Why LG S80QY HDMI ARC Not Working Happens
If your LG S80QY HDMI ARC not working issue appeared after a TV update, a cable swap, or a new source device, the cause is usually a settings mismatch rather than hardware failure.
The ARC connection depends on the TV, soundbar, HDMI cable, and CEC control working together, so one small configuration error can break audio.
HDMI ARC carries sound from the TV back to the soundbar through the same HDMI cable used for video input on many devices, but only when the TV and soundbar are paired correctly.
On LG TVs, the feature is often tied to HDMI-CEC, branded as SIMPLINK, and that makes troubleshooting a little more specific than a simple plug-and-play connection.
What HDMI ARC Does on the LG S80QY
HDMI ARC, or Audio Return Channel, lets your TV send audio to the LG S80QY without a separate optical cable.
This setup is useful for built-in streaming apps, cable boxes, game consoles, and any source connected directly to the TV.
- TV app audio plays through the soundbar
- One remote can often control volume and power
- Less cable clutter than optical or analog connections
- Supports better convenience for daily use
When ARC is not functioning, the symptom may be no sound, intermittent sound, delayed sound switching, or the TV continuing to use its internal speakers.
First Checks Before Changing Settings
Start with the physical connection.
The LG S80QY should be connected to the TV’s HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC, not just any HDMI input.
On many LG TVs, that port is usually HDMI 2 or HDMI 3, but the exact label matters more than the number.
- Use the correct HDMI port on the TV marked ARC or eARC
- Plug the soundbar into the HDMI OUT (TV ARC) port on the LG S80QY
- Power-cycle both devices by unplugging them for 60 seconds
- Try a different high-speed HDMI cable if the current one is old or damaged
Even if the cable looks fine, ARC can fail with marginal cables that still work for video.
A certified High Speed HDMI cable or Ultra High Speed HDMI cable is a safer choice, especially if you also use 4K HDR sources.
Check the LG TV Audio Output Settings
One of the most common reasons for LG S80QY HDMI ARC not working is that the TV audio output is still set to the internal speakers or another output mode.
Open the LG TV sound menu and confirm that the TV is sending audio through HDMI ARC.
Settings to verify on the TV
- Sound Out is set to HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC, or External Speaker
- SIMPLINK is turned on
- TV Speaker is not selected as the active output
- eARC support is enabled if your TV and region support it
LG television menus differ by model year and webOS version, but the core logic is the same: the TV must see the soundbar as the active audio destination.
If there is a choice between ARC and optical, choose HDMI ARC.
Check the Soundbar Input and CEC Behavior
The LG S80QY should automatically switch to ARC when it detects audio from the TV, but that detection depends on HDMI-CEC communication.
If CEC is disabled on either device, ARC may not engage properly.
- Confirm the soundbar is in TV ARC input mode
- Make sure HDMI-CEC is enabled on the TV
- Check for a soundbar firmware update if the unit is connecting inconsistently
- Disconnect other HDMI devices temporarily to rule out CEC conflicts
CEC conflicts are common in setups with game consoles, AV receivers, streaming boxes, and universal remotes.
A connected device can sometimes send a command that interrupts ARC handshake, so isolating the soundbar can help identify the issue.
How to Reset the ARC Handshake
If the connection was working and then stopped, force a fresh HDMI handshake.
This often resolves cases where LG S80QY HDMI ARC not working appears after a power outage, source change, or software update.
- Turn off the TV and soundbar.
- Unplug both devices from power.
- Disconnect the HDMI ARC cable from both ends.
- Wait at least 60 seconds.
- Reconnect the cable to the ARC-labeled ports.
- Restore power and turn on the TV first, then the soundbar.
After startup, switch the TV audio output again if needed.
Sometimes the TV will default back to its internal speaker after a reset, even when the cable is correct.
Update Firmware on the TV and Soundbar
Firmware bugs can affect HDMI ARC detection, especially after major software updates on LG webOS televisions.
Make sure the LG TV and LG S80QY both have the latest available firmware.
- Update the LG TV through the Settings menu or network update option
- Check the LG S80QY manual or LG support resources for update instructions
- Restart both devices after applying updates
Firmware updates often improve HDMI compatibility, audio delay handling, and CEC stability.
If the problem began after an update, a newer patch may fix the behavior without any other changes.
Test for Port, Cable, or Device Problems
To determine whether the issue is with the TV, cable, or soundbar, test each part independently.
Swap in a known-good HDMI cable and, if possible, test the soundbar on another TV with ARC support.
What each test can reveal
- Another cable works: the original HDMI cable is likely faulty
- Another TV works: the original TV ARC port or settings may be the problem
- No TV works: the soundbar ARC input or firmware may need attention
- Only one source fails: the connected source device may be conflicting with CEC
Port damage is less common than configuration issues, but a loose HDMI connector or physically worn port can also interrupt ARC.
The plug should fit firmly without excessive wobble.
Use eARC Carefully If Your TV Supports It
Some LG TVs support eARC, an enhanced version of ARC that can improve compatibility and audio format support.
However, if the TV and soundbar are not negotiating eARC correctly, it can sometimes create connection problems.
- Enable eARC only if both devices support it properly
- If ARC fails after enabling eARC, try turning eARC off temporarily
- Use standard ARC as a troubleshooting baseline
For basic TV audio and streaming apps, standard ARC is usually sufficient. eARC becomes more relevant when handling higher-bandwidth audio formats and more advanced home theater setups.
Common Fixes That Solve Most Cases
Most LG S80QY HDMI ARC not working cases are fixed by a short sequence of practical steps.
Use this order for the fastest results.
- Connect the HDMI cable to the ARC-labeled port on the TV
- Enable SIMPLINK and HDMI ARC or eARC on the TV
- Set the TV sound output to external speaker or HDMI ARC
- Confirm the soundbar is on the TV ARC input
- Power-cycle both devices and reselect the audio output
- Replace the HDMI cable if the issue persists
If the TV still outputs sound through its own speakers, the problem is usually in the control handshake rather than the speakers themselves.
If the soundbar works for Bluetooth or optical input but not ARC, the HDMI link is the focus.
When to Contact Support
Contact LG support or the retailer if you have tested multiple certified HDMI cables, verified the correct port, confirmed the TV settings, and still cannot get ARC audio.
At that point, the issue may involve a damaged HDMI board, a software defect, or a compatibility problem specific to your TV model.
Document the steps you already tried, the TV model number, the firmware version, and whether the soundbar works with other inputs.
That information can speed up troubleshooting and help determine whether the HDMI ARC failure is software-related or hardware-related.