Fixing Audio Dropouts on Sonos Arc

Audio dropouts on a Son Soundbar can feel like a broken line in a favorite song or a flicker in a movie’s dialogue. When the Arc’s rich surround field suddenly skips, the experience is ruined. Understanding why this happens and how to fix it quickly turns frustration into a smooth listening session. This guide walks through the most common reasons for audio dropouts and offers practical, step‑by‑step solutions, from simple resets to deeper network checks.

Symptoms That Signal an Audio Dropout

• Sudden Silence – The entire sound stops for a second or two during a scene.
• Intermittent Jumps – The audio keeps starting and stopping, especially during fast‑paced action.
• Missing Sub‑Bass – Low frequencies drop out while higher tones remain.
• Irregular Audio Sync – Audio appears out of sync with the video, creating a “lip‑sync” effect.
• App‑Generated Warnings – The Sonos app may display “Audio not playing” or “Connection lost”.

If you notice one or more of these, the next step is to isolate the root cause.

Common Causes of Audio Dropouts

1. Network Instability – The Arc relies on a reliable Wi‑Fi connection. Interference, weak signal, or congestion can cause hiccups.
2. HDMI or ARC Connection Issues – A faulty cable or a loose port can interrupt the audio path.
3. Firmware or Software Glitches – Outdated firmware may have bugs that surface as dropouts.
4. Audio Settings Mismatch – Incorrect input selection, Dolby Atmos mode, or equalizer settings can clash.
5. Interference from Other Devices – Microwaves, routers, or even neighboring Wi‑Fi networks can disrupt signal strength.
6. Power Supply Problems – A loose plug or power surge may cause temporary outages.

Knowing where to look saves time. Start with the simplest fixes before moving to deeper investigations.

Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting

1. Check the Physical Connections

• HDMI Cable – Ensure the HDMI cable is firmly seated in both the TV and the Arc’s HDMI‑ARC port. Remove and reinsert the cable to guarantee a solid connection.
• Power Cable – Verify that the Arc’s power cord is fully plugged into a grounded outlet. A loose connection can cause momentary blackouts.

If the cable appears damaged, replace it with a high‑speed HDMI cable rated for 4K HDR.

2. Reboot the Sonos Arc and TV

1. Power off the Arc by pressing and holding the power button until the LED flashes amber, then release.
2. Unplug the Arc from the outlet for 30 seconds.
3. While the Arc is off, also power down the TV and wait a minute.
4. Re‑plug the Arc and the TV, then power them back on.

Rebooting clears temporary memory glitches and resets the HDMI handshake.

3. Verify HDMI‑ARC Settings on the TV

• Enable HDMI‑ARC – Navigate to the TV’s audio settings and confirm that the HDMI port connected to the Arc is set to “ARC”.
• Audio Output Format – Set the output to “Auto” or “Dolby Atmos” if available. Some TVs default to “PCM”, which may cause incompatibilities.

After changing the setting, wait for the TV to re‑recognize the Arc and test the audio again.

4. Inspect the Wi‑Fi Network

• Signal Strength – Position the Arc close to the router or use a Wi‑Fi extender if the signal is weak.
• Interference – Avoid placing the Arc near microwave ovens, cordless phones, or thick walls.
• Channel Congestion – If several neighbors use the same 5 GHz channel, switch to a less crowded one via the router’s admin interface.

Run a speed test to confirm a stable internet connection. Even if the Arc works offline, a weak network can cause periodic disconnects during streaming.

5. Update Firmware and Apps

1. Open the Sonos app and go to Settings > System > Software Update. Install any pending updates.
2. On the TV, check for firmware updates and install them.
3. Ensure the streaming app (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) is updated to its latest version.

Firmware updates often patch audio handling bugs and improve compatibility.

6. Adjust Audio Settings in the Sonos App

• Sound Mode – Switch between “Standard” and “Dolby Atmos” to see if one works consistently.
• Equalizer – Reset any custom EQ settings to default.
• Room Calibration – Run a new room correction to ensure the Arc is properly tuned to your space.

Sometimes, a miscalibrated room can create loudness inconsistencies that feel like dropouts.

7. Test with a Different Source

• HDMI Source – Connect a different HDMI source (like a Blu‑ray player or gaming console) to the Arc. If dropouts persist, the issue likely lies with the Arc or its network.
• Streaming Source – Use a different streaming app or device. If the problem disappears, the original app may be at fault.

Isolating the source helps pinpoint whether the Arc or external content causes the issue.

8. Use the Sonos App Diagnostics

The Sonos app contains a built‑in diagnostics tool that can report connection status, signal quality, and error logs.

1. Open Settings > System > Diagnostic.
2. Run the test and review the results. Look for any lines indicating “audio dropped” or “loss of sync”.
3. If the diagnostics flag an issue, note the error code and search the Sonos knowledge base for guidance.

These diagnostics provide a technical view that can confirm whether the problem is hardware, firmware, or network.

9. Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)

A factory reset returns the Arc to its original state. Use this only if all other steps fail.

1. Press and hold the power button on the Arc until the LED flashes blue.
2. Release the button and wait for the Arc to power down.
3. Re‑connect the Arc to the network via the Sonos app.

After the reset, re‑configure all settings and test the audio again.

Advanced Troubleshooting: When Basic Fixes Aren’t Enough

1. Check for HDMI‑CEC Interference

Some TVs send HDMI‑CEC commands that can interfere with the Arc’s audio. Disable HDMI‑CEC in the TV’s settings to rule it out.

2. Inspect the Router’s Quality of Service (QoS)

If your router implements QoS, prioritize the Arc’s traffic to ensure a steady stream. Add the Arc’s MAC address to the router’s priority list.

3. Verify Audio Sync Settings

• In the Sonos app, enable “Trueplay” to adjust the sound output for your room’s acoustics.
• Disable any “Auto‑Sync” settings that might be attempting to correct a perceived mismatch and causing interruptions.

4. Look for Firmware Bugs

Sometimes a recent firmware update introduces regressions. Check the Sonos Community Forums for reports of similar audio issues. If a known bug exists, wait for a patch or revert to the previous stable firmware.

5. Evaluate the Electrical Environment

• Use a surge protector to protect against voltage spikes.
• Ensure the outlet is not overloaded with other high‑power devices.

Electrical noise can subtly affect audio signals, especially on a power‑hungry soundbar.

When to Seek Professional Support

If you have exhausted all troubleshooting steps and still experience dropouts, it’s time to contact Sonos support. Provide them with:

• The results of the diagnostic test.
• The exact steps you performed and their outcomes.
• Any error codes or messages.
• The model number and serial number of your Arc.

Professional technicians can run deeper diagnostics, such as checking the internal circuitry or firmware logs, and may arrange a repair or replacement if warranted.

Prevention Tips for a Drop‑out‑Free Experience

• Keep Firmware Updated – Enable automatic updates to receive patches immediately.
• Maintain a Strong Wi‑Fi Signal – Position the router centrally and consider a mesh system for large homes.
• Use Quality Cables – Invest in certified HDMI 2.1 cables that support high bandwidth.
• Avoid Interference – Keep the Arc away from large metal objects and power‑heavy appliances.
• Regularly Re‑calibrate – If you rearrange furniture or change room acoustics, run a new room calibration in the Sonos app.

A proactive approach keeps your audio system running smoothly and reduces the need for troubleshooting.

Final Thoughts

Fixing audio dropouts on a Son Arc is a systematic process. Start with the simplest solutions—checking cables, rebooting devices, and verifying network strength—and move to more detailed checks such as firmware updates and diagnostic tools. By following the step‑by‑step guide above, you’ll restore the uninterrupted sound experience you expect from a premium home audio system. Remember, consistency in maintenance and swift action when problems arise are the keys to long‑term audio reliability.