How to Fix Firestick Not Playing Sound Through Soundbar
Using a soundbar with your Firestick can greatly enhance your viewing experience. The sound quality is usually much better than the TV’s built-in speakers, and it can make it easier to hear dialogue and sound effects.
However, sometimes you may encounter issues where your Firestick is not playing sound through your soundbar. Don’t worry, in this article, I will guide you through the steps to fix this problem.
One of the first things you should check is your Firestick audio output settings. Make sure that the output is set to the correct format that is compatible with your soundbar, and that the soundbar’s output is connected to your TV firmly.
Tips to Solve Firestick Not Playing Sound Through Soundbar
Check Audio Settings
To begin with, if you’re experiencing sound issues while using your Firestick with a soundbar, the first thing you should do is check your audio settings. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Check if the settings are configured correctly
Make sure that your Firestick and soundbar are properly connected and that the audio settings on your Firestick are set to output sound through the soundbar.
To do this, go to Settings >> Display & Sound >> Audio >> Audio output and check if the soundbar is available for selection.
Switch between audio output format
If you’re still not getting any sound, try switching between the different audio output formats (PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos).
Some soundbars may not support certain audio formats, so it’s best to select “Auto” or “Best Available” to prevent compatibility issues.
Try a different HDMI port
Another thing is to try connecting your Firestick to a different HDMI port on your TV. Some HDMI ports may not support certain audio formats, so switching to a different port may help resolve the issue.
Disconnected and Reconnect the Soundbar
If your soundbar is connected to your TV with a wired connection, simply disconnect the cable from both the TV and the soundbar.
Wait a few seconds and then reconnect the cable. This can often help to reset the connection and resolve any issues.
In addition, you can also try turning off your TV and then turning it back on again. This can also help to reset the connection and ensure that everything is working properly.
If your soundbar is connected to your Firestick wirelessly, you may need to reset the connection between the two devices. You can simply turn off the soundbar, disconnect it power source then reconnect it again after a while.
Check for Damaged Cable
In some cases, the issue might be caused by damaged cable. So another thing you’ll want to check out is your TV/Firestick and the soundbar connection.
A damaged cable can cause a variety of issues, including no sound or poor sound quality.
To check for a damaged cable, start by examining the cables that connect your Firestick to your soundbar and your soundbar to your TV.
Look for any visible signs of damage, such as frayed wires or bent connectors. If you notice any damage, you may need to replace the affected cable.
If you’re not sure which cable is causing the issue, you can try swapping out each cable one at a time to see if the problem is resolved. This can help you pinpoint the damaged cable and replace it accordingly.
It’s also important to ensure that you’re using the correct cables to connect your devices. For example, if you’re using an HDMI cable for the connection, make sure that it’s a high-speed HDMI cable that’s capable of transmitting audio and video signals. Using the wrong type of cable can cause issues with sound quality.
In addition, you should also check that the cables are securely connected to your devices. Loose connections can cause issues with sound quality or result in no sound at all.
Make sure that each cable is firmly plugged into its respective port and that there are no loose connections.
Try Other Connection Options
If you’re still having trouble getting sound to play through your soundbar when using your Firestick, there are a few other connection options you can try.
Optical Cable
One option is to use an optical cable to connect your TV with Firestick to your soundbar. This can provide a higher quality audio signal than HDMI, which may help to resolve any sound issues you’re experiencing. To use an optical cable, follow these steps:
- Connect one end of the optical cable to the optical output on your TV with Firestick.
- Connect the other end of the optical cable to the optical input on your soundbar.
- Access the Firestick Sound & Audio setting to turn on HDMI Arc & eArc.
RCA Cable
Another option is to use an RCA cable to connect your TV to your soundbar. While this may not provide the best audio quality, it can be a useful workaround if you’re still having trouble with other connection options.
If your TV has this feature it’s advisable to try it out. To use an RCA cable, follow these steps:
- Connect the red and white RCA cables to the corresponding audio output ports on your Firestick.
- Connect the other end of the RCA cables to the corresponding audio input ports on your soundbar.
- Change the audio output settings on your Firestick to “Auto” to send the best format possible.
Bluetooth
If your soundbar supports Bluetooth, you can also try connecting your Firestick to your soundbar wirelessly. To do this, follow these steps:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your soundbar and put it in pairing mode.
- On your Firestick, go to Settings >> Controllers & Bluetooth Devices >> Other Bluetooth Devices >> Add Bluetooth Devices.
- Select your soundbar from the list of available devices and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the pairing process.
Check the Firestick Volume level
Sometimes, the volume on your Firestick can be turned all the way down or muted, which can cause no sound to come through the soundbar. Here are a few steps to check the volume level:
- Grab the Firestick remote control.
- Access the content (Music or Movie) you’d like to play.
- Start the content.
- Press the volume + button on the TV remote.
- If you notice the volume bar is at the lowest level, keep pressing the + button to increase it.
Update the Firestick
Make sure your Firestick is up to date. Sometimes, sound issues can be caused by outdated software. Here’s how to check for updates on your device:
- Go to the Fire TV Stick home screen.
- Select “Settings.”
- Select “My Fire TV.”
- Scroll down to “About.”
- Select “Check for Updates.”
If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Once the update is complete, try playing audio through your soundbar again.
Factory Reset the Firestick
If updating your Firestick doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to perform a factory reset.
Be aware that this will erase all data and settings on your Firestick, so make sure you back up any important data before proceeding. Here’s how to do a factory reset:
- Go to the Fire TV Stick home screen.
- Select “Settings.”
- Select “My Fire TV.”
- Select “Reset to Factory Defaults.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the reset.
Once the factory reset is complete, you’ll need to set up your Firestick again. This includes signing in to your Amazon account, connecting to Wi-Fi, and downloading any apps you want to use.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, fixing the issue of Firestick not playing sound through a soundbar is not as complicated as it may seem. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily troubleshoot and fix the problem.
However, if the issue persists as you are still experiencing the no sound problem, you might need to get in touch with customer support for further assistance. Be sure to provide them with the fixes you’ve already tried out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I connect my Firestick to a soundbar via Bluetooth?
Connecting your Firestick to a soundbar via Bluetooth is easy. First, make sure your soundbar is in pairing mode. Then, on your Firestick, go to Settings >> Controllers and Bluetooth Devices >> Other Bluetooth Devices.
From there, select your soundbar from the list of available devices and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the pairing process.
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