If your Polk soundbar is connected to an LG TV but you still get no sound, the issue is usually a setting, cable, or handshake problem rather than a bad speaker.
This guide walks through the most common causes and the exact fixes that restore audio quickly.
Why a Polk Soundbar with LG TV No Sound Problem Happens
LG TVs and Polk soundbars are generally compatible, but they depend on the right audio path.
When sound fails, the most common culprits are HDMI ARC or eARC setup errors, optical output configuration, muted volume controls, CEC communication problems, or an unsupported audio format.
In many homes, the TV picture works normally while audio is redirected to the wrong device.
In other cases, the TV sends a signal the soundbar cannot decode, especially if digital sound settings are mismatched.
Check the Basics First
Before changing advanced settings, verify the simple items that often solve the problem in seconds.
- Make sure the Polk soundbar is powered on.
- Confirm the soundbar volume is not muted or set too low.
- Check that the LG TV volume is not muted, even if the soundbar controls the main audio.
- Look for the correct input on the soundbar, such as HDMI ARC or Optical.
- Test the TV with built-in speakers to confirm the source device is sending audio.
If the soundbar has a front display or status light, watch for input changes when you switch TV audio output settings.
That can help confirm whether the TV is actually sending sound to the soundbar.
How to Fix HDMI ARC or eARC Issues
HDMI ARC is the most common setup for LG TVs and Polk soundbars because it carries audio and supports TV remote control features through HDMI-CEC.
But ARC only works when the correct port and settings are used on both devices.
Confirm the HDMI Cable and Port
Use a high-speed HDMI cable and connect it to the TV port labeled ARC or eARC.
On many LG TVs, that port is HDMI 2 or HDMI 3, but the label on the back of the TV matters more than the number.
Then connect the other end to the soundbar’s HDMI ARC port, not a regular HDMI input.
If the cable is in the wrong port, the TV may show a connected device but send no audio.
Enable ARC on the LG TV
On most LG webOS models, open Settings, then go to Sound and set the sound output to HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC, or External Speaker depending on the model.
If the TV still uses internal speakers, the soundbar will remain silent.
Turn On Simplink
LG uses Simplink for HDMI-CEC control.
If Simplink is off, the TV may not communicate properly with the soundbar.
- Open Settings.
- Go to General or Connection.
- Find Simplink (HDMI-CEC).
- Turn it on.
After enabling it, power-cycle both devices.
Unplug the TV and soundbar for about 60 seconds, reconnect them, and retest audio.
How to Fix Optical Connection Problems
If you are using an optical cable instead of HDMI, the fix is usually in the TV audio output format or the cable connection itself.
Optical is reliable, but it does not carry control features like ARC.
Verify the Cable Orientation
Optical cables are easy to misalign.
Remove the protective caps, ensure the connectors click firmly into both the TV and soundbar, and check for a visible red light at the cable end when connected to the TV.
Set LG TV Audio Output to Optical
In the LG sound settings, choose Optical Out or External Speaker.
If the TV remains on internal speakers, the Polk soundbar will not receive audio.
Match the Digital Sound Output Format
Many LG TVs include a setting for Digital Sound Output.
If your Polk soundbar does not support the chosen format, you may get silence.
- Try PCM first for the widest compatibility.
- If PCM works, leave it there unless you need multichannel output.
- If you prefer Dolby Digital, test that setting afterward.
PCM is often the safest choice when diagnosing a Polk soundbar with LG TV no sound issue because it reduces format mismatch problems.
Adjust the TV Sound Settings That Commonly Cause No Audio
LG TVs include multiple audio options, and some of them can prevent soundbar playback if they are set incorrectly.
Review the following settings one by one.
- Sound Out: Set to HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC, Optical, or External Speaker.
- Digital Sound Output: Start with PCM for testing.
- AI Sound Pro: Disable it temporarily if audio routing seems inconsistent.
- TV Speaker: Make sure it is not selected as the active output when using an external soundbar.
- Auto Volume: Turn off if the volume is acting strangely, though this usually affects level rather than complete silence.
On some LG models, toggling the sound output away from the soundbar and then back again can force a fresh handshake.
Check Polk Soundbar Input and Audio Mode
Polk soundbars often have multiple inputs and listening modes.
If the wrong source is selected, the bar may appear connected but stay silent.
- Use the soundbar remote or top-panel buttons to select the correct input.
- Look for HDMI ARC, Optical, or AUX depending on your setup.
- Cycle through audio modes if the model includes them.
If your Polk soundbar has a voice or dialogue enhancement mode, that should not prevent sound, but a mistaken input selection can.
Some models also require the soundbar to be set manually when the TV switches sources.
What if the TV and Soundbar Worked Before but Suddenly Stopped?
If the system used to work and then lost sound, a recent update, power outage, or HDMI handshake error may be responsible.
LG webOS updates can sometimes reset audio preferences, while Polk soundbars may lose synchronization after a power interruption.
Try these steps in order:
- Turn off both devices.
- Unplug both from power for one minute.
- Reconnect the HDMI ARC or optical cable securely.
- Turn on the TV first, then the soundbar.
- Recheck the LG audio output setting.
This restart sequence often clears communication errors between the devices.
Test for Unsupported Audio Formats
Streaming apps and Blu-ray players can send different formats than live TV.
If the soundbar is silent only in certain apps, the issue may be format-related.
For troubleshooting, set the LG TV to PCM and test multiple sources, including:
- Live TV
- YouTube
- Netflix
- Built-in LG apps
- External devices like a Roku, Apple TV, or game console
If one source works and another does not, the Polk soundbar is probably fine.
The problem is likely the app, source device, or encoded audio format.
When to Reset the TV or Soundbar
If you have checked cables, inputs, and audio settings and still have no sound, a reset may help.
Use this option after the easier fixes.
Reset the LG TV Audio Settings
Some LG TVs allow you to reset sound settings without wiping the entire TV.
This can restore the default output path and remove a bad configuration.
Reset the Polk Soundbar
Many Polk models include a reset or factory reset process in the manual.
A reset can clear pairing, input, or software issues.
After resetting, reconnect the system from scratch and test HDMI ARC or optical again.
Before resetting, note your current settings so you can restore preferred options afterward.
Best Settings for a Stable Polk Soundbar and LG TV Setup
Once the system works, a few settings usually provide the most reliable performance.
- Use HDMI ARC or eARC if both devices support it.
- Keep Simplink enabled on the LG TV.
- Set Digital Sound Output to PCM if you want maximum compatibility.
- Use a certified high-speed HDMI cable.
- Power on the TV before the soundbar if the devices occasionally lose sync.
These settings reduce the chance of recurring silence and help the TV and soundbar stay synchronized over time.
When the Problem Is Likely Hardware-Related
If every troubleshooting step fails, the issue may involve a damaged HDMI port, a faulty optical cable, or a hardware defect in the soundbar or TV.
Signs of hardware trouble include no sound from any source, no response when changing inputs, or a port that feels loose or damaged.
At that point, test the Polk soundbar with another TV or test the LG TV with a different soundbar or speaker system.
Cross-testing is the fastest way to separate a device failure from a setup problem.