LG Subwoofer Not Turning On? – Complete Fix Guide

LG subwoofer not turning on? Let’s make it work like a charm again!

Problems with subwoofers, in general, are something common and luckily, there are plenty of solutions you could attempt.

The reason why the LG subwoofer is not turning on could be based on several factors. This is why in this guide we’ll inspect ALL possibilities!

To fix an LG subwoofer that isn’t turning ON, power cycle the device and reconnect to the soundbar. Next, change the power source of both. Plug the power adapter and the subwoofer into another source and reset the soundbar!

To solve the problem let’s learn more about why the LG subwoofer is not turning on!

Why Is My LG Sound Bar Subwoofer Not Turning On?

One of the most major reasons why your LG subwoofer refuses to turn on is when the unit is not connected to the soundbar.

Since this is one of the essential factors we’ll pay attention to connecting both instances. 

In the meantime, check what else could go wrong with the LG subwoofer:

• The LG Subwoofer can’t pair, or is disconnected from the soundbar!
• The Subwoofer or the Soundbar is not hooked up to the power
• Faulty equipment/hardware on either the subwoofer or the soundbar

Those are the main suspects in this problem. The issue you’re experiencing is definitely related to one of the aforementioned possibilities.

To solve the problem we’re going to inspect ALL possibilities and address them one by one.

Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

How To Fix When LG Subwoofer Not Turning On?

To troubleshoot more efficiently and achieve results, follow the correct order of our solutions and make sure not to skip any.

All methods, instructions, and solutions must be applied correctly, in order for your soundbar and subwoofer to start working again!

Let’s jump right in!

Solution #1 Undergo Correct Setup!

One of the reasons why your LG Subwoofer refuses to turn on is when the device is not paired to the LG Soundbar.

Many users have reported that, visibly, they couldn’t notice that their subwoofer was working before getting it paired to the soundbar. 

Let’s perform the correct setup!

1. On the back of the LG Subwoofer, locate the Pairing button.
2. Press and hold the Pairing button for 5 seconds.
3. Wait for the subwoofer’s LED to blink in RED and GREEN.
4. Unplug both your Soundbar and Subwoofer.
5. Wait for 10 seconds.
6. Connect both devices back to the source.
7. Wait for the pairing to be established (60 seconds).

As a notification for a successful pairing, your soundbar will blink in green color.

This means that the subwoofer and soundbar are now working together. In turn, that suggests that the subwoofer is now working, thus the problem is solved.

Solution #2 Turn Down the Subwoofer’s Volume!

Even if it sounds odd, a connection problem between your subwoofer and the soundbar could occur as a result of a turned-up subwoofer volume.

Many users identified this problem when encountered the issue you’re currently experiencing.

• Simply drag down the Subwoofer’s Volume Slider all the way to “0”.

You must ensure that the subwoofer is temporarily at the lowest possible volume setting.

This way, you will be certain that volume is not preventing the subwoofer from hooking up with the soundbar.

For the time being, inspect your soundbar and make sure it’s plugged in!

Alert: On different LG subwoofers, the volume slider could either be on the back or the front.

Solution #3 Power Cycle Subwoofer/Soundbar

A standard, yet greatly effective solution, is to perform a Power Cycle on your subwoofer and soundbar.

What a power cycle essentially does is cause the electricity of both your devices to be temporarily discharged.

This allows the device to cool down and refresh!

Here’s how to power cycle both your LG subwoofer and soundbar:

1. Press and hold the Power buttons on your devices (for 5-10 seconds).
2. Disconnect the Power Adapters from the strip or wall outlet.
3. Wait for 5 minutes while both of the devices are disconnected.
4. Then reconnect both devices back to the power.
5. Start by turning on your Soundbar! 
6. Then turn on the Subwoofer.

It’s more important for the soundbar to turn on, rather than the subwoofer.

If the soundbar starts blinking, it means it is either searching for the subwoofer or the pairing is undergoing.

In case the devices appear to be disconnected, follow the steps from Solution #1 again.

Note: Ensure that both your subwoofer and soundbar are secured to a power source!

Solution #4 Use a Different Power Source!

You should plug your subwoofer/soundbar or both of them if they refuse to turn on, into an alternative power source.

Chances are that the current power source is ineligible to provide the devices with electricity and this is the reason why they are not turning on.

Here’s how to plug your devices into a different power source:

1. Disconnect both your subwoofer and soundbar from the Power Source.
2. Find a standalone power outlet to connect a working power strip.
3. Begin by plugging the soundbar into a new source.
4. Connect the subwoofer to a source near the soundbar.
5. Secure the connection on both sides!

To verify the functionality of a particular wall outlet, make sure you had another device plugged in there before the LG units.

If the previous device was functional and was charging/working then we should look for the problem elsewhere. Let’s continue reading further!

Alert: Never ignore malfunctioning power outlets (sparkling).

Solution #5 Reset the Soundbar

Since resetting the subwoofer is not possible, you should perform a factory reset on the soundbar instead.

The problem with the subwoofer and the fact that it doesn’t turn on could be based on connection problems.

A great way to fix connection issues is to trigger a reset!

Here’s how to reset your LG soundbar in easy steps:

1. On your soundbar, locate the Volume Down button.
2. Now find the Sound Effect button on your LG soundbar remote.
3. Press and hold the Volume Down + Sound Effect buttons simultaneously.
4. Hold the buttons for 30 seconds.
5. The soundbar should indicate a successful reset by blinking.

If there’s no visual or blinking notification of the upcoming reset, keep holding the buttons for longer.

Even if you’re not notified visually, the soundbar could still be resetting so be patient.

Note: Resetting the soundbar will erase all custom sound and volume settings you’ve made!

Solution #6 Replace Faulty Equipment

If nothing worked so far, then perhaps some of your soundbar/subwoofer’s equipment has gone faulty.

In such cases, we strongly recommend replacing the power equipment of the devices and making sure that brand-new ones are installed.

Equipment Replacement:

If the devices aren’t turning on, the most common suspect is the Power Adapters.

If those cables have gone faulty, neither your soundbar, nor subwoofer will receive power.

Ultimately, you could purchase replacement units at an approachable and have them installed.

• Once the new adapter is acquired, unplug the old one and install the new one!

Make sure that the new power adapter is connected securely to both ends so the power can be supplied to your devices.

You should attempt by purchasing one single adapter at first and testing it on both your subwoofer and soundbar. 

Warranty – Why Not?

If one of the devices still refuses to work with a functional power adapter, you contact LG and attempt to receive a replacement with the warranty.

Perhaps the hardware went faulty.

Tip: Don’t forget to share what you’ve already tried to save as much time as possible!

Quick Recap:

Hence, to fix the power problem on your LG subwoofer/soundbar, restart both devices and power cycle them for 5 minutes. Next, plug both devices into a different power source and trigger a System Reset.

Wrapping Up:

Now that we know why the LG subwoofer not turning on, we hope you’re now capable of troubleshooting this yourself.

Also, a possibility you shouldn’t totally exclude, is that either your subwoofer or soundbar has gone faulty. On such occasions, it’s best to contact LG for the info!

New Power Adapter for your LG Soundbar? 

We recommend getting an UpBright 25V AC/DC adapter, compatible with all LG electronics!

Have both your soundbar and subwoofer work at a decent power supply and not interrupt your movie nights no more. Good Luck!