Soundbars can create a dramatic impact on the overall sound quality that streams from your TV. Especially if you are used to using the internal TV speakers, then installing a Soundbar is sure to please you.

But, to make this a cohesive fit with your overall experience, you would want the soundbar and TV to turn on together. So, how do you do this?

If using an optical cable connection, you can make a soundbar turn on with the TV by selecting the Auto Power Link default setting to ‘ON’. Then, adjust the TV speaker settings to default to the receiver instead of the internal speakers. If using an HDMI ARC connection, Anynet+ should be on.

You will also want to make sure that the Soundbar source is turned on with the D.IN mode (or digital input mode) that signals to your TV that this source is to be used for audio streaming. All in all, this should not be an overly complicated system connection to make.

As you follow a few easy steps, you will be pleased that you do not have to turn on your Soundbar and your TV every time you want to stream media through both pieces. Let’s take a closer look.

Also read: How to Hook Up a Soundbar to Multiple Devices

How to Make a Soundbar Turn on with the TV

While it might seem like it is just a minor inconvenience, having to turn on your Soundbar and your TV separately can be just enough of a nuisance to really want to do something about it.

Truly, this minor inconvenience can become a real pain in the neck the longer you allow it to be a part of your life- especially when you realize how easily you can fix this problem.

Sure, you can continue to press the power button on each or change the TV settings to adjust to this input source each time, but if you can make it happen simultaneously and never have to worry about it again, why would you not?

After all, this is the type of ease and convenience that modern technology was supposed to bring into your life.

So long are the days of having to use two remotes (or having to stand up after getting situated because you forgot to press the Power button on your Soundbar and the remote is far away). Now, you will be able to press one button to turn both your Soundbar and your TV on simultaneously.

In order to make your Soundbar turn on simultaneously with your TV, you need to verify if you are using an optical cable connection or an HDMI ARC connection. These two different types of connections will slightly vary the way in which you will need to go about this process.

Optical Cable Connection

When you are using an optical cable connection to connect your Soundbar to your TV, you should not have any issues with your audio quality.

But, you might find that you need to adjust the default settings on both your Soundbar and your TV to get the two devices to connect automatically.

To make your Soundbar turn on with your TV when using an optical cable connection, follow these steps:

1. Plug in the optical cable

This step should be a no-brainer in this process. Without plugging in the optical cable to your Soundbar and your TV, there will be no connection made during this method, and the TV will not be able to transmit sound to the Soundbar in this way. So, make sure that the optical cable is plugged into both devices and that the plastic tips are removed to ensure a good connection.

2. Ensure that Auto Power Link is turned on

When using an optical cable connection, you will need to make sure that the Auto Power Link setting is turned on on the Soundbar.

This should default to being turned on, but if it is not, then all you need to do is press and hold down the left arrow on your remote. Once this is turned on, this should activate this input option and allow the connection to ensue.

3. Turn on the D.IN mode on your Soundbar

Again, this should default to being turned on, but in case it is not, you will need to turn the D.IN mode on your Soundbar by pressing the Source option on your Soundbar or remote. This is the digital input mode and is what sends the signal between the two devices.

4. Adjust the TV speaker settings

After you have ensured a stable connection with the optical cable and made sure that Auto Power Link has been activated (by default or manually), you will want to adjust the TV speaker settings.

In doing so, you will make sure that the receiver is the preferred audio source rather than the internal speakers. Otherwise, your TV speakers will be the preferred choice, and you will have to manage the connection to your Soundbar each time.

HDMI ARC Connection

When you are using an HDMI ARC connection, you should be able to receive high-quality audio streaming from your TV.

While some might default to other options when all of their HDMI connection ports are full, the HDMI ARC connection is the typically preferred option for a wired Soundbar to TV connection.

To make your Soundbar turn on with your TV when using an HDMI ARC connection cable, follow these steps:

1. Plug in the HDMI ARC connection

To be able to benefit from the audio connection between your TV and Soundbar, you will need to connect the two devices.

Look for the HDMI ARC port on your TV, and ensure that the HDMI cable is plugged in well to both devices. There will likely be several ports on your TV for this cable, and any should likely work.

2. Ensure that Anynet+ is turned on

Similar to the optical cable connection Auto Power Link, Anynet+ is the default connection that you will want to make sure is activated when using an HDMI ARC cable. Anynet+ will only work with an HDMI input, but it has to be activated for this source of audio to work.

Anynet+ should automatically default to being turned on when you plug in your HDMI ARC cable. But, if it does not, then you can turn it on by holding down the right arrow on your remote. Once you have ensured that it is activated, you should begin to see the automatic settings pop up.

3. Turn on the D.IN mode on your Soundbar

Ensuring that the digital input mode is turned on is critical to sending the signal between your Soundbar and TV. This will likely be done automatically, but if not, it is simple to turn on. Simply press the Source option on your Soundbar or remote to enable this option.

4. Adjust the TV speaker settings

After you have ensured a stable connection with the HDMI ARC cable and Anynet+, you will need to adjust the TV speaker settings.

If you are finding that your Soundbar is not turning on automatically with your TV, this is likely because the default settings on your TV prefer the internal TV speakers.

To remedy this, simply adjust the audio settings to prefer the receiver (via your HDMI connection). Then, when you turn on your TV, the automatically selected TV audio source should be your Soundbar (receiver).

Why Doesn’t my Soundbar Turn On Automatically with my TV?

Although we have shown you a few of the steps for ensuring that your Soundbar automatically turns on with your TV, you might still be confused about why it does not do this on its own in the first place.

By reviewing how to connect these devices, it might have become apparent. But, if not, then there is a bit to explore.

So, why doesn’t your Soundbar turn on automatically with your TV?

There are a few reasons for this including an unstable connection (via HDMI ARC cable or Optical Cable), the TV settings are not adjusted to prefer the receiver or the D.IN mode is not turned on. Another alternative is that the Soundbar is not receiving power in the first place.

As you begin to seek out the answers to your audio questions, it is best to start with the basic connections. Make sure that all devices are plugged into a power source and that the connection between the TV and Soundbar is stable.

Then, adjust the input options so that the HDMI ARC or Optical Cable connections are received by your TV.

Finally, be sure to set the default settings on your TV to ensure that the preferred speaker option is the receiver that is plugged in.

Whether this is your Soundbar via optical cable or HDMI ARC cable, you will want to automatically default to this receiver to save you the hassle of turning both devices on each time you want to stream audio from your TV.

Thanks for reading! Check out my top picks for soundbars.

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