The HDMI ARC port on your LG TV is on the back or side panel, and it is explicitly labeled "ARC," "HDMI ARC," "HDMI IN (ARC)," or "eARC." That label is the single most reliable way to find where is HDMI ARC on LG TV, since the port’s position varies by model but the marking never does.
Where is the HDMI ARC port on an LG TV
Look at the physical port cluster on your LG TV. The ARC port is the one with the ARC or eARC text printed directly next to it. On most LG TVs, this port is among the HDMI inputs, often on the back panel near the other connections, but some models place it on the side for easier access. If you see multiple HDMI ports, the ARC designation is your cue, it is not always the first or last HDMI port, so rely on the label rather than the position. If your setup involves a different brand, locating the HDMI ARC port on Hisense TV follows a similar label-based logic, while the specific HDMI port is ARC on Sony Bravia models is typically marked as HDMI 3 or labeled with ARC.
Step-by-step: locate and connect HDMI ARC on your LG TV
Start with a visual inspection. Examine the back and side panels of your LG TV for the HDMI ports. Look for the one marked "ARC," "HDMI ARC," "HDMI IN (ARC)," or "eARC." If the label is too small or obscured, check the user manual that came with your TV; it includes a port diagram. You can also find the manual online by searching for your TV model on the LG support site.
Once you have identified the port, use your remote to confirm it. Press the "Input" or "Source" button on your LG TV remote. A list of inputs appears on screen. Navigate to the HDMI input that corresponds to the ARC-labeled port, it may appear as "HDMI ARC" or "eARC" in the list. Select it to make that input active.
Connect your audio device, such as a soundbar or AV receiver, using an HDMI cable. Plug one end into the HDMI output (labeled TV eARC/ARC) on your audio device, and the other end into the HDMI IN (ARC) port on your LG TV. Ensure the cable is fully seated at both ends.
After the physical connection, complete the software step. Press the "Settings" button on your LG TV remote. Navigate to "Sound" in the main settings menu. From the "Output Speaker" list, select "HDMI ARC" (or "eARC" if your devices support it). This tells the TV to send audio back through the ARC port to your soundbar or receiver.
Troubleshooting common HDMI ARC problems on LG TVs
If audio does not play through your connected device, begin with a compatibility check. Both your LG TV and the audio device must support ARC or eARC for the feature to work. If either device lacks support, the connection will not carry audio, regardless of the cable or settings.
Next, verify the cable connection. A loose or damaged HDMI cable is a frequent cause of ARC failure. Unplug the cable from both the TV and the audio device, then reconnect it firmly. If the problem persists, try a different HDMI cable that is rated for high-speed data transfer, as older cables may not handle ARC reliably.
Check that ARC is enabled in your TV settings. Go to Settings > Sound > Output Speaker and confirm "HDMI ARC" is selected. If CEC is off, ARC may not activate even when the output is set correctly.
Power cycle both devices to clear communication errors. Turn off your LG TV and the connected audio device. Unplug both from the power outlet, wait a few minutes, then plug them back in and power them on. This reset often resolves ARC handshake issues that occur after a firmware update or a change in connected devices.
If you have multiple HDMI ports labeled ARC on your LG TV, you can use any of them, the TV treats them identically for audio return. Choose the one that is most convenient for your cable routing. Remember that HDMI ARC transmits up to 5.1 channels of surround sound, while eARC supports up to 32 channels of uncompressed audio or up to 8 channels of 24-bit/192kHz audio. If you need higher-bandwidth audio formats like Dolby Atmos, ensure both your TV and audio device support eARC, not just ARC.
When troubleshooting, also consider the HDMI ports on a TV: some LG TVs label multiple inputs as "HDMI IN," but only one carries the ARC designation. If you accidentally connect your soundbar to a non-ARC HDMI port, the TV will not send audio back through that connection. Double-check the label on the port, not just the input number on your remote’s source list.
If you have tried all these steps and audio still does not work, confirm that your audio device is set to its ARC or eARC input mode. Many soundbars and receivers have a dedicated input selector for ARC; if the device is set to a different input, it will not receive the TV’s audio signal. Refer to your audio device’s manual for the correct input selection. If the issue remains, consult your LG TV’s user manual or contact LG customer support for model-specific guidance.
