Soundbar Unboxing and Setup Checklist

Before you unbox: check the box and the labels

On delivery, check the outer packaging for visible damage before you open it. If the box looks damaged, photograph it and contact the seller before setting anything up. The first words of a listing title usually name the model; feature words after the model name, such as Dolby Atmos or a separate subwoofer, describe what is in the box. The model label on the box and on the bar itself tells you which model you received; compare it with the model name on the listing. A listing that names a bundle, for example a soundbar with a separate subwoofer or with rear speakers, should arrive as 1 box or several boxes; check that every named part is present.

Keep the outer box and any packing material until you have confirmed the parts are present. The original box is useful if you need to move or return the bar later.

Check the contents against the listing

Open the box and lay out the contents. A typical soundbar box contains the bar, a remote, batteries, a power cord, and a quick start guide. Whether an HDMI cable or an optical cable is included varies; read the listing to see which cables it names.

If the title names a separate subwoofer or rear speakers, those parts should be in the box or in another box. The separate-subwoofer guide and the rear-speakers guide explain how those parts are named on listings. If a part is missing, contact the seller before buying a replacement; the seller can confirm what should be included.

• The soundbar bar
• Remote control and batteries
• Power cord
• HDMI cable, if the listing names one
• Optical cable, if the listing names one
• Subwoofer, if the listing names one
• Rear speakers, if the listing names them
• Quick start guide or manual

Place the bar on the stand or shelf

Put the bar in front of the TV on the TV stand or shelf. The bar's width is stated on the maker's page; measure the space on your stand so the bar fits. The table-versus-wall-mount article explains the two placement options; this checklist covers placing the bar on a stand. For a TV that sits on a stand, the TV stand placement article goes into more detail.

Leave the area around the bar clear. Most bars have vents or a grille, and the manual describes keeping the vents clear. Position the bar so the TV remote's signal can reach the bar's remote sensor; the manual describes the clearance.

Connect with HDMI ARC or eARC

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC are the connections that carry TV audio back to the bar over a single HDMI cable. The HDMI organization describes eARC as simplifying connectivity and supporting the most advanced audio formats; the HDMI 2.2 specification is backward compatible with earlier versions. Look for an HDMI port on the TV labeled ARC or eARC, and connect the bar to that port.

If the listing includes an HDMI cable, use it. If it does not, read the listing to see whether a cable is stated, and check the maker's page for the cable type the bar needs. The ARC versus eARC bandwidth comparison compares the two names as they appear on listings; for a bar that names HDMI ARC, see the best HDMI ARC soundbar guide.

Optical and Bluetooth as alternatives

If your TV has no HDMI ARC port, the listing may name an optical input. Optical (Toslink) carries audio from the TV to the bar with 1 cable; the listing will say whether the bar has an optical input and whether the cable is included. The ARC versus optical article compares the two connection names, and the optical input limitations article explains what optical can carry.

Bluetooth is another connection the listing may name; the Bluetooth technology overview describes the Bluetooth Classic radio as a low-power radio used mainly for wireless audio streaming. Read the listing to see which connections the bar has, and check the ports on your TV before you choose one.

Connect power and follow the manual

For connecting power, follow the maker's manual for the bar and for any subwoofer or rear speakers in the bundle. The manual describes the power cord, the indicator lights to check after plugging in, and any first-time setup steps.

If the listing names a separate subwoofer, that part has its own power connection, described in the same manual. The quick start guide usually shows the connection steps in order; keep it with the manual.

Pair the subwoofer and rear speakers if they came in the box

A bundle that names a separate subwoofer or rear speakers needs a pairing step before those parts receive audio. The manual describes the pairing procedure, which for wireless parts usually involves a button on the subwoofer or rear speakers and a setting on the bar.

If the parts are wired, the manual shows where the cables connect. Read the listing to know whether the subwoofer and rear speakers are wireless; the title will say so. The subwoofer pairing troubleshooting article covers common pairing issues.

First power-on, app setup, and keeping the packaging

After connecting power and pairing, turn on the bar with the remote. Some bars have an auto power-on feature that turns the bar on when the TV starts; the manual describes it. If the bar uses an app for setup, the maker's page describes the app; Sonos, for example, describes its app as walking the user through setup step by step. A firmware update may be offered during setup; treat firmware as a support question and follow the maker's instructions; the software updates article explains the term.

Keep the packaging and the manual after setup: the box is useful if you move or return the bar. Some makers ask you to register the product after setup; the manual describes it. For cleaning, dust the bar occasionally with a soft cloth; the cleaning guide covers that.

For a first soundbar, the main soundbar guide compares bars on stated details, including the connections that appear in each listing.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What should I check when a soundbar is delivered?

Check the outer box for damage and photograph anything you see. Open the box and compare the contents with the listing: the bar, remote, power cord, and any cables the listing names. If the title names a subwoofer or rear speakers, confirm those parts are present.

Do I need to buy an HDMI cable?

Read the listing to see whether an HDMI cable is included. If the listing does not say, check the maker's page for the cable type the bar needs, and confirm which cables come in the box with the seller.

My TV has no HDMI ARC port. What do I use?

Use the optical input if the listing names one; optical carries audio from the TV to the bar over 1 cable. Bluetooth is another option if the listing names it. Read the listing to see which connections the bar has.

How do I pair the wireless subwoofer?

The maker's manual describes the pairing procedure, usually a button on the subwoofer and a setting on the bar. If the listing names a separate subwoofer, that part pairs through the bar; the troubleshooting guide covers common pairing issues.

Should I keep the box after setup?

Keep the outer box and packing material if you plan to move or return the bar. The box protects the bar in transit, and the manual is useful for setup and care.

What if a part is missing from the box?

Contact the seller before buying a replacement. The listing states the contents, and the seller can confirm what should have been included.