Polk Soundbar Troubleshooting — Foolproof Ways to Fix Common Soundbar Issues

Listening to music with the Polk soundbar is a premium sound experience for many melophiles and audiophiles. However, soundbar problems oftentimes hamper this experience. There are several ways to fix common issues, but you may end up damaging your soundbar if you are not an expert. Our engineers listed surefire ways to troubleshoot the Polk soundbar in this guide. 

Issue #1: Soundbar Unable to Connect Wirelessly

Pair Manually Thru Bluetooth Settings

Polk soundbars pair or connect automatically with other devices. But if the device you wish to pair isn’t able to, you should manually pair them together. 

First, restart both the device and soundbar. Then, make sure that Bluetooth is turned on on both. Go to your device’s settings and select Bluetooth. You will see here a list of discoverable devices near you. Tap the Polk soundbar and choose Connect. You should see “Connected” below the device name.  

Replace Bluetooth Sensor

If the process above was unsuccessful, try pairing the Polk soundbar with another Bluetooth device. If you are still encountering pairing issues, you might need to replace the Bluetooth sensor of the soundbar.

Issue #2: Polk Soundbar Keeps Turning Off

Try Changing the Power Adapter

Ensure that the soundbar is connected to the adapter and is plugged into a power source. If the light indicator is not turning on, try changing the power adapter and restart the device.

Replace the Motherboard

If the adapter is working well and there is no problem with the cord, then the problem may be the motherboard. Follow the instructions in the product guide booklet to replace it, or consult with an expert with its replacement. 

Issue #3: No Sound/Not Working With the TV

Inspect Optical or HDMI Cables for Loose Connection or Damage

Remove the HDMI or optical cables that connect your devices and physically inspect if the are damages, cuts, and folds. Once this is clear, reconnect your devices and make sure that the cables are securely and tightly plugged in. 

If there are apparent damages on the cable, replace immediately or try an alternative connection.

Check Audio Output Settings

If there are no extensive damages found on your cable, you might need to check the audio output settings. Ensure that the source devices’ audio output is connected to the soundbar’s audio input plug.

Check your device’s settings and adjust the audio output settings through the equalizer. 

Select the Correct Source on the Soundbar

If you’re using a TV as the source device and using an HDMI or optical cable, go to Settings, press Source, then choose either HDMI/Optical Cable. 

Disable TV Speakers

On your TV, turn off the internal TV speakers through the TV settings. Go to Settings > Sound > Mode > Standard. Choose Advanced Settings and disable the TV’s internal speakers.

Check Mute Option

Another possible reason for the soundbar not working is because it is on mute. To do the Polk soundbar troubleshooting for this problem, use the soundbar’s remote and press mute. You’ll immediately hear a sound if this solves the problem. 

Issue #4: Distorted Sound

Lower the Volume of Audio Source

Muffled audio on your soundbar can be a result of maxed-out volume from your device. Press the volume down keys to lower the volume with your device’s remote. 

Disable Audio Processing

Disable any audio processing [1] by resetting the source’s sound settings. Go to Settings > Sound > Mode > Advanced Settings > Reset. Lastly, press Confirm. 

Issue #5: Volume Adjustment Problems/Buttons Not Working

Clean the Buttons and Keys

If the volume keys are not responding, try removing them and wiping them with a damp cloth. Put them back and retry, adjusting the volume using the keys. 

Inspect the Cables Connecting Audio Source and Soundbar

Physically inspect any cuts and other damages to the cables connecting the source to the soundbar. If there are damages, it’s time to replace them immediately. 

Do a Factory Reset

If your soundbar is still not working, you need to do a factory reset. To do this, open Settings, choose Sound, then click Advanced Settings. Choose Reset, then press Confirm. 

Issue #6: Audio Cuts Off

Disconnect the Remote and Connect Again

Disconnect the remote by removing the batteries. Install back the batteries, then try using the soundbar with the remote again. 

Change Power Source

If that does not solve the issue, an unstable power source may be hindering your soundbar from functioning consistently. Plug the soundbar into another power source and turn it on again. Check if the soundbar is working properly.  

Replace Cable

If plugging into a new power source still does not solve the audio issue, the cable you’re using to connect to another device can be the culprit. Use another type of cable or purchase the same kind you’re using. Then, connect the soundbar to a stable power source. Test if this solves the issue. 

Do a Factory Reset

If nothing solves the problem, perform a factory reset to the soundbar. To do this, long-press the “Microphone Mute” button and the “Volume Down” button on the top of the soundbar. Do this for at least 10 seconds, and it will restore the Polk soundbar to its factory settings. 

Conclusion

Our sound engineers shared all the how-tos in performing Polk soundbar troubleshooting methods, so you will be able to do the steps yourself. Some errors with your soundbar can be fixed in less than five minutes, from physically inspecting the cables, to factory resetting. However, if issues continue to recur, we recommend consulting with Polk’s customer support, especially if your soundbar is still covered by warranty.

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from Polk Soundbar Troubleshooting: SOUND, Bluetooth, TV Issues [2022] https://theproductanalyst.com/polk-soundbar-troubleshooting/