Watching TV with a reliable sound system isn’t always the cheapest endeavor, but Onn soundbars and their budget-friendly price tags do make it possible. However, no matter how good quality these speakers are, it’s still bound to encounter technical issues.
In this Onn soundbar troubleshooting guide, our sound experts will enumerate each common issue and its corresponding simple fixes to ease your worries.
How to Troubleshoot Onn Soundbar Issues
All the devices connected to your sound system could encounter problems concerning audio settings, power cable, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, or poor audio output quality.
Since it can be a hassle to rummage your instruction manual for possible solutions, here are some straightforward soundbar troubleshooting steps you can try.
Issue #1: Onn Soundbar Blinking Red Lights
When you see your Onn soundbar with a red indicator light, it means that the speaker isn’t getting enough power. Read along to find out the correct way of handling this device issue.
Fix #1: Make Use of the Soundbar’s USB Cable
If you’re using an audio or USB cable made for other devices, that’s likely the reason why your Onn soundbar isn’t getting enough power.
Getting your speaker hooked with a TV requires a certain power rating, so it’s always wise to use the official audio cable that comes with your soundbar upon purchase.
Fix #2: Plug it Directly Into the Power Outlet
Sometimes, your TV just can’t provide your Onn soundbar with the power it needs. The simple fix for this issue is to get your audio device connected to an adapter and plug it directly into the power outlet.
Fix #3: Use the Other USB Ports
Not all USB port options in your TV offer the same power level. Because of this, we highly suggest connecting your Onn soundbar to a different port to see if you’ll experience more seamless power connections.
Issue #2: Onn Soundbar Can’t Connect to the TV
If your Onn soundbar fails to connect with your TV, the troubleshooting you need to do depends on the kind of connections you’re using in the sound system.
You may find these specifications on the soundbar manual, but here are the compatible connections most users commonly encounter.
HDMI Connection
Most TVs and soundbars nowadays use an HDMI [1] cable, and some will only work if the connected devices are HDMI ARC-enabled. This feature enhances active audio signal transmissions, but not all devices allow it.
You can confirm compatibility via instruction manuals or check your soundbar and TV for ports labeled with ARC. Besides that, you must go to the audio settings menu to switch the HDMI CEC on. Without these settings, your TV won’t connect to your Onn soundbar via HDMI.
HDMI Inputs Connection
If your Onn soundbars have HDMI inputs, it’s important to use that rather than connecting everything to the TV. You can check the back of your equipment and confirm if the HDMI wire is connected to the right port.
Digital Optical Connection
You may not know, but using an optical cable is the most typical alternative users can try when their Onn soundbars can’t connect with the TV via HDMI.
There’s no need to switch any audio system settings. Just get the optical cable plugged into the devices, and you’re good to go.
CAS and Auxiliary
Besides optical, connecting your Onn soundbar and TV via CAC or auxiliary cable is also possible.
However, kindly note that using these methods in your theatre system could produce lower sound output quality than optical as it only caters to left and right channels.
Digital Coax
You can also connect your TVs and soundbars via digital coax cables if their settings allow this method. But its sound production is still inferior compared to optical and HDMI connections.
Issue #3: Onn Soundbar Cuts Out
When you find your sound system suddenly disconnecting from your TV, it can stem from the following soundbar issues:
Fix #1: Check Your TV’s Power-Savings Settings
If your Onn soundbar has its power-saving setting mode turned on, it explains why your audio system is suddenly cutting out. It will trigger if the soundbar can’t detect sound signals from the TV. To resolve this, just go to the soundbar settings menu and adjust this option.
Fix #2: Inspect the Cables
Are the plugs connecting your Onn soundbar and TV inserted tightly and in good condition? Sometimes, loose and damaged wires can cause the sound signals to get lost in the system.
Fix #3: Check for Software Updates
Rather than blaming the system setting, it’s also possible that your Onn soundbar isn’t updated. Manufacturers provide firmware updates to adjust features on their products.
If you don’t know how to update your Onn soundbar, we urge you to consult the brand’s support service.
Issue #4: Onn Soundbar Not Working + No Sound
Getting no sound from your Onn soundbar is a common issue. Typically, it could be a matter of TV setting or wire problem. Here’s what you should do:
Fix #1: Inspect the Cables
If all the wires connecting your TV and Onn soundbar are inserted securely and not damaged, our advice is to try other setups to see if they work. It doesn’t matter if it’s an optical or RCA cable, as long as both devices allow its connection.
Fix #2: Tweak Your Sound Settings
Another soundbar troubleshooting you can try is switching the TV audio setting to another output like PCM using the remote.
Keep trying until you find the configuration where your Onn soundbar will work.
Issue #5: Onn Soundbar Won’t Turn On
If you already changed the batteries in your remote and programmed it accordingly, but nothing happens no matter how much you press the power button, it’s time to do these soundbar troubleshooting methods.
Fix #1: Plug Your Cables Securely
As previously mentioned, all wires between your Onn soundbar and TV should be plugged correctly and securely. Continually using bad cords won’t only cause your soundbar to not open but will also put users at risk of electrical issues.
Fix #2: Try Another Connection Method
Your TV may not be supplying the required power rating your Onn soundbar needs, so it’s advisable to plug it directly into the wall outlet using an adapter rather than via USB.
Fix #3: Check the Outlet
The problem can also come from your outlet. Try plugging other electronic equipment into the wall socket to confirm this issue. If it doesn’t turn on, have an electrician fix it or find another working outlet to plug your soundbar and TV in.
Issue #6: Onn Soundbar Keeps on Turning Off or Going to Sleep
Receiving low sound input from your TV will cause the Onn soundbar to turn off automatically. This setting is often set at 15 minutes of inactivity, which you can easily change through the speaker’s configurations.
You can also do it by pressing the volume down and power buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds. Doing this will reset the timer on your soundbar to four hours.
Issue #7: Onn Soundbar’s Sound is Muffled or Has Static Noise
Some may think that bad audio quality means the soundbar is damaged. However, there are simple soundbar troubleshooting methods to resolve this.
Fix #1: Increase the Volume
The volume configurations between your Onn soundbar and TV could overlap and cause muffled sounds. For this issue, you have to turn up the volume levels of your TV to 100%. You can do this via multiple controls like the remote or mobile phone app.
After that, adjust your soundbar volume to match the TV audio you’re hearing. By doing this step, you’ll experience fewer audio sync issues.
Fix #2: Try Another Connection Method
If your soundbar and TV specifications allow it, you can opt for an optical connection. It may not support advanced formats, but its sound quality is great.
Issue #8: Visual and Sound Not in Sync
The best solution for video and sound syncing problems is to put your equipment in a power cycle or soft factory reset process.
This method includes turning off and unplugging your TV and soundbar for 30 to 60 seconds before turning them back on. After that time duration, try to hook your soundbar again to see if the problem persists.
Issue #9: Soundbar Can’t Connect to the Phone
If you can’t control your soundbar via mobile phone, it’s likely a Bluetooth issue. Before anything else, don’t forget to check if the Onn soundbar is switched on.
Then, go to your phone’s configurations and turn on the Bluetooth option. Click the soundbar name from the pairing list, and it should start to connect.
If not, there are two possible reasons. First, the Bluetooth technology on your soundbar and phone isn’t compatible, or its internal antenna is damaged.
Conclusion
Overall, Onn soundbar troubleshooting methods are easy to learn as long as you’re familiar with your theatre system’s basic ins and outs. If you intend to be a soundbar user for a long time, we assure you that being accustomed to these issues and their corresponding solutions will save you from unnecessary repair costs.
