Wondering how to connect your Sonos to your TV without dealing with complicated ports, confusing settings, or outdated guides? You’re not alone and I’ve personally helped set up Sonos on everything from basic TVs with no ARC to high-end smart TVs with Dolby Atmos.
This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to connect Sonos speakers like the Beam, Arc, Ray, Amp, Playbar, or Playbase to any TV whether you’re using HDMI ARC, eARC, optical, or the Sonos app. No technical jargon. No guesswork.
Whether you’re setting up for the first time or fixing sound issues, this updated guide breaks it all down clearly so you can get your Sonos working perfectly in just a few minutes.
In this article: Show
What Sonos Models Work with TV in 2025 (And Which Don’t)
Not every Sonos speaker is built for TVs. Here’s the list you need to know before doing anything else.
TV-Ready Sonos Speakers
These models are built to play TV sound directly:
- Sonos Beam (Gen 1 & Gen 2) – HDMI ARC (or adapter)
- Sonos Arc – HDMI eARC with Dolby Atmos
- Sonos Ray – Optical only
- Sonos Amp – HDMI ARC for passive speakers
- Playbar / Playbase – Optical (legacy models)
If you own one of these, you’re good to go.
Not Built for TV Audio
These Sonos speakers won’t connect directly to a TV:
- Move
- Roam
- One / One SL
- Five
They have no HDMI or optical ports. You can group them with a TV-ready Sonos system, but they can’t connect to a TV on their own.
Real Talk: If these are the only Sonos speakers you own, this guide can still help but you’ll need a TV-compatible model to hear sound from your TV.
If your Sonos device isn’t compatible with TV audio, this list of comparable wireless speaker setups can help you choose a better fit.
Model-Specific Setup Instructions
How to Connect Sonos Beam (Gen 1 & Gen 2) to TV
- Use the HDMI cable to connect the Beam to your TV’s HDMI ARC port.
- If your TV doesn’t have ARC, use the included optical adapter.
- On your TV, turn on CEC (called Anynet+, Simplink, etc.).
- In the Sonos app, go to Settings → System → Add Product.
- Follow the steps. Done.
Beam Gen 2 supports TV Audio Swap (if you’re using Sonos Ace headphones).
How to Connect Sonos Arc to TV
- Plug the Arc into your TV’s HDMI eARC port.
- In your TV settings, switch audio to Dolby Atmos or Dolby Digital Plus.
- Enable CEC for remote volume control.
- Use the Sonos app to finish setup.
No eARC? Arc still works, just skip Atmos and stick with Dolby Digital.
How to Connect Sonos Ray to TV
- Use the optical cable to connect Ray to your TV’s Optical Out port.
- Set your TV audio to PCM or Dolby Digital, not DTS.
- Use the Sonos app to complete the setup.
No Optical port? Use an HDMI audio extractor to split the signal.
While Sonos setups are streamlined, users working with other brands can check out this walkthrough for connecting JBL soundbars.
How to Connect Sonos Amp, Playbase, or Playbar to TV
- Amp: Use HDMI ARC. Setup is similar to Beam.
- Playbase / Playbar: Use Optical. Set TV to PCM or Dolby Digital.
- Setup and remote pairing happens in the Sonos app.
Quick Setup Workflow (Universal Guide for All Models)
To connect Sonos to your TV, start by selecting the right cable (HDMI ARC, eARC, or optical), then adjust your TV’s audio settings and complete the setup in the Sonos app. If there’s no sound, check your connections and audio format settings.
Step 1 – Physical Wiring: Choose and Connect HDMI ARC/eARC or Optical
- Use the HDMI ARC or eARC port on your TV if available.
- Connect the HDMI cable to your Sonos device (Beam, Arc, Amp).
- If your Sonos model only supports optical (Ray, Playbar, Playbase), plug the optical cable into your TV’s Digital Out (Optical) port.
- No ARC or optical port? Use an HDMI audio extractor.
Using a projector instead of a regular TV? Here’s a straightforward guide to getting your soundbar properly connected.
Step 2 – Adjust TV Audio Settings: Set External Speaker Output / Enable CEC
- Open your TV’s Sound settings menu.
- Change the audio output to External Speaker, Receiver, or HDMI ARC, depending on your brand.
- Set Digital Audio Output to Dolby Digital or PCM. Avoid DTS.
- Turn on HDMI-CEC (called Anynet+, Bravia Sync, Simplink, etc.).
Step 3 – Use Sonos App TV Setup Flow: Add TV Audio Source, Sync Remote
- Open the Sonos app and tap Settings > System > Add Product.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to detect your Sonos device.
- During setup, the app will help you pair your TV remote for volume control.
- Make sure your Sonos is in the same room setting you plan to use it in.
Step 4 – Test Sound & Basic Fixes if No Sound
- Play a video or show from your TV and check for sound through Sonos.
- If there’s no sound:
- Make sure your Sonos is selected as the audio output.
- Double-check the cable connections.
- Ensure your TV is set to Dolby Digital or PCM, not DTS.
- Power-cycle both the TV and the Sonos device.
- Still no sound? Run the “TV Setup” again in the Sonos app.
Troubleshooting: Fix Common Problems Quickly
If your Sonos isn’t working with your TV after setup, most issues come down to incorrect audio format, CEC settings, or bad cable connections. Here’s how to fix them fast.
No audio after setup? Check these 3 things first
- Wrong audio format on your TV: Go into your TV’s sound settings. Set the output to PCM or Dolby Digital, not DTS or Auto.
- HDMI-CEC is disabled: Without CEC, your TV won’t send audio through ARC. Turn it on (often labeled Anynet+, Simplink, or Bravia Sync).
- Cable is in the wrong port: Your Sonos must be connected to HDMI ARC or Optical Out. Double-check, a common mistake is plugging into a standard HDMI input.
Beam or Arc disconnects when switching devices? Blame CEC
If your Sonos Beam or Arc cuts out when switching from one HDMI device to another (like Apple TV or Xbox), it’s usually a CEC handshake issue.
Fix it:
- Turn off CEC on all other devices (Apple TV, Fire Stick, etc.).
- Keep CEC enabled only on the TV and Sonos.
- If the issue continues, use a CEC-less HDMI adapter on the offending device.
Lip-sync or audio delay? Here’s how to fix it in the Sonos app
Audio slightly behind the video? Sonos lets you adjust it.
Steps:
- Open the Sonos app.
- Go to Settings > System > [Your Room] > TV Dialog Sync.
- Slide the delay adjustment until it matches your video.
- Test with different sources, some streaming apps behave differently.
TV not showing up in the Sonos app? Try this first
If your TV isn’t recognized during setup:
- Restart everything, TV, Sonos, and router.
- Unplug and replug the HDMI or optical cable securely.
- Ensure the Sonos app is up to date.
- Try setup again from Settings > System > Add Product.
- Still stuck? Use a different cable to rule out a hardware issue.
Optimize Your Experience (Minimal Extras for Better Usability)
You don’t need all the extras, but these optional upgrades can make your Sonos TV setup smoother, smarter, and more powerful.
Control Sonos using your TV remote — CEC setup tips
To control Sonos volume with your TV remote, make sure HDMI-CEC is enabled.
Steps:
- Go to your TV’s settings. Turn on CEC (might be called Anynet+, Bravia Sync, Simplink, etc.).
- Use the HDMI ARC port only, this feature doesn’t work on regular HDMI inputs.
- During Sonos setup, let the app detect and sync your TV remote.
If volume controls still don’t work, restart both devices and retry the setup in the app.
Use TV Audio Swap (Beam Gen 2 and Ray only)
TV Audio Swap lets you switch TV sound from your Sonos soundbar to Sonos Ace headphones without changing a single cable.
Steps:
- Open the Sonos app on your phone.
- Make sure your Ace headphones are connected.
- Tap the Audio Swap icon to instantly move TV sound from your Beam or Ray to your headphones.
This feature is only available on Beam Gen 2 and Ray, as of the latest Sonos update.
Add surround speakers or Sub — only if you want full 5.1 sound
Want deeper bass or full surround? Sonos lets you expand but you don’t have to.
Steps:
- In the Sonos app, go to Settings > System > [Room Name].
- Tap Set Up Surrounds or Add Sub.
- Follow the guided steps to pair your Sub, Sub Mini, or rear speakers (One, SL, or Era).
This upgrade only takes a few minutes, and you can remove them anytime.
Keep firmware updated — TV and Sonos app both
Outdated software is one of the top reasons for sound glitches.
Checklist:
- Update your TV firmware via its system settings or support website.
- Update the Sonos app from the App Store or Play Store.
- In the app, check Settings > System > System Updates to make sure your speakers are running the latest version.
Check monthly. Updates often fix bugs, improve performance, and unlock new features like TV Audio Swap.
Compatibility Table (Model-by-Model Overview)
Use this table to quickly check if your Sonos model works with TV audio and how to connect it. No guesswork, no unnecessary steps.
| Sonos Model | Connection Option | Works with TV Audio? | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beam Gen 2 | HDMI ARC / Optical adapter | Full support | Supports TV Audio Swap with Sonos Ace |
| Arc | HDMI eARC | Dolby Atmos | Best sound quality with eARC-enabled TVs |
| Ray | Optical only | Basic audio | Needs HDMI extractor if TV lacks optical port |
| Amp / Playbar | HDMI ARC or RCA line-in | Works via ARC | Great for home theater or legacy setups |
| Move / Roam | AirPlay / Bluetooth only | Not built for TV audio | Only works through app or grouped playback |
FAQs:
Can I use Sonos One or Five as a TV speaker?
Not directly. Sonos One and Five don’t have HDMI ARC or optical ports, so they can’t receive audio from a TV. You can group them with a TV-connected Sonos speaker using the app, but you’ll experience a delay if used as the main audio output.
What if my TV has no optical or ARC port?
You’ll need an HDMI audio extractor. This device splits the signal from your streaming box (like Apple TV or Fire Stick) into HDMI for the TV and optical for your Sonos. It’s the simplest workaround when your TV lacks proper ports.
Why doesn’t Sonos switch automatically when the TV turns on?
This usually means HDMI-CEC is disabled. Go into your TV settings and turn on CEC (often labeled Anynet+, Simplink, or Bravia Sync). Without it, the TV and Sonos can’t communicate to auto-switch inputs or control volume.
Does Sonos Arc support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, but only if connected to a TV with HDMI eARC and the source content supports Dolby Atmos. Also, your TV’s audio output must be set to Dolby Atmos or Dolby Digital Plus.
If immersive sound matters most to you, take a look at these top-rated Dolby Atmos soundbars for comparison.
How do I fix audio delay or echo when using Sonos Beam?
Open the Sonos app, go to Settings > System > [Room] > TV Dialog Sync, and adjust the delay slider until the audio matches the video. If you’re hearing echo, make sure your TV’s built-in speakers are turned off.
Conclusion:
Here’s the fastest way to connect your Sonos to a TV, based on what model you have:
- Beam or Arc: Use HDMI ARC (or eARC for Arc). This gives full remote control, CEC support, and best sound quality.
- Ray: Use optical. If your TV doesn’t have it, add an HDMI extractor.
- Amp or Playbar: Use HDMI ARC or line-in, depending on your setup.
- Move, Roam, One, Five: Not designed for direct TV audio. Use only for grouped playback or casual music.
Final Checklist Before You Call It Done
- Turn on HDMI-CEC in your TV settings
- Choose the right audio output format (Dolby Digital or PCM)
- Run a full power cycle after setup
- Check for firmware updates (Sonos app + TV)
Still unsure or hit a weird error? Leave a comment or send a message — we’re here to help. Your feedback improves this guide and helps others too.
