If you’re experiencing issues with your Vizio sound bar, you’re not alone. Many people have reported problems with their sound bars not working correctly. Whether you’re dealing with no audio, intermittent audio, or no power at all, there are steps you can take to try and fix the issue.
If your Vizio sound bar isn’t working, it’s most likely due to audio setting issues on your TV, or a glitch on the soundbar requiring restarting or a factory reset. Note that optical connections don’t support Dolby sound, so in that situation some speakers not working is normal.
Another issue people often run into with their Vizio sound bars is no audio or distorted sound. If you’re experiencing this problem, first check to make sure your TV speakers are turned on and that the TV is not muted. You can also try adjusting the audio settings on your TV or sound bar. If none of these steps work, don’t worry, because we’ll be diving into those fixes and others as we work to get you back up and running. Let’s get started!
Basic Vizio Soundbar Troubleshooting (3-steps)
The most common issues with Vizio soundbars (like this one on Amazon) consist of just three steps. Most people just have a mismatch on their audio settings (forum), or need a factor reset of their device. So, try working through this 3-step list first.
First: If your Vizio soundbar is not working, the first step is to check your audio settings. Make sure that your soundbar is selected as the primary audio output device in your device settings. This can be done on most devices by going to Settings > Sound > Output and selecting your soundbar.
Next: try power cycling your soundbar. To do this, unplug the power cable from the outlet for 5 seconds and then plug it back in. This can help reset your soundbar and fix any issues that might be causing it to not work properly.
Lastly, you may need to reset the device. This will erase all settings and return your soundbar to its default state. To do this, refer to the user manual for your specific model, and you can use Vizio’s soundbar-lookup tool here to find your specific manual and reset instructions.
Remember, these are just basic troubleshooting steps. For more in-depth troubleshooting, keep reading. Our blog posts on troubleshooting common soundbar issues can also be a helpful resource. If you simply can’t get any sound out of your Vizio TV, check out this article.
But for now we’re going to keep working you through this Vizio soundbar issue!
More Advanced Guidance on TV Sound Settings and Soundbar Connection Issues
When your Vizio soundbar is not working, it’s important to check your TV sound settings and connections. This can help you identify and fix any issues that may be causing the problem. If you didn’t find a quick fix against this detail in the last section, then here are a few more things you should consider.
Using HDMI ARC on a Vizio Soundbar
If you’re using an HDMI cable to connect your Vizio soundbar to your TV, make sure you’re using the HDMI ARC port on both devices. This will allow the soundbar to receive audio signals from your TV. To enable ARC on your Vizio soundbar, go to the settings menu and select “Audio.” Then, select “HDMI ARC” and turn it on.
You can read more about HDMI ARC in our guide here, but for now, you need to know that it’s a way that the soundbar can control the TV and vice versa, so, an ARC connection could be causing volume inputs, specifically volume down unputs, that are keeping the volume low and making it seem like the soundbar won’t work.
How To Set The Correct Audio Output On Your TV
To ensure that your TV is sending audio signals to your Vizio soundbar, you need to set the correct audio output. This can usually be done in the TV settings menu.
Look for an option that says “Audio Output” or “Sound Output.” Then, select the option that corresponds to your Vizio soundbar. This may be labeled as “External Speakers” or “Soundbar.” If you’re connecting through an optical cable, the output may be called “SPDIF” or “Optical/Digital.”
Optical Cable Connection
If you’re using an optical cable to connect your Vizio soundbar to your TV, make sure the cable is securely plugged in to both devices. You may also need to select the optical input on your soundbar. To do this, press the “Input” button on your soundbar remote and select “Optical.”
Note that if you’re using Dolby Atmos with HDMI-eARC, the optical cable can’t carry that many channels, so you won’t be able to actually produce Dolby Atmos sound from an optical connection. In this case, it’s best to use an HDMI cable and enable HDMI ARC. We have another article on using optical vs. arc for soundbars here that you should peruse.
Factory Resetting Your Vizio Soundbar
If you’ve tried troubleshooting your Vizio soundbar and it’s still not working, the next step is to perform a factory reset. This will erase all settings and return the soundbar to its original state.
To perform a factory reset, press and hold the Bluetooth and Volume Down (-) buttons for 5 seconds. All LEDs will flash 3 times. Depending on the model of your soundbar, the buttons could be on the top or the side of your soundbar. If you’re not sure where the buttons are located, consult the user manual or look up your model on Vizio’s website using the link we gave earlier to Vizio’s model lookup page.
This can get a little complicated, with at least some users reporting (forum) that their factory reset path uses buttons involving the volume down button, which leads to behavior where the newly-reset soundbar seems like it’s not working…but really the volume it just turned down!
Common Vizio Soundbar Problems and Solutions
If you’re experiencing issues with your Vizio soundbar, here are some common problems and solutions to help you troubleshoot:
Subwoofer or Surround Sound Not Working
If you’re not hearing any sound from the subwoofer or surround speakers, it could be due to a few reasons. First, check that all cables are properly connected. If they are, try adjusting the audio settings on your TV or soundbar. Make sure that the audio output is set to “surround sound” or “5.1 channel.”
Bluetooth Pairing Unsuccessful
If you’re having trouble pairing your soundbar with a Bluetooth device, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure that your device is within range and that Bluetooth is turned on. Next, try resetting the soundbar and your device. If you’re still having issues, try clearing the Bluetooth pairing history on the soundbar and your device.
Soundbar Not Working With Certain Apps
If your soundbar is not working with certain apps, it could be due to compatibility issues. Some apps may not be compatible with your soundbar’s audio format. Try adjusting the audio settings on your TV or soundbar to see if that helps. If you’re still having issues, delete and re-download the app from scratch to try and force a new connection. If problems still persist, you’ll need to get in touch with the app’s customer support.
The Soundbar Won’t Power On At All
If your soundbar won’t power on at all, it could be due to a power cable or hardware issue. First, check that the power cord is properly connected and that the outlet is working. If it is, try resetting the soundbar by unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. If you’re still having issues, get in touch with Vizio support – maybe your unit is still under warranty!
Preventative Measures
To prevent future issues with your Vizio soundbar, make sure to keep it clean and dust-free. Avoid placing it in areas with excessive heat or moisture, and make sure to unplug it during thunderstorms or power outages. Regularly updating the firmware can also help prevent software issues that may cause your soundbar to stop working.
A Sound Decision
Navigating through audio issues can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge, it becomes a manageable challenge.
Remember, the first step in solving a problem is understanding it. Whether it’s connection issues, distorted sound, or a stubborn remote, there’s always a solution (even if the solution is replacing the device). It’s all part of the journey to achieving an amazing home theater experience!