A gaming lover knows the significance of listening to games sound to an extreme level to make the thrilling game experience more exciting. So you might have thought of adding values to your game sound by connecting it to the sound system, and a question might arise in your mind: can you connect a Soundbar to an Xbox?
Yes, you can connect a soundbar to an Xbox via an HDMI connection, ensuring both devices are compatible. However, having a TV to stabilize video and audio signals would be best.
In this article, we will discuss a step-by-step guide to connecting a soundbar to an Xbox and some important connectivity issues that weaken the stable connection so that you can build a stronger connection between the two.
How to Connect a Soundbar to an Xbox?
Here is the step-by-step process for Xbox to a soundbar without running into problems;
Gather Necessary Equipment:
The smoothness and proficiency of a process come by ensuring you have all the necessary equipment.
While there are multiple ways of hooking a soundbar to an Xbox, the best and the most convenient way is to connect both devices to the TV independently.
To ensure a secure connection, you need the following;
- An Xbox
- HDMI ARC cables
- A soundbar
- A TV
- HDMI cables.
Of course, your gaming console and TV should be HDMI/ARC compatible and stable enough to handle two different output/input connections. If not, add an HDMI converter to your list.
For a wireless working soundbar, buy a receiver to gain signal access. Ensure you have a power-pack plug to deliver sufficient power to the devices.
Connect the Soundbar to The TV Using HDMI ARC Cable:
After lining up all the necessary equipment, the first step is to connect the soundbar to the TV using an HDMI ARC cable. For this;
- Examine your TV and locate where the ARC audio output/input labels are.
- HDMI entrance port is effortless to find- thanks to its unique shape. However, the ARC input label might be tricky to find.
- Once you locate the port, connect the input end to the TV, while the output end of the cable will connect with the soundbar.
- If the TV doesn’t feature an HDMI ARC port, use an HDMI converter.
Connect the Xbox to The TV Using HDMI Cables:
The next step is to connect the Xbox to the TV using an HDMI cable. If you have any doubts, use the separate cord you used earlier when connecting the soundbar to the TV.
Most TVs in the marketplace feature at least two HDMI input options. If your TV doesn’t have two input options, pair your devices with a converter or receiver.
Many gaming enthusiasts suggest connecting the soundbar directly to the Xbox to achieve desired sound settings. This option might sound effortless, but it doesn’t deliver the best sound quality.
- Connect the input end of the HDMI cable to the TV, while the output end with the Xbox.
- Again, use a receiver or converter if the TV doesn’t have an extra HDMI port.
- The TV is an intermediary device that efficiently delivers video and audio signals from various sources.
Provide a Power Source:
This step might seem straightforward but is most overlooked. While it seems unusual to have in the first place, adding it to your list can save you from embarrassment in front of your call and upsurges the need to call a tech troubleshooter.
Double-check that you provide a stable power source to all devices, including inserting batteries in the remote controller. Moreover, ensure no other devices are connected to the power source except for the Xbox, soundbar, and TV.
Adjust TV Sound Settings:
After establishing physical connections, the last step is to adjust TV sound settings and mark the soundbar as the default sound stream device. If not, the TV will continue streaming the standard audio from the default speakers.
Luckily, adjusting the TV sound settings is a simple process. To do this;
- Switch ON your TV and navigate to Settings.
- If you can’t find the Setting option, use your remote controller.
- Under the Setting section, select the soundbar in the output audio option.
- Now enable the soundbar as the default sound streaming device.
- Save changes and exit.
Once you enable the streaming audio for the soundbar now, your TV will play audio using the soundbar to give you the ultimate gaming experience and enjoy quality sound.
Why Won’t My Soundbars Work On My Xbox?
Not everyone succeeds in establishing a stable connection between Xbox and the soundbar.
Even after following the exact step-by-step process, you might experience some connectivity issues.
The standard connectivity issues users face include the following;
- The soundbar will keep disconnecting from your Xbox.
- Leaving you with no audio even after reconnecting the cables and checking the sound settings.
- Deteriorated audio or shutter sound.
Well, several issues contribute to this. Some of the mains reasons could be the following:
- Wrong or inadequate setup of the Xbox.
- It might be the issue with the HDMI or ARC cables you use to build the connection.
- You might have connected your soundbar to Xbox incorrectly without checking the compatibility.
- Any necessary equipment must be included or inappropriately linked to the TV, soundbar, or Xbox.
To resolve this:
- Ensure the ports are cleaned with no debris or dust particles blocking the plug.
- Ensure the pins are inserted securely, not loosely.
- Try using different speakers to check if the current ones have an issue.
If there is no problem with the speakers, it is conceivable that Xbox settings need to be updated. To fix it, go to Settings, navigate to the All Settings options, then Display. Lastly, select Audio Output and ensure you’ve chosen the desired Speaker option.
Can You Plug Soundbar into Xbox One Controller?
No, you cannot directly plug a soundbar into the Xbox controller. This is because there is no audio output port where you can plug the soundbar. However, you can either plug the soundbar into the Xbox console itself or the TV using HDMI, optical, or RCA connectivity options.
Conclusion
If you are ready to enhance your Xbox audio quality the soundbar is one of the best options. And yes you can connect a soundbar to Xbox following the above-given step-by-step guide.
There is different connectivity option you can choose from including Wired as well as Wireless. Although it will largely depend on the type of soundbar and if you’re connecting with a TV then TV connectivity options will also matter. However, the popular options are HDMI and Optical cable.
So, don’t settle for mediocre sound when you can easily connect your soundbar to your Xbox and enjoy a more immersive gaming experience.