Check the ports and the sound you want
- Connect the TV's optical OUT to the audio device's optical IN.
- Remove any protective caps, match the plugs to the sockets, and select optical on both devices.
- Optical works for stereo and supported 5.1 surround formats. Check HDMI support if you want a format optical cannot carry.
- If there's no sound, check the selected input, TV output and volume before replacing the cable.
If you're looking at optical and HDMI sockets, we'd check the audio format you want first. Optical carries stereo and supported surround formats, while HDMI supports additional formats. Then look for an optical output on the TV and an optical input on the soundbar or receiver.
An optical cable carries digital audio as light. The receiving device turns the light pulses into an audio signal you can hear. Optical carries sound only, so keep a separate video connection if your setup needs one.
If one device has no optical port
Check the labels at both ends before buying a cable. A port labeled TOSLINK is an optical connection. The TV needs an optical output and the soundbar or receiver needs an optical input. Two outputs, or two inputs, won't make the connection described below.
| Ports you find | What to do |
|---|---|
| Optical OUT on the TV and optical IN on the audio device | Use an optical cable and follow the connection steps below. |
| Optical OUT or optical IN is missing | Check whether both devices support a compatible HDMI audio connection. Match an available output to an available input before choosing a cable. |
If both devices offer optical and a compatible HDMI audio connection, decide by the soundtrack you want to play. Optical covers stereo and supported 5.1 formats; the format table below shows when to check HDMI instead.
Connect the cable and select optical sound
The port labels tell you which way the signal travels. Use this order for a TV and an audio device with standard optical ports.
- Find the TV's optical OUT and the audio device's optical IN. You should have one output and one input; if either is missing, use the connection choices above before buying a cable.
- Remove any protective plastic caps from the cable ends and match each plug to its socket. The plugs should fit the sockets' shape; if one doesn't, check the port label and plug again.
- Insert one end into the TV's optical OUT and the other into the audio device's optical IN. Route the cable in a curve without a sharp bend or kink. Both ends should be seated in the intended ports; if sound is absent later, check these connections first.
- Select optical as the audio device's input. It should now be set to receive the cable's signal; if it stays silent after you set the TV output, confirm the selected input on that device.
- Select the TV's external or optical sound output. Sound should be directed to the connected device; if it isn't, check the TV's Sound Out or Sound Output setting.
- Play something with audible sound and check the volume. You should hear it through the connected device; if you don't, check mute or volume on the audio device and any connected player, then use the no-sound checks below.
Find the optical setting on a Samsung TV
On a Samsung TV with the menu shown in Samsung's optical setup steps (opens in a new tab), press Home, open Settings, then choose Sound, Sound Output and Audio Out/Optical.
Find the optical setting on an LG TV
On an LG TV with the controls shown in LG's optical setup steps (opens in a new tab), open All Settings, Sound and Sound Out, then choose Use Wired Speaker and Optical Out Device. On LG TVs running 2020 webOS 5.0 or older, choose Optical from Sound Out instead. Set the connected audio device's input to optical too.
Choose HDMI when the format needs it
We'd choose the connection by the full format name. Optical can carry two-channel PCM and supported 5.1 surround formats. HDMI supports additional formats, including Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
| Audio format | Connection to check |
|---|---|
| Two-channel PCM | Optical supports uncompressed stereo. |
| Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS | Optical supports these surround formats. |
| Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos or DTS:X | Check a supported HDMI connection. A supported HDMI eARC connection can carry Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. |
If PCM restores sound but you want surround, check whether both the TV and audio device support Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS. If they do, select that supported format in the TV's digital audio output settings and play a source with a matching soundtrack. If sound disappears again, return to PCM and check the formats each device accepts before changing the setting again.
If a port is labeled ARC rather than eARC, check the formats supported by both devices before choosing a soundtrack. If you're using HDMI for video and have no picture on your TV, check that connection separately.
If there's no sound, narrow down where it stops
Does sound fail with every TV source, or only one app or connected player? Try another source you know plays sound, then check the matching row below.
| Check | What to do next |
|---|---|
| Cable seating | Check that both ends are seated in optical OUT and optical IN, and look for a sharp bend or kink. If the connection still fails, try a replacement cable. |
| Audio device input | Select optical on the soundbar or receiver. Check that input again if changing the TV output has no effect. |
| TV sound output | Select the external or optical output. If the TV has separate speaker and digital-output settings, check both. |
| Mute or volume | Check the audio device and any connected player or set-top box. A muted source or one set to 0 can leave the system silent. |
| Digital audio format | If the audio system struggles with the current setting, try PCM on the TV. PCM in this setting gives left and right channels only; if sound returns, check which surround formats both devices support. |
If these checks leave every source silent, replace the optical cable and test the audio device with another source. If that source is silent too, stop changing the TV settings and contact the audio device's maker for service. Give them the device model, the sources and inputs you tested, and whether PCM changed the result. Ask about warranty coverage and a repair estimate before deciding whether to replace the device.
What if only one app or connected player has no sound?
Test another source, then check the silent player's mute or volume setting. If you're trying to play surround sound, try the TV's PCM output setting and check which formats both devices support.
Does an optical cable carry video too?
No. Keep a separate video connection for the picture.
Can I connect a receiver instead of a soundbar?
Yes, if the receiver has a digital optical input. Connect the TV's optical output to that input, then select it on the receiver.
Why are the TV speakers still playing?
Check the TV's external or optical sound output setting. If it has a separate speaker setting, select the audio system there too.
Why did surround sound disappear after I chose PCM?
PCM in this setting sends left and right channels only. Check whether both devices support Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS, then try a matching digital audio output setting and soundtrack.
Can optical carry Dolby Atmos?
Check a supported HDMI connection for Dolby Atmos. Optical supports stereo and certain surround formats, including Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS, but not Atmos.
Once sound returns, play audio from the sources you use and check that each one comes through the connected device. If your receiver also needs a separate bass connection, follow the steps for connecting a subwoofer.
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