How to Fix Sony Sound Bar Volume Problems?

Are you having Sony sound bar volume problems? Depending on the problem, it is preventing you from changing the volume, or the volume is not coming out at all.

There are fixes for each situation.

When the Sony sound bar presents volume problems, you might first check the configurations for input and output, as well as the cables (if any are being used).

Further, it is a great idea to check the TV’s audio settings, as well as power cycle, reset and update the devices involved.

As you can see, there are numerous possibilities to fix your Sony sound bar volume issues. Keep reading to learn how to get the device back to work again.

Sony Sound Bar Volume Not Working – Reasons

Is your Sony sound bar volume not working? The reasons could vary depending on what you describe as “volume not working,” the reasons could vary.

We will first discuss what the most common reasons are, and then we will proceed by telling you the top-rated troubleshooting steps.

✅ Mute Is Active

Whether on the sound bar or the TV, the mute may be blocking the sound.

✅ Input Source

You must check that the input is selected correctly on the soundbar and the TV or PC to which it is connected.

✅ Connection Problems

The issue may lie in the cable you are using to connect or in the Bluetooth capacities of the device connected.

✅ Firmware

Perhaps the firmware is outdated or corrupted, not allowing some functions to work as intended.

Fix The Sony Sound Bar Volume Problems

There are plenty of options to explore when troubleshooting a Sony soundbar showing volume issues.

We will begin with basic things you can check but might not have thought about.

At the end of this guide, you must be able to adjust the volume without problems.

1. Check The Audio Input/Output

The first thing you must do when the volume is not working is check that the source input is correct.

If you have connected the soundbar via HDMI or any other cable to the TV, you must do the following:

1. Turn the soundbar on;
2. Press the corresponding source button on the remote (HDMI or other);
3. Go to the TV’s settings;
4. Find the audio settings;
5. Find the audio output;
6. Adjust the output to the correct type.

The above is also valid if you have connected via Bluetooth. However, some TVs might not immediately send the audio to the Bluetooth output. 

Adjust The Output On The PC

Soundbars also connect seamlessly to PCs, but it is common for PCs not to change the audio output immediately.

Then you will have to do the following:

1. Hover the pointer to the sound icon;
2. Right-click on it;
3. Click on “Sound Settings”;
4. Choose the output device.

If, even then, the sound will not come out or you cannot change the volume, you must try disconnecting and connecting again. You can also restart the PC.

Tip: Check if you haven’t touched the “Mute” button on the soundbar remote. Even if you don’t remember doing it, pressing it again to make sure might save a lot of headaches!

2. Check The Cables

Sony soundbars can connect via Bluetooth, but you are likely using a cable because it is more stable and delivers better quality.

If no volume is coming out, you must check the cables by doing the following:

1. Ensure that the cable connection is firmly attached on both ends;
2. If it is already firm, you must now inspect its length to find any signs of wear and tear;
3. If possible, change the cable.

In step 3, we mean that you can change for another cable of the same type or different connectivity.

If you change HDMI for optical, for example, remember to change the input and output settings (as taught in Solution #1).

3. Adjust The TV’s Volume Settings

It is possible that your TV won’t allow the soundbar to change the volume on its own. Or you think that the volume is not loud enough.

• In those cases, you must try to get the volume up on the TV’s remote.

Or check these settings:

1. Enter the TV’s Settings;
2. Find the audio settings;
3. Select “Speaker Settings”;
4. If possible, adjust the volume level that the TV allows for the soundbar.

4. Change The Audio Format

Suppose no sound is coming out through the soundbar when connected to the TV. In that case, it is possible that the digital audio format is not correct.

That is a configuration you must manage on your TV:

1. Find your TV’s settings;
2. Go to the audio settings;
3. Find any option regarding “audio formats”;
4. Attempt switching to a different format.

Tip: The most recommended format to avoid major problems is “PCM.” Of course, if PCM is already active, you might want to try a different one.

5. Power Cycle The Devices

If changing the settings for the audio on your TV didn’t work, then you must try to power cycle both the TV and the soundbar. 

1. Turn the TV and soundbar off;
2. Unplug them from power;
3. Wait a few minutes;
4. Turn them on again.

Waiting a few minutes is important because it allows the hardware to refresh. It is not necessary to unplug the HDMI cable.

6. Update The TV Firmware

If you have already tried plenty of solutions and the issue might seem to stem from the TV, it is worth checking if the TV has any pending updates to install.

The current firmware may have a bug or corruption that prevents it from sending volume correctly.

Do the following:

1. Go to the TV’s settings;
2. Find any tab that has info regarding the software/firmware;
3. Look for a “Check for updates” option;
4. Press enter on it;
5. The TV will check for updates and install them if available.

7. Reset The Soundbar

If we analyze the issue and think it is coming from the soundbar, then the most obvious thing we must do is reset it.

There are different resetting methods, depending on the specific model. 

Reset Method #1 

This method applies to HT-S100F:

1. Hold the following buttons for 5 seconds: volume up, power, input select;
2. Unplug from power;
3. Wait a bit;
4. Plug it again and turn it on.

Reset Method #2

This method applies to HT-CT290/HT-CT800/HT-G700/HT-S2000/HT-S200F/HT-S350/HT-X8500/HT-X9000F/HT-Z9F/HT-S400:

1. Hold the following buttons for 5 seconds: volume down and power;
2. Unplug from power;
3. Wait a bit;
4. Plug it again and turn it on.

Reset Method #3

This method applies to HT-RT3:

1. Hold the following buttons for 5 seconds: volume down, power, and input;
2. Unplug from power;
3. Wait a bit;
4. Plug it again and turn it on.

Reset Method #4

This method applies to HT-S40R:

1. Press the Menu button (on the remote);
2. Select Reset;
3. Wait for “All reset” to show up;
4. Press Enter;

Reset Method #5

This method applies to HT-A3000/HT-A5000/HT-A7000/HT-A9:

1. Press the Menu button (on the remote);
2. Choose “Setup”;
3. Go to “Advanced Settings”;
4. Enter “Resetting.”

8. Update The Soundbar Firmware

Lastly, you might want to check if your soundbar’s firmware is current.

Note: Remember that the firmware is responsible for managing a lot of functions. 

Firmware for soundbars doesn’t always download automatically, so here is what you will do:

1. Navigate the soundbar’s settings displayed on the TV screen;
2. Find the option to connect it to the wireless network;
3. Enter your credentials and ensure the soundbar is connected;
4. Go to the soundbar’s “Setup” menu;
5. Go to “Software Update”;
6. Select “Update via the Internet”

The soundbar will communicate to the Sony servers to check if new firmware is available. If it is, choose to download and install it right away.

What We Learned

When having Sony sound bar volume problems, it is necessary to investigate different fronts: the physical aspect of the devices involved and their configurations.

Something is certainly off, but you will soon be able to figure it out and fix it.

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