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No Source Detected

Bose Soundbar

Severity: Minor

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

Bose Soundbar No Source Detected — Input Switching Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

Bose 'No Source Detected' means no audio is reaching the soundbar from the connected device (TV, streamer, etc.).
Causes: TV not outputting audio (set to internal speakers), HDMI cable loose, wrong HDMI port (TV needs eARC/ARC port), or the soundbar's input selection is wrong.
Set TV audio output to HDMI ARC, confirm cable is in the eARC port, and select TV input on the soundbar remote.

Affected Models

  • Bose Soundbar 700
  • Bose Soundbar 900
  • Bose Smart Soundbar 600
  • Bose Smart Soundbar 300

Common Causes

  • TV audio set to internal speakers, not HDMI
  • HDMI cable not in TV's eARC/ARC port
  • Cable not seated firmly at one end
  • Soundbar input set to wrong source (Bluetooth selected when watching TV)
  • TV firmware bug after recent update
  • Source device powered off

How to Fix It

  1. Set TV audio output to external.

    TV settings → Sound → Audio Output → External Speaker / HDMI ARC.
    Many TVs default to Internal Speakers after firmware updates.
    Confirm explicitly.

  2. Confirm HDMI cable in eARC port.

    Only one HDMI port on the TV is the eARC/ARC port — usually labeled.
    Plug Bose's HDMI into that specific port.
    Other HDMI ports won't carry audio back to the soundbar.

  3. Reseat HDMI cable both ends.

    Unplug from TV.
    Unplug from Bose.
    Wait 30 seconds.
    Plug back in firmly.
    Bose-supplied cables usually fit snug — generic cables can work loose.

  4. Select correct input on Bose remote.

    Bose Soundbar 700/900 remote has source buttons.
    Press TV (not Bluetooth, not Aux).
    Display shows 'TV' as active source.
    If watching streaming on TV, this is the right setting.

  5. Power-cycle both devices.

    Unplug TV power, unplug Bose power.
    Wait 60 seconds.
    Plug Bose in first.
    Plug TV in.
    Order matters for HDMI handshake.

  6. Test with a different source.

    Plug a Roku, Apple TV, or game console directly to the Bose's HDMI input (if available) or via the TV.
    If sound works from that source but not from another, the original source device is the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Optical work as a fallback?

Yes — Bose soundbars accept optical input.
You lose Atmos and high-bitrate codecs but standard audio works.
Useful as a backup while diagnosing HDMI issues.
Toslink cable is 5-15 USD and plugs into the optical port on TV and Bose.