LG 55" QLED - HDMI ARC Not Working (October 2025)
LG QLED HDMI ARC port
Bent pin in HDMI port
Pin straightened and working
LG QLED55 came in with HDMI ARC not working. Customer said they couldn't get audio from their soundbar.
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a feature that allows the TV to send audio back to the soundbar. When it stops working, it's usually a simple fix.
Understanding the Symptoms
HDMI ARC port wasn't working. Other HDMI ports worked fine. Just the ARC port was dead.
Diagnosis Process
Checked the HDMI ARC port with a multimeter. Found that one of the pins wasn't making contact.
The port was slightly bent, probably from someone forcing a cable in the wrong way.
The Repair
Carefully straightened the bent pin. Used a small tool to gently bend it back into position.
Tested the connection. Pin was now making contact.
Testing and Verification
Connected the soundbar via HDMI ARC. Audio came through perfectly.
Let it run for 24 hours to make sure the connection was stable.
Why This Works
HDMI ARC failures are often just bent pins or loose connections. Before replacing the port, try straightening the pins.
This works 80% of the time.
Cost Analysis
Pin straightening: Free Labor: 15 minutes Total: $0
New HDMI port: $50+
The customer saved $50+ by straightening the pin instead of replacing the port.
When to Replace
If straightening the pin doesn't work, then you need to replace the port. But always try this simple fix first.