Why Sonos Arc with Roku TV no sound happens
If your Sonos Arc is connected to a Roku TV but you get no sound, the issue is usually not the soundbar itself.
In most cases, the problem comes from HDMI eARC or ARC settings, TV audio output configuration, or a format mismatch between Roku TV and Sonos.
The good news is that this setup is usually fixable without replacing hardware.
By checking a few key settings and cables in the right order, you can often restore audio in minutes.
How Sonos Arc and Roku TV are supposed to work
The Sonos Arc is designed to receive TV audio through HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC, not through optical input like older soundbars.
Roku TV models typically support HDMI ARC, and newer models support eARC for higher-quality formats such as Dolby Atmos.
- HDMI ARC sends standard TV audio back to the soundbar through one HDMI port.
- HDMI eARC supports higher bandwidth audio and more reliable format handoff.
- CEC allows the TV remote and devices to communicate for volume and playback control.
When any part of this chain fails, the result can be silence, intermittent audio, or audio that only works in certain apps.
Check the HDMI connection first
The most common cause of Sonos Arc with Roku TV no sound is a cable or port issue.
The Arc must be connected to the TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC port, which is often labeled clearly on the back of the TV.
What to verify
- Use the HDMI cable that came with the Sonos Arc, or a certified high-speed HDMI cable.
- Connect the Arc to the HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC on the Roku TV.
- Make sure the cable is fully seated on both ends.
- Do not use a regular HDMI input that does not support return audio.
If the cable or port is loose, damaged, or connected to the wrong input, the TV may detect the Arc for control but still fail to send audio.
Confirm Roku TV audio output settings
Roku TV settings can prevent sound from reaching the Sonos Arc even when the connection is correct.
Many audio issues start with the TV still outputting sound to internal speakers or with the wrong digital audio mode selected.
Settings to review
- Go to Settings > Audio or Settings > System > Audio, depending on your Roku TV model.
- Set the audio output to ARC, eARC, or HDMI ARC if available.
- Disable TV speakers if the Roku interface allows separate speaker selection.
- Check that TV audio input is not locked to internal speakers or optical output.
Some Roku TV models also include an auto-detect feature for HDMI audio devices.
If auto-detect fails, manually selecting the correct output often resolves the issue.
Make sure CEC is enabled on both devices
Sonos Arc relies on HDMI-CEC for control communication with the TV.
On Roku TV, CEC is usually called 1-touch play, system audio control, or a similar option under the HDMI settings menu.
Without CEC, the TV may not properly handshake with the Arc, which can cause no sound or a device that appears connected but remains silent.
Enable these features
- On the Roku TV, look for System > Control other devices or a similar CEC section.
- Enable 1-touch play or system audio control.
- On Sonos, ensure the Arc is set up as a TV room within the Sonos app.
If CEC is enabled but still unstable, power-cycling both devices often refreshes the handshake.
Review audio format compatibility
Another frequent reason for Sonos Arc with Roku TV no sound is an audio format that the TV or app is sending in a way the system does not handle correctly.
This is especially relevant when using streaming apps that default to Dolby Digital Plus or when a TV is set to pass through advanced formats.
The Sonos Arc supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos, but the TV must pass the signal correctly.
If the Roku TV is misconfigured, the audio stream may fail even though video plays normally.
Try these format changes
- In Roku audio settings, switch between Auto and Passthrough if available.
- If no sound appears, test with Stereo or a basic PCM output option.
- Check whether the issue happens in all apps or only one app such as Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu.
If sound works in one app but not another, the problem is more likely an app-specific format issue than a hardware failure.
Power cycle the TV, Sonos Arc, and router
Temporary software glitches can block audio handshakes between Roku TV and Sonos.
A full restart clears cached connection data and often restores normal playback.
Recommended restart order
- Turn off the Roku TV.
- Unplug the Roku TV from power for at least 60 seconds.
- Unplug the Sonos Arc from power for 60 seconds.
- Restart the router if streaming apps are part of the problem.
- Reconnect and power everything back on, starting with the TV.
After rebooting, wait for the TV and soundbar to finish reconnecting before testing audio.
Sonos may take a moment to re-establish the HDMI handshake.
Check for software updates on both devices
Outdated firmware can create compatibility problems between Sonos Arc and Roku TV.
Both companies release updates that improve HDMI behavior, app support, and audio stability.
What to update
- Roku TV software: Check for system updates in the TV settings menu.
- Sonos firmware: Open the Sonos app and verify the system is up to date.
- Streaming apps: Update apps such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.
When multiple apps or services stop producing sound, software updates should be one of the first troubleshooting steps.
Test the Sonos Arc with another source
To determine whether the issue is with the Arc or the Roku TV, test the soundbar with another HDMI ARC/eARC source if possible.
If the Sonos Arc works with another TV, streamer, or console, the soundbar is likely fine.
If you have access to another HDMI ARC-capable device, a quick test can separate a Sonos hardware issue from a TV configuration issue.
This is especially useful before contacting support or replacing cables.
Common Roku TV and Sonos Arc settings that cause silence
Several settings combinations can produce no audio even when everything seems connected correctly.
These are the most common ones to double-check.
- The Arc is plugged into a normal HDMI input instead of ARC/eARC.
- CEC is disabled on the Roku TV.
- TV speakers are still selected as the active output.
- The Roku TV is set to an unsupported audio passthrough mode.
- The HDMI cable is not rated or is damaged.
- A streaming app is outputting an incompatible format.
- The Sonos Arc setup in the Sonos app is incomplete or outdated.
When to reset or reconfigure the system
If basic troubleshooting does not restore sound, a more thorough reconfiguration may be necessary.
Start by removing the Sonos Arc from the TV connection, then reconnect it to the correct ARC or eARC port and run setup again in the Sonos app.
In some cases, a factory reset of the Roku TV audio settings can help, but this should be a later step because it may reset other preferences.
Use it only after checking the cable, audio output, CEC, and firmware.
When to contact Sonos or Roku support
If the Sonos Arc still produces no sound after trying different cables, verifying ARC/eARC, enabling CEC, and updating software, the issue may involve a hardware fault or a TV-specific compatibility problem.
At that point, support teams can help identify whether the HDMI port, firmware, or soundbar needs service.
Have the following details ready before contacting support:
- Exact Roku TV model number
- Sonos Arc firmware version
- Type of HDMI cable used
- Whether the issue affects all apps or only specific ones
- Whether the TV detects the Arc for volume control
That information makes it easier to narrow down the cause and avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.