The TCL Q6 is a QLED Google TV with an HDMI port that supports audio return, which lets a soundbar or receiver play the TV's sound through one cable, and when it does not work the checks start with the port and the settings. The port labeled ARC or eARC on the back of the TV is the only one that sends audio to the soundbar, so make sure the soundbar's HDMI OUT is connected to that port, not to another HDMI input, and use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, as the owner reports and RTINGS' reviews of TCL Google TVs note.
The checks in more detail
In the TV's settings, open Settings, Display and Sound, Sound, and choose the output: set Speakers to the HDMI ARC option, and set the digital output format to Auto or to PCM for a test. Turn on HDMI-CEC control, which TCL names in the inputs settings, and make sure the soundbar's input is set to ARC or HDMI ARC. If there is still no sound, power cycle both devices: switch them off, unplug for a minute, plug the soundbar in, then the TV, and let them handshake. A soundbar that supports only ARC will not pass Dolby Atmos from streaming apps, and an eARC soundbar needs the TV's eARC option enabled, which may be a separate toggle.
A format mismatch gives silence: the TV may send Dolby Digital Plus or Atmos that the soundbar cannot decode, so set the format to PCM and check if sound returns. If the volume remote does not control the soundbar, check the remote's setup, as the TV uses CEC to control volume, or learn the TV remote's signals in the soundbar. If a game console is connected to the TV and the soundbar, put the console on the TV and let the TV send audio on, since passing through can limit formats. Update the TV.
If sound plays through the TV speakers and via Bluetooth but never through ARC with the right port, CEC and cable, the port may be faulty and TCL can confirm. If you have already connected the soundbar to the right port and it still fails, test the soundbar on another TV or the TV with another soundbar, to learn which is at fault. A soundbar that works with a different TV points at the Q6's settings or port; one that fails everywhere points at the soundbar or the cable. This single test saves a lot of changing of settings and cables at random.
Differential
Likely causes of “TCL Q6 QLED TV ARC or eARC soundbar audio is not working”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The soundbar in the wrong port
What separates it No sound from the soundbar
How to confirm Use the port labeled ARC or eARC
- 2
CEC off
What separates it The soundbar does not respond
How to confirm Enable HDMI-CEC
- 3
An unsupported format
What separates it Silence or crackle
How to confirm Set the digital output to PCM
- 4
An ARC-only soundbar
What separates it No Atmos from streaming apps
How to confirm Use the format the soundbar supports
- 5
A faulty port or cable
What separates it No sound on any setting
How to confirm Try another cable, then contact TCL
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The port used
- The digital output format
- Whether CEC is on
- The soundbar's supported formats
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedUse the ARC port
ReversibleCheck the label.
Select HDMI ARC
ReversibleIn Sound settings.
Enable CEC
ReversibleIn the inputs settings.
Set the format to PCM
ReversibleTo test.
Power cycle both
ReversibleSoundbar first.
Update the TV
ReversibleIn Settings.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- One port
- Only the labeled port carries audio back.
- eARC
- It carries richer formats than ARC.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If ARC fails on the right port with CEC and a good cable, contact TCL
- !If the soundbar is ARC-only, accept the format limit
- !Update the TV
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Does the TCL Q6 have eARC?+
One port is labeled ARC or eARC; check your model.
Why is there no soundbar sound?+
The wrong port or CEC off.
What format should I test?+
PCM.
Does ARC carry Atmos?+
Only eARC does.