How To Control Soundbar With A TV Remote Control Step by Step

As televisions become smarter and more advanced, so do soundbars. Many soundbars now come with a variety of features such as Bluetooth connectivity, built-in virtual assistants, and even HDMI inputs. With all these added functions, it’s becoming increasingly common for people to use their TV remote control to operate their soundbar.

In this guide, we will show you how to control your soundbar with a TV remote control step by step.

How to Connect Soundbar to your TV

Depending on the brand and manufacturer, each TV and soundbar will be equipped with either an HDMI or Optical cable and corresponding ports. If both your soundbar and TV have these options available, you have the flexibility to choose whichever suits your needs best.

Using HDMI for connection.

How to Connect Soundbar to your TV using an HDMI Cable

Most TVs come with multiple HDMI ports, but it’s important to note that they are typically inputs, not outputs. To connect your soundbar, you’ll need an ARC (Audio Return Channel) that allows the signal to travel in both directions simultaneously.

Your TV might boast multiple HDMI ports, but only a lucky one or two will be ARC compatible. Once you’ve spotted the chosen one, simply connect your HDMI cable from your TV to the soundbar’s HDMI input port. Voila! You’re all set to amplify your audio experience.

Using Digital Optical Cable for connection.

If your TV or soundbar does not come equipped with an HDMI ARC port, you can still establish a connection between the two by using an optical port. Look for a small port on both your TV and soundbar, which may be labeled Optical, OPT, Digital, or DGT. Remove any plastic caps from the optical cable and ensure you insert it in the correct direction. Firmly press the cable into the output port on your TV and the input port on your soundbar until you hear and feel it click into place.

Controlling Your Soundbar with Your TV Remote.

The instructions for setting up the TV may vary slightly depending on the Tv manufacturer. I have provided detailed explanations for each of them to ensure better clarity and understanding on your part. To better control the soundbar with a remote.

For Samsung TV.

If you have connected using HDMI ARC, your TV will automatically detect the audio output. To activate the Anynet+ feature, simply press and hold the right button on your TV remote’s directional pad.

If you are using an optical cable Follow these instructions.

To set up an optical connection, manually adjust the audio output settings.
Go to Home, then navigate to Settings, Sound, and Sound Output.
Press and hold the left button on the directional pad to disable Auto Power Link.

Select the Optical option and adjust the output settings according to your preference.

For Sony TV.

To control the Sony soundbar with the TV remote, ensure it is connected to the TV using an HDMI ARC connection. For non-BRAVIA models, enable the HDMI CEC option in TV settings. For Sony Bravia, activate BRAVIA Sync Control.

Navigate to the Settings menu and select General Settings.

Access Watch TV and tap on External Inputs.
Choose BRAVIA Sync Settings and select Enable from the BRAVIA Sync device list.
Once completed, enable the Control for HDMI option. Typically, this can be done by pressing the Menu button on the remote, selecting Speaker, tapping on HDMI, choosing Control for HDMI, and then selecting the On option.

Now you have successfully connected Sony TV and the sound bar. You can also control the soundbar volume using the TV remote.

For LG TV.

There are multiple methods to connect soundbars to LG TVs. LG TVs are equipped with the LG Magic Remote, allowing for easy connectivity. Your soundbar can be connected to your LG TV using either Sound Sync via Bluetooth or an HDMI ARC connector.

Navigate to LG TV Settings

Go to Sound Select Sound Out
Choose LG Sound Sync Wireless
To begin searching for your soundbar, locate the Device Selection button and click on it.

To begin, make sure that the Bluetooth on your Soundbar is turned on. Then, proceed to pair the devices. Once the pairing process is complete, you will see the soundbar listed on your TV screen. Simply select it to establish a connection.

To use your LG remote to control the soundbar using the wired method, follow these steps.

Use an HDMI cable to connect the TV’s HDMI ARC port with the soundbar’s equivalent input.

On your TV remote, press Menu and go to Audio > Sound Out > Audio Out (Optical/HDMI ARC).
Select HDMI ARC and press Enter.

For Hisense TV.

To set up your Hisense TV remote for controlling the soundbar, follow these instructions.

First, open the “Settings” option on your Hisense TV
Select the “Sound” menu and then choose “Speakers“.
Switching the sound output from your TV speaker to the connected Hisense soundbar via HDMI ARC is easy. Just choose the ARC option and enjoy improved audio.

Experience effortless control over the connected soundbar of your Hisense TV using the TV remote, ensuring a seamless and convenient audio experience. Enhance your audio output by enabling the Dolby Digital Plus option.

Go to TV Settings
Click on Sound

Select Advanced Settings
Choose Digital Audio Out
Select Dolby Digital Plus

For VIZIO TV.

To use your VIZIO remote to control the soundbar, follow these steps.

First, make sure the TV is on and that your soundbar is connected via HDMI ARC or Optical cable.
Press the Menu button on your remote and navigate to “System”.

Select “CEC” from the menu options. Alternatively, you can also look for “HDMI CEC” or “CEC Control“.
Toggle ON the option to enable HDMI CEC.

Congratulations, you can now control your VIZIO soundbar using your TV remote! You may need to toggle the Source/Input button on your TV remote if it doesn’t automatically switch to controlling the soundbar.

For Apple TV.

To control your Apple TV with the TV remote, follow these steps.

Select Remotes & Devices to Control Soundbar with Apple TV

If you have an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, make sure to connect one end of an HDMI cable to the HDMI port on your soundbar and the other end to an available HDMI input on your TV.
On your Apple TV, go to “Settings” > “Remotes and Devices” > “Control TVs and Receivers“.

Select “Volume Control“. If you don’t see this option.
Update the Volume Control option to Auto.

With the latest update, you can now control the volume of your Soundbar using the Apple TV remote. Additionally, the Soundbar will seamlessly turn on and off in sync with your Apple TV. Enjoy a hassle-free experience while effortlessly managing your audio settings.

For Roku TV.

Connecting Soundbar with your Roku Tv using HDMI Cable

To use your Roku remote to control the soundbar, follow these steps.

Use an HDMI cable to connect your Roku TV to the soundbar’s HDMI port.
On your Roku remote, press the Home button.

Go to “Settings” > “System” > “Control Other Devices (CEC)” > “1-Touch Play“.

After completing this setup, when you turn on or off your TV, the soundbar will also turn on or off automatically. You can now use your Roku remote to control the volume of the soundbar, making it easy and convenient for you to manage your audio settings.

For Fire TV.

To set up your Fire TV remote for controlling the soundbar, follow these instructions.

Connect an HDMI cable from the ARC HDMI input on your soundbar to the ARC HDMI output on your TV.
On your Fire TV remote, press and hold the Home button for 3 seconds.
In the Home Screen menu, navigate to “Settings” > “Equipment Control” > “Manage Equipment“.

Select “Soundbar or Audio Receiver (HDMI)“, then choose the appropriate brand.
Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the setup process.

Now, you can control your soundbar using your Fire TV remote, making it easier for you to manage your audio output without having to use multiple remotes. Enjoy a hassle-free experience with seamless control over your soundbar.

For Android TV.

Connecting Soundbar with your Android TV using HDMI ARC cable

To use your TV remote to control the soundbar, follow these steps.

Connect an HDMI cable from the ARC HDMI output on your soundbar to the ARC HDMI input on your TV.
On your Android TV remote, press “Settings“. Alternatively, you can also press “Home” > “Settings“.

Go to “Display & Sound“.
Choose “Audio output” and then select the soundbar from the list of connected devices.

You can now use your Android TV remote tv via an HDMI to control the volume of your soundbar, making it easier for you to manage your audio settings without having to use multiple remotes.

For TCL TV.

Connecting Soundbar with your TCL TV using Using TCL Remote

To control your TCL soundbar with the TV remote, make sure that both devices are connected using an HDMI ARC cable.

Press the Settings button on your TCL TV remote.
Select “System” > “Control other Devices (CEC)” > “Enable System Audio Control“.

With this setup, you can now use the volume adjustment and mute buttons on your TV remote to control the soundbar. You can also switch between different audio inputs using the Source/Input button on your remote.

Conclusion.

With advancements in technology, it is now easier than ever to set up and control your TV soundbar using just the TV remote. Whether you have a Samsung, Sony, LG, Hisense, VIZIO, Apple or Roku TV, these simple steps will help you seamlessly integrate your soundbar into your home entertainment system. No need for multiple remotes or a complicated setup process, just follow the instructions for your specific TV brand and enjoy an enhanced audio experience.

F.A.Q

How do I get my TV remote to control volume?

To control the volume of your TV using the TV remote, you first need to make sure that your TV is connected to a compatible soundbar via HDMI ARC or Optical cable. Once connected, follow the specific instructions for your TV brand to enable CEC control and system audio control. This will allow you to use your TV remote’s volume buttons to adjust the soundbar’s volume.

Why is my sound bar not in sync with my TV?

If your soundbar is not in sync with your TV, it could be due to a few reasons. Make sure that both devices are connected properly and that CEC control is enabled. If the issue persists, try adjusting the audio delay settings on either the TV or the soundbar.

Can I use my TV remote to turn on/off my soundbar?

Yes, you can use your TV remote to turn on and off your soundbar if both devices are connected using HDMI ARC or Optical cable and CEC control is enabled. This allows for a seamless integration between the two devices.

Can you program a universal remote to a soundbar?

Yes, most universal remotes have the option to program them to control a soundbar. Refer to the instructions manual for your specific remote to learn how to do so. However, using the TV remote is often a simpler and more convenient option.

How To Control Soundbar With A TV Remote Control Step by Step