For a Smart Ultra Soundbar with no sound, Bose's article says to test other sources first (a streaming service or Bluetooth) and to ask the voice assistant for tomorrow's weather, then check the cables and the settings of the connected device, set the TV's sound output format to PCM, raise the soundbar volume, and try a different Advanced CEC option in the Bose app. Confirm that the correct soundbar is selected if there is more than one Bose system on the network.
Differential
Likely causes of “Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar connects but has no sound”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The wrong Bose system is selected in the app
What separates it The app controls another product and this one is silent
How to confirm Tap My Bose and choose the soundbar you are actually using
- 2
The HDMI CEC option does not suit the TV
What separates it Sound plays only after unplugging or on TV speakers
How to confirm Try another HDMI Power and Audio option in the Bose app
- 3
The TV output format is not PCM
What separates it Only some programs or apps produce any sound while others stay completely silent
How to confirm Set the TV sound output to PCM and replay
- 4
A connection has come loose
What separates it Sound stops working right after moving furniture, the TV or the soundbar itself
How to confirm Check the seating of the cables at both ends
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which sources produce sound and which stay silent
- The HDMI Power and Audio option currently selected in the app
- Whether the voice assistant answers audibly
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedTest other sources
ReversibleSwitch to Bluetooth or a music service in the Bose app. If the voice assistant is set up, ask for tomorrow's weather to prove the speakers work.
Check cables
ReversibleReseat the interconnect cables at both ends. In the connected device's menu look for ARC or CEC and enable them if they are off.
Set the format
ReversibleIn the TV's audio settings choose PCM as the sound output format, then check the volume of the soundbar with the remote.
Change CEC option
ReversibleIn the Bose app choose Settings, Power, HDMI Power and Audio and try Option 4 if the TV plays through its own speakers.
Reboot devices
ReversiblePower off the connected device and TV for 30 seconds and reboot the soundbar by removing power for 30 seconds too.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- CEC options
- Default enables CEC and Off disables it. Options 2 to 7 handle older devices, TVs that do not send power-on, TVs that keep their own speakers on, lost HDMI links, TVs that turn back on and TVs that mishandle power-off.
- In the box
- The soundbar, an HDMI eARC cable, an optical cable, the ADAPTiQ headset, a power cord, a remote with battery and a quick start guide.
- Voice and app control
- The Ultra has a built-in microphone and Alexa built in, works with Google, and streams over Wi-Fi with Spotify, Pandora, Deezer, TuneIn, AirPlay 2 and Google Cast. Its microphone LED is off when the assistant is enabled and red when disabled, and the light bar slides to the center when the assistant listens.
- Light bar patterns
- White pulsing is rebooting, fast pulsing is connecting Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, a single white pulse confirms a request and the left or right side flashing acknowledges volume down or up. Left side glowing is muted and both sides glowing is paused. White sliding right to left is a download and left to right an update.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If no source plays after a factory-restore, request service from Bose
- !If HDMI never carries sound but optical does, keep using optical and check the TV's ARC settings
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
The 30-second power reset, the Play/Pause and Volume - factory restore.
Mute and Bose Music held five seconds until the light bar glows amber.
App setup and the ADAPTiQ headset step.
Light bar colors, microphone LED and bass module LED.
PCM output, HDMI CEC options, source selection and reboot steps.
Options 2 to 7 explained.
The 0 to 200 audio delay under Sync and Delay.
Delay, extender and input checks.
Group, Saved Groups, SimpleSync and Spotify.
Wi-Fi and grouped speaker checks.
Source, Bluetooth and memory order.
Why the soundbar uses proven Bluetooth hardware.
Front sensor, batteries, 20-foot range.
Microphone button, account link and reset steps.
Nine speakers, Atmos formats, eARC, dimensions and box contents.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does CEC option 4 solve?+
TVs that do not send audio to the soundbar.
What does option 6 solve?+
A TV that turns back on soon after being turned off.
Why ask the assistant for weather?+
It proves the speakers work independent of HDMI.
What if I have two Bose products?+
Select the right one under My Bose.
What is PCM?+
A basic uncompressed audio format most TVs can output.
Is optical audio surround?+
Optical carries compressed Dolby Digital at most.
Can Bluetooth prove the amp works?+
Yes, it uses the same speakers.
Do I need Wi-Fi for HDMI sound?+
No, HDMI sound travels over the cable, so Wi-Fi is not involved in it.