You purchased your Polk Soundbar to give you that ‘theater-vibe” at home, not “sitting in your car” vibe. The Polk Soundbar is designed to elevate your entertainment experience. When it doesn’t work, it can be frustrating.
If your Polk Soundbar is not working, check the HDMI connection. Make sure the HDMI cable is in the correct port. To prevent the soundbar from connecting to other sources, use only the HDMI connection between the TV and the Polk Soundbar.
If your Polk Soundbar is not working, we are here to help you figure out the problem and the solution. The solutions are simple and fairly quick to resolve themselves. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Polk Soundbar Not Working
As the saying goes,” Expectation postponed makes the heart sick.” When you get the Polk Soundbar home and set it up, only to find it doesn’t work, the excitement of that night’s movie quickly leaves you. All hope is not lost, though.
If the Polk Soundbar is not working, check the audio settings on your television. Make sure the speakers on the TV are turned off. Use the soundbar remote to navigate to the audio setting indicated on your tv.
Check the HDMI Cable
HDMI cables wear down over time. If your HDMI cable is several years old, it may be time to replace it. As HDMI cables age, they are no longer able to support the bandwidth needed for digital audio.
If your television was manufactured before 2008, it may not have the HDMI Digital Output port. You will need to use the red and white analog cables for the Soundbar to work. Match the cables to the corresponding color on the back of your TV and your Soundbar.
Check TV Speaker Settings
Audio settings within the tv allow you to turn the internal speakers on or off. To check your TV’s speaker settings, follow these steps:
Step 1: In the main menu, go to Settings.
Step 2: Open Sound settings.
Step 3: Open Sound Adjustments.
Step 4: Open Sound Mode. This will open preset audio profiles.
Step 5: Select your Sound Mode. The Standard setting is a good choice for getting started and should resolve this issue. If you want to experiment with the different sound settings, proceed to step 6.
Step 6: Open Advanced Settings. This setting provides additional sound controls, such as:
- Common Settings – Offers controls for regularly used settings, such as turning automatic volume leveling on or off and adjusting the right-left balance of the stereo speakers.
- Input Sound Settings – Gives you settings that apply to specific digital audio formats. It also allows you to match volume levels from your device and the tv.
- Sound Mode Related Settings – You can adjust the level of surround sound coming from the tv or you can open the equalizer to manually adjust audio levels by frequency.
Reset The Sound Settings
If going through the above steps does not solve the problem, you can do a factory reset to work from a clean slate. Following the steps below will initiate a factory reset of your Polk Soundbar.
Step 1: Open Sound Settings.
Step 2: Go to Sound Adjustments.
Step 3: Open Advanced Settings.
Step 4: Click Reset.
Step 5: Confirm reset.
Contact The Manufacturer
If, after trying the above suggestions you continue to experience issues with your Polk soundbar, you will need to contact the manufacturer. The problem is most likely a manufacturing defect or pre-existing hardware defect.
Polk Soundbar Keeps Disconnecting
Few things in life are as aggravating as when you are in the middle of a movie or a game and the sound disconnects. Before you threaten to return your Polk Soundbar, here are some suggestions to try and resolve the issue.
If your Polk Soundbar keeps disconnecting, check the power source. If the electrical outlet is faulty or if the Soundbar plug is not securely inserted into the outlet, any movement of the power cord could cause the soundbar to lose power.
Power Surge
A bad storm or electrical work being done nearby can cause an electrical power surge. A power surge will cause your Polk Soundbar to go into Standby Mode. Reset your soundbar by simultaneously pressing and holding the Power button and Volume Down button on the soundbar for 10 seconds.
Sleep Timer Activated on TV
Another possibility is the audio settings on your tv. Check the settings on your tv to see if the sleep timer has accidentally been activated. You can navigate to that setting by going to Menu> Sound Settings > Response Time.
Bluetooth Interference
The simplest way to know if the reason your Polk Soundbar keeps disconnecting is if it only happens when you connect via Bluetooth. If this is the case, limit the number of Bluetooth connections when using the soundbar.
Reset The Polk Soundbar
Much like our cell phones or computers, sometimes the solution is the simplest – turn the device off and then on again. The Polk Soundbar may simply need a quick reset. To reset the soundbar:
Step 1: Turn the soundbar off.
Step 2: Simultaneously press and hold the “Microphone Mute” and Volume Down button.
Step 3: Hold the buttons for 3 seconds.
Step 3: Release the buttons when the light ring flashes blue. This light means the device is successfully rebooting.
Step 4: When the light ring flashes orange, the soundbar is ready to be paired with your tv.
Polk Soundbar Not Connecting To WiFi
The beauty of the Polk Soundbar is that you can connect wirelessly to your tv. You no longer have to contend with wires everywhere. Or using strategically placed plants or picture frames to hide the wires.
If the Polk Soundbar is not connecting to Wi-Fi, the problem could be a poor Wi-Fi signal. Make sure the Polk Soundbar and router are close to each other. Rebooting the router will also help with any connectivity issues.
If restarting the router does not resolve the issue, the next step is to check your network connection. Make sure your tv and the Polk Soundbar are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Polk Soundbar Not Connecting To TV
It’s hard to enjoy the full effect of the Polk Soundbar if it will not connect to the tv.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on 2021-10-13.
If the Polk Soundbar is not working on your tv, make sure you have the correct audio settings selected on your tv. The soundbar may be connected, but the audio is not being routed thru the soundbar.
Sound Settings
It is recommended to use an HDMI cable to connect the Polk Soundbar to your tv. However, if you do not have an HDMI cable or if your tv or soundbar does not have an HDMI outlet, there are other options to try.
Digital Optical or Digital Coaxial
Digital optical or digital coaxial are big words for two different types of cables. The optical cable has a square connector and the coaxial cable has a circular cable. They attach to the port with the corresponding shape.
Coaxial connections tend to produce better audio quality than optical connections. However, not all TVs support a digital coaxial connection. Depending on your tv, the solution is simple – try the digital optical cable.
Check The HDMI Port
If you regularly stream apps onto your TV, HDMI ARC will give you the best sound. To use this connection, do the following,
- Connect to HDMI ARC on your TV.
- Connect to HDMI OUT (TV ARC) on the Soundbar.
- Change source on the soundbar to D.IN. Setting.
- “TV ARC” will appear on the Soundbar display. The TV will now transfer audio through the soundbar.
Polk Soundbar Won’t Connect To Bluetooth
The Polk Soundbar not only elevates your movie experience but also your musical experience. By connecting the soundbar to Bluetooth you can play your favorite playlist directly from your phone.
If the Polk Soundbar is not connecting to Bluetooth, make sure the Bluetooth signal is turned on. Switching between networks and different devices could cause the Bluetooth signal to be turned off.
To pair the Polk Soundbar with Bluetooth, press Source on the remote or soundbar until the soundbar’s display reads BT> Wait> BT Pairing.
Faulty Bluetooth Sensor
Another possibility is a faulty Bluetooth sensor in the Polk Soundbar. To test this possibility, try connecting the soundbar to a different device using the Bluetooth setting. If you are unable to connect the soundbar, the sensor is faulty and will need to be replaced.
Polk Soundbar Not Connecting To Subwoofer
What could elevate your home theater experience more than connecting the Polk Soundbar to a subwoofer?
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on 2021-10-13.
If the Polk Soundbar is not connecting to the subwoofer, make sure the soundbar and subwoofer are pairing. Here is how you pair the two devices:
Step 1: Turn off the subwoofer.
Step 2: Hold down the ‘sync’ button on the back of the soundbar until the LED lights start to blink
Step 3: The devices should now be ready to pair. Once the subwoofer is turned on, the LED light should turn green to signal the devices have paired.
If your Polk Soundbar is not working properly, check the settings on your tv. Make sure the audio settings are set to forward sound through the Soundbar and not your television set. You can check these settings by going to the main menu on your tv.
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on 2021-10-13.
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Polk Subwoofer Not Working
FAQs
How do I get my Polk soundbar out of demo mode? ›
Hold the Volume Down (-) and Volume Up (+) buttons together until it says it has exited demo mode. It could take about 15 seconds or more. Sorry, there was a problem.
Why is my Polk audio soundbar not working? ›If the soundbar cannot be turned on, check the power cord connection, AC adapter, or the power on button. Troubleshoot all above options. If all of them work normally, there is a high possibility that the motherboard is broken. To fix this, replace the motherboard follow this guide.
How do I reset my Polk sound bar? ›If you experience issues with your Command Bar or the supplied remote control, it may be necessary to reset to factory defaults. To reset your device, press and hold the button "Microphone Mute" and "Volume Down" on the top of the product for at least 10 seconds. After this, all settings of the Bar are erased.
Why is my Polk audio soundbar not connecting to my TV? ›All you need to do is to make sure the power cord for the subwoofer is plugged in and the power is turned on. If your soundbar and subwoofer are having trouble pairing, turn off the subwoofer and hold down the “Sync” button on the back of the soundbar until the LED light [1] on the soundbar starts to blink.
How do I get my speakers out of demo mode? ›Depending on your model, there is a PARTY LIGHT button on the unit or the remote control. Pressing that button will disable the Demo Party Light. If applicable to your unit, setting the clock on your stereo system will also disable the DEMO mode.
How do I take my TV off demo mode? ›- Select System — Retail mode settings — Set Demo mode and Picture reset mode to Off. ( Android™ 10 or later)
- Select Device Preferences — Retail mode settings — Set Demo mode and Picture reset mode to Off. ( ...
- Select Retail mode settings — Set Demo mode and Picture reset mode to Off. (
Most soundbar issues result from improper connection, an incorrect device setting, a poor physical arrangement. Most fixes are fairly simple, though some may require some time to troubleshoot. Try the simplest solutions first, and move up in complexity only if needed.
Why is there no sound coming from my soundbar? ›When there is no sound from the soundbar, make sure the connected devices are turned on, the soundbar is set to the correct source, and the cable is connected properly.
How do I get my soundbar to work again? ›- Perform a power reset or restart of the TV. ...
- Turn off your audio system and the TV, disconnect the cables between your TV and the audio system, and reconnect them. ...
- Verify that the audio output setting of your TV is set to the audio device.
Sound Distortion
This is usually the easiest and most obvious sign that a speaker is blown. What is this? It is easily identifiable as a fuzz or hiss coming from the speaker, especially in louder volumes. All you need to do is turn up the volume and listen for any uncharacteristic sounds to diagnose this.
How do I get my Polk soundbar to work? ›
All you need to do is connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI IN port on your soundbar. Then, connect the other end of the cord to the TV's HDMI ARC or eARC OUT port. Most TVs will automatically finish setting up at this point, but you may need to go into your TV's audio settings and enable the HDMI connection.
Why is my TV not recognizing my sound bar? ›While the TV and audio device (Soundbar, Home Theater System) are turned off, disconnect the cables, and then reconnect them. Make sure that the cables between the TV and the audio device are securely connected. Make sure that you make the appropriate connection based on the model of the TV and the audio device.
How do I get my TV to recognize my soundbar? ›- Next, connect one end of an HDMI cable into the HDMI IN (ARC) port on your TV.
- Connect the other end into the HDMI OUT (TV-ARC) port on your soundbar.
- Next, change the source on your soundbar to the D.IN.
Double-check that everything is connected and especially when using HDMI check sources; go to Inputs, and check that the TV's eARC/ARC port connects to the HDMI output (it should be marked ARC too, as above) of your soundbar.
Why is my soundbar in DEMO mode? ›If the unit automatically turns on when the AC power cord (mains lead) is connected, then DEMO appears on the display window and the Power or HOME buttons are disabled, the unit may be in DEMO mode. You can disable DEMO mode by simultaneously pressing the INPUT and Power buttons on the unit for five seconds.
What is DEMO mode? ›Demo mode for the status bar allows you to force the status bar into a fixed state, useful for taking screenshots with a consistent status bar state, or testing different status icon permutations. Demo mode is available in recent versions of Android.
How do I reset my speaker settings? ›- Check your audio and sound source. ...
- Go to sound settings. ...
- Check external speakers. ...
- Turn to a Windows troubleshooter. ...
- Go to sound settings to run troubleshooter in another way. ...
- In the sound settings screen, check the Volume mixer. ...
- Click the Reset button. ...
- Check the sound control panel.
The DEMO mode setting on the TV is used by retailers to display the functionality and features of the TV. Using this setting limits some of the features and functions commonly used in a home. The steps to disable the DEMO mode will differ depending on the design of the TV.
How do I get my TV screen back to normal? ›- Use your television's remote control to access the menu. ...
- From the menu, look for an option for picture adjustment. ...
- Explore the picture adjustment options that appear. ...
- Continue searching the picture adjustment menu for any picture size adjustment options.
Soundbars: 6-16 years
A newer amplified soundbar, like a Sonos Arc, should not become obsolete anytime soon, though expect the hardware to operate for up to 7 years before needing a repair or a replacement.
Do soundbars have a reset button? ›
Steps To Reset Your Soundbar
A general way to reset a soundbar and many other electronic devices is to hold down a button or two and wait until you see blinking lights. Depending on what type of soundbar you have, which button you press will be different.
You'll get the best sound quality via an HDMI cable. Most soundbars and TVs have an HDMI port. Keep in mind you need to use an HDMI ARC or eARC cable and port. If you don't have this, you'll need an optical cable in addition to an HDMI cable.
How do I fix no sound? ›- Check your volume settings. ...
- Restart or change your audio device. ...
- Install or update audio or speaker drivers. ...
- Disable audio enhancements. ...
- Update the BIOS.
- On the back of your TV, look for the HDMI input slot labelled ARC (Audio Return Channel), or eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel).
- On the back of your sound bar, find the TV OUT (ARC) slot.
- Connect both slots with the HDMI cable.
Turn off the soundbar and unplug it from the power outlet. Press and hold the “Reset” button on the back of the soundbar for at least 10 seconds. This button is usually located near the power cord. While continuing to hold the “Reset” button, plug the soundbar back into the power outlet.
How do I get my sound back after factory reset? ›Restore Your Data
To recover data after factory reset Android, navigate to the "Backup and Restore" section under "Settings." Now, look for the "Restore" option, and choose the backup file you created before resetting your Android phone. Select the file and restore all of your data.
Reset the soundbar by powering it off and then pressing and holding the Play/Pause button until it displays 'INIT OK'. Power on the soundbar, and then try pairing the soundbar to your TV again.
What does a blown speaker sound like? ›The most common aural indication of a blown speaker is an unpleasant buzzing or scratching sound, by itself or roughly at the pitch of the note the speaker is attempting to reproduce. Or there could be no sound at all.
How do you diagnose a blown speaker? ›Infinite Impedance
Set the meter to ohms, make sure the speaker is turned off, and touch the lead of the multimeter to the speaker terminals. A multi-meter reading of 1.0 ohms means the speaker is not blown, but a reading of infinite ohms means it is blown. A completely blown speaker will have infinite impedance.
When speakers or a soundbar are powered up and left on, the constant electricity being sent to your soundbar can cause it to overheat. It may not be too noticeable at the time, but over time, constant overheating can cause damage to your soundbar, which will shorten its life.
Where is sync button on Polk soundbar? ›
Press and hold the SYNC button on the back of the subwoofer for 3 seconds. The green LED on the back of the subwoofer will start flashing at a faster rate, indicating that the sound bar and the subwoofer are connecting, the LED is solid green when connected and you hear a tone.
What does the green light mean on Polk soundbar? ›A single green light means the soundbar is receiving an audio signal encoded with Dolby Digital, and a single purple light let's you know one of the soundbar's four audio modes is active (movie, music, night effect, or voice adjust).
Should soundbar be off TV with sound? ›A Your TV speakers should be turned all the way down or off when you use a separate sound system such as a soundbar. Using them with the soundbar may cause echoes and the TV speakers do nothing to improve the sound. Look at your TV's audio menu. If you can, turn the TV speakers off completely at the menu.
Does a sound bar override the TV speakers? ›Soundbars are designed to replace your TV speakers; they are not meant to work in parallel with your television's built-in speakers. The primary reason for this is the echo. When you run both your TV speakers and your soundbar at the same time, the same audio signal is relayed to both.
Does it matter which HDMI port I use for soundbar? ›If your TV has an HDMI eARC port, that's the one to go for when it comes to making the connection, otherwise, any spare HDMI port will do. Once you've connected the soundbar to the TV, ensure the cables are firmly in place.
How do I get my soundbar to work with HDMI ARC? ›- Connect one end of an HDMI cable to the HDMI OUT port on the back of the soundbar.
- Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the ARC HDMI IN port on your TV.
- Power on any external device connected to your TV, and then power on your TV and soundbar.
If you see at least one HDMI port that is labeled ARC, it means you can use an HDMI cable to connect your soundbar to your TV. You will also have to make sure that your soundbar has an HDMI ARC port, but most models do these days.
How do I put my Polk soundbar in DEMO mode? ›Press and hold Vol +/-. Dim light = Demo mode. Bright light = Normal mode.
How do I turn off DEMO mode without remote? ›- Somewhere along the edge of the TV, there should be a “Menu” button, with a “+” and a “-“ button. ...
- Press the “Menu” button. ...
- Press the “Menu” button to select your option and use the “+” or “-“ buttons again to cycle through the On and Off settings.
One standout feature of previous Polk soundbars has been its sound modes: Movie, Music, Night and, especially, Voice Adjust.
Why is my soundbar in demo mode? ›
If the unit automatically turns on when the AC power cord (mains lead) is connected, then DEMO appears on the display window and the Power or HOME buttons are disabled, the unit may be in DEMO mode. You can disable DEMO mode by simultaneously pressing the INPUT and Power buttons on the unit for five seconds.
Where is the Learn button on my Polk soundbar? ›Press and hold the "MIC MUTE" button on the top of the bar for five seconds. Alexa will respond: “Entering IR Learn Mode.” 2) Press and release the button you wish to program. Ex: "Volume +" on the included Polk Audio remote.
How do I resync my soundbar? ›Press Sound Control on the soundbar remote, and then use the Left/Right buttons to adjust until sound is synced.
Why does my TV go to demo mode? ›The DEMO mode setting on the TV is used by retailers to display the functionality and features of the TV. Using this setting limits some of the features and functions commonly used in a home. The steps to disable the DEMO mode will differ depending on the design of the TV.
What does demo mode do? ›Demo mode for the status bar allows you to force the status bar into a fixed state, useful for taking screenshots with a consistent status bar state, or testing different status icon permutations. Demo mode is available in recent versions of Android.
What is Demo mode in developer options? ›Enable Demo Mode lets you change the appearance of the status bar using adb demo mode commands. Or you can use Show Demo Mode to hide notifications and display a preset status bar. Note: The adb demo mode commands might not work on all devices because they are not verified during Android certification testing.
How do I know if my sound bar is broken? ›- Sound Distortion. Distortion is a deviation from the ideal, desired sound curve. ...
- Incomplete System Range. ...
- Visible Damage. ...
- Infinite Resistance. ...
- Factory Defects. ...
- Playing it Too Loud. ...
- Power Surges. ...
- Maintain Optimal Operating Temperature.
Unplug the TV and soundbar for 10 seconds, and then plug them back in. Sometimes, reestablishing the HDMI “handshake” between the TV and the soundbar can fix minor malfunctions. 8. Update the firmware in the TV and soundbar, and then cycle the power.
What setting should soundbar be on? ›The setting you need is called Output Device and can be found in the audio menu of your television. In this menu, you select External Speakers. Your television will now transmit all audio to the soundbar.
How do I get sound on my Polk sound bar? ›- Is your sound bar plugged into the AC outlet?
- Did you connect the Optical and HDMI cables?
- Did you select the correct source on the sound bar (press TV button for HDMI and Optical)?
- Is your TV audio output set to Optical or HDMI?
- Is the volume turned up on the sound bar?
- Did you disable your TV speakers?
What do the buttons on my Polk soundbar do? ›
On top of the main Polk Audio MagniFi 2 soundbar cabinet are buttons for power, input select, Bluetooth, mute, and volume up/down.