If this is on "TV Speakers," the eARC device stays silent no matter what else is right.
3. Set eARC Mode to Auto. Settings > Display & Sound > Audio output > eARC Mode > Auto. On Manual, the Bravia won't negotiate the eARC handshake, so you get ARC at best or nothing.
4. Set Digital audio out to Auto/Passthrough. In the same Audio output menu, set the digital output to Auto so Dolby/DTS bitstreams pass through. PCM-only forces stereo and can mute formats the bar expects.
5. Turn on Bravia Sync (CEC). Settings > Display & Sound > External inputs > BRAVIA Sync settings > BRAVIA Sync control: On. This is Sony's name for HDMI-CEC, and the eARC device needs it for control and reliable handshakes.
6. Power-cycle in order. Unplug the TV and the audio device for at least 30 seconds, power the TV to its home screen first, then the soundbar/receiver.

If you have sound but no Atmos

Then the link fell back to plain ARC. ARC carries compressed Dolby Digital only; eARC is what carries lossless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X — the difference between ARC and eARC lays out exactly what each can pass. The usual reasons it falls back are the wrong port, an under-spec cable, or Digital audio out set to PCM — exactly the steps above. Use a certified Ultra High Speed cable on the eARC port to give it the bandwidth.

A known Sony quirk

Some Bravia models are fussy after a software update or a Rest/standby cycle — the eARC handshake doesn't re-establish on wake, and you get silence until a reboot. If the silent device is a Sony soundbar specifically, the Sony soundbar eARC handshake fixes cover the bar-side angle. If sound disappears after the TV's been idle, a full power-cycle (step 6) usually brings it back; if it's chronic, check for a Bravia firmware update.

FAQ

Why is my Sony's eARC device silent? Most often the audio output is set to TV Speakers, or eARC Mode is on Manual. Set Speakers to Audio System and eARC Mode to Auto.

Which HDMI port is eARC on a Sony Bravia? The one labeled eARC/ARC — usually HDMI 3. eARC won't work on the other inputs.

I get sound but no Dolby Atmos. The link dropped to ARC. Confirm the eARC port and a certified Ultra High Speed cable, and set Digital audio out to Auto, not PCM.

Sound cuts out after the TV's been off for a while. That's an eARC handshake not re-establishing on wake. Power-cycle the TV and the audio device, and check for a firmware update if it keeps happening.