To connect a soundbar to Roku Stick, you must connect the soundbar directly to your TV, not to the Roku Stick itself. The Roku Stick plugs into your TV's HDMI input, and the soundbar then connects to your TV via HDMI ARC/eARC or optical cable to handle all audio from the Roku Stick.
How to connect a soundbar to your Roku Stick: the correct setup
The most common mistake is assuming the soundbar plugs into the Roku Stick. In reality, your Roku Stick sends video and audio to the TV through its HDMI connection, and the TV then passes that audio to the soundbar. This means the soundbar must be connected to your TV, not the streaming stick, so you can connect an onn soundbar to Roku TV using the same fundamental setup. If your television is a Vizio model, you can follow the tailored steps to connect a soundbar to Vizio TV for specific audio menu settings. Understanding this principle is the first step to getting clear, surround sound from your Roku Stick.
Before you start: check your TV and soundbar ports
Look at the back of your TV for an HDMI port labeled "ARC" or "eARC." This is the best port for connecting a soundbar because it can send audio from the TV back to the soundbar over a single HDMI cable. If your TV does not have an ARC port, look for a "Digital audio out" or "Optical" port (often shaped like a small square door). Your soundbar will have a matching HDMI ARC/eARC input or an optical input. Identifying these ports determines which connection method you can use.
Method 1: Connect using HDMI ARC/eARC (best quality)
HDMI ARC/eARC delivers the highest audio quality, including advanced surround sound formats. Follow these steps to connect your soundbar using this method:
- Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the soundbar's HDMI ARC or HDMI Out port.
- Plug the other end into the TV's HDMI ARC/eARC port.
- Turn on your TV and soundbar.
- In your TV's settings menu, enable HDMI ARC/eARC and CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). CEC allows your Roku remote to control the soundbar's volume.
HDMI eARC supports uncompressed formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby TrueHD, while standard ARC supports compressed Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus. This method also simplifies control, letting you use one remote for everything.
Method 2: Connect using an optical cable
If your TV lacks an HDMI ARC/eARC port, an optical cable (TOSLINK) is a reliable alternative that still provides high-quality digital audio.
- Connect one end of the optical cable to the TV's "Digital audio out" or "Optical" port.
- Connect the other end to the soundbar's optical input.
- Turn on your TV and soundbar.
An optical connection is limited to 2 channels of uncompressed stereo (PCM) or 5.1 channels of compressed surround sound (Dolby Digital or DTS). While it cannot carry the highest-end formats like Dolby Atmos, it still provides a significant upgrade over your TV's built-in speakers.
Configure your Roku Stick for the best sound
After physically connecting the soundbar, you must adjust the Roku Stick's audio settings to match your setup. During playback of any content, press the Star (*) button on your Roku remote. Select "Advanced sound settings" or "Sound settings," then set "Volume Mode" to "Off." This prevents the Roku from downmixing surround sound to stereo, ensuring your soundbar receives the intended audio format. Next, check the "Digital Output Format" setting. If "Auto" does not provide the expected surround sound, try setting it to "Custom" and manually selecting the specific format your soundbar supports, such as Dolby Digital Plus. This ensures the Roku Stick sends the correct signal for your system.
Troubleshooting common audio problems
No sound from the soundbar
Verify that the HDMI or optical cable is fully inserted into both devices. If using HDMI, ensure CEC and ARC are enabled in your TV's settings.
Audio sync delays
On the Roku Stick, try setting "Volume Mode" to "Off" if you haven't already, as some audio processing can introduce delay.
Why a Roku TV Wireless Soundbar won't work with a Roku Stick
Roku TV Wireless Soundbars are designed to work exclusively with Roku TVs and are not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks or other TV brands. If you have a Roku Stick, you must use a standard soundbar that connects via HDMI ARC/eARC or optical cable.
