Turn ON Sony Soundbar Without Remote
By Robert Jones · 2021-02-07
Don't fret if your Sony soundbar remote has gone missing. As a veteran audio engineer, I can tell you there are plenty of ways to get your soundbar going again, from physical buttons to your TV remote and even smartphone apps.
Right then, if you've ever lost your TV remote down the back of the sofa, you'll know the pain. But what if it's your soundbar remote? And not just any soundbar, a Sony, which can be a bit particular. Don't fret, I've been there, pulling my hair out trying to get some decent sound going when that dinky little controller has vanished into the ether. It’s a common enough problem, so let’s get stuck in. **Quick Verdict: You can usually get your Sony soundbar going without its original remote, often with a TV remote or a quick button press.** ### Why The Remote Disappears (and Why It Matters) Honestly, I swear these remotes are designed to go missing. They're usually tiny, black, and have a habit of slipping between cushions or getting eaten by pets. But a soundbar remote, especially for a Sony, isn't just for switching it on and off. It often controls input selection, sound modes, bass levels, and even firmware updates on some models. Lose it, and you lose a fair bit of functionality. Over the years, I've had countless customers ring me up, exasperated. "Robert, the blooming soundbar won't turn on!" they'd say. And nine times out of ten, it's the remote that's gone walkabout. It's frustrating, especially when you just want to put on a bit of telly after a long day.  *Turn ON Sony Soundbar Without Remote — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## The Direct Approach: Physical Buttons on the Soundbar Itself Let's start with the most obvious, but often overlooked, solution. Most soundbars, even the sleekest Sony models, will have some physical controls on the unit itself. Now, where they are can vary wildly. ### Where to Look for Buttons * **Top Surface:** Often, you'll find a row of discreet buttons along the top edge. These might be touch-sensitive, or actual clicky buttons. Look for power, volume up/down, and input/source selection. * **Front Panel:** Less common these days, but some older or more budget-friendly models might have controls hidden behind a grille or on a front fascia. * **Side Panels:** Sometimes tucked away on the left or right side, often near the ends of the soundbar. * **Rear Panel:** Unlikely for power or volume, but you might find a main power switch here, especially on larger, more professional units. I've found that Sony tends to keep things tidy. On many of their HT-series soundbars, like the HT-SF150 or the older HT-CT390 I had in for repair last year, the controls are usually along the top. You're looking for a simple power symbol (a circle with a vertical line through it). Give that a press. Sometimes you need a firm, sustained press for a couple of seconds to get it to wake up. ### What if there are no visible buttons? Some high-end or very minimalist Sony soundbars might seem to lack physical controls entirely. Don't despair just yet. Sometimes they're hidden! I've seen models where the whole top panel is touch-sensitive, and the symbols only light up when you touch them, or when the unit detects a hand nearby. Read the manual if you still have it, or look up your specific model online. It's usually there somewhere, just being shy. ## The TV Remote: Your Soundbar's Best Friend (Sometimes) This is often the easiest and most practical workaround. If your Sony soundbar is connected to a relatively modern TV, there's a good chance they're communicating. This is all thanks to a rather clever bit of tech called HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). ### What is HDMI-CEC? Every manufacturer has their own fancy name for it, but it's all the same thing. Sony calls it "Bravia Sync." Samsung has "Anynet+," LG has "SimpLink," and so on. Essentially, it allows devices connected via HDMI to control each other. So, when you turn on your TV, it can tell your soundbar to turn on too, and vice versa. It can also route audio and allow your TV remote to control the soundbar's volume. I've been raving about HDMI-CEC for years. It simplifies things immensely. No more juggling three remotes just to watch a film! But it needs to be set up correctly. ### How to Activate Bravia Sync (and similar CEC functions): 1. **Connect via HDMI ARC/eARC:** Make sure your soundbar is connected to the TV's HDMI port labelled "ARC" (Audio Return Channel) or "eARC" (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). This is crucial. Regular HDMI ports don't have the audio return capability. 2. **Enable CEC on Your TV:** Go into your TV's settings. Look for something like "System," "Connections," or "External Devices." Then find the setting for "HDMI Control," "Bravia Sync," "Anynet+," or whatever your TV manufacturer calls it. Make sure it's switched "On." 3. **Enable CEC on Your Soundbar:** This is usually enabled by default on Sony soundbars, but it's worth checking if you're having trouble. Often there's a button on the soundbar's original remote for "HDMI Function" or "Control for HDMI" within its own menu. Without the remote, this can be tricky. Sometimes, holding down the soundbar's power button for a few seconds will toggle its CEC status, or a combination of other physical buttons. Again, the manual for your specific model is your friend here. 4. **Test It:** Once both are enabled, try turning your TV on or off. The soundbar should follow suit. And when you adjust the volume on your TV remote, you should see the soundbar's volume level change. If Bravia Sync is working, turning on your TV with its remote should automatically power up your soundbar. Simple as that. I always recommend people set this up; it saves a lot of faffing about. ## Smartphone Apps: A Modern Solution Ah, the smartphone. It's replaced so many gadgets, hasn't it? Clocks, cameras, and yes, even remotes. Many modern Sony soundbars, particularly those with Wi-Fi connectivity, can be controlled via a dedicated app. ### Sony | Music Center (formerly SongPal) This is Sony's go-to app for controlling their audio devices. If your soundbar is relatively new and connects to your home Wi-Fi network, this app is a lifesaver. 1. **Download the App:** Search for "Sony | Music Center" in your phone's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS). 2. **Connect to Wi-Fi:** Your soundbar needs to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. The initial setup might require you to put the soundbar into a "pairing" or "setup" mode, which sometimes does need a physical button press or the original remote for the first time. 3. **Find Your Device:** Open the app and it should scan for compatible Sony devices on your network. Once found, you can select it. 4. **Full Control:** From there, you'll have a virtual remote, letting you turn it on/off, change inputs, adjust volume, tweak sound modes, and more. It's often even more functional than the physical remote, offering deeper settings. I've got a Sony HT-A7000 in my home cinema room at the moment, and I hardly ever touch its physical remote. The Music Center app is just so much more convenient. Especially if you've got multiple Sony devices; it brings them all together in one place. Worth noting that older, more basic soundbars won't have this Wi-Fi capability, so this solution is for the newer, smarter models. ### Universal Remote Control Apps (Infrared Blasters) Some smartphones, particularly older Android models, used to come with an IR (Infrared) blaster built-in. This allowed them to act like a traditional universal remote. If your phone has one, you can download a universal remote app and try to configure it for your Sony soundbar. Look for brands like "AnyMote" or "SURE Universal Remote." These apps often have extensive databases of IR codes. However, these IR blasters are becoming increasingly rare on modern phones. ## Universal Remotes: A Dedicated Replacement If the original remote is well and truly lost, or damaged, a universal remote is a solid, long-term solution. I've programmed hundreds of these over the years, and they can be incredibly handy. ### Types of Universal Remotes: * **Basic Universal Remotes:** These are often cheap, simple remotes designed to control a few devices (TV, DVD, Cable box, Soundbar). They usually come with a code book or an auto-search function. * **Learning Remotes:** These are more sophisticated. If you still have *some* functions working on the original remote, a learning remote can "learn" the codes by pointing the original remote at it. This is brilliant for obscure or older devices. * **Programmable Remotes (e.g., Logitech Harmony - *RIP*):** These used to be the gold standard, programmed via a computer or app, offering incredible customisation and activity-based control ("Watch a Movie" button would turn on TV, soundbar, Blu-ray player, and switch inputs). Sadly, Logitech has discontinued their Harmony line, which is a real shame. There are other brands stepping up, but it's not quite the same. ### How to Set Up a Universal Remote: 1. **Code Entry:** Look up Sony soundbar codes in the universal remote's manual or online. Enter the 3, 4, or 5-digit code. Test it out. 2. **Auto-Search:** If code entry doesn't work, most universal remotes have an auto-search function. You press a button, and it cycles through codes until your device responds. This can take a while, but it often works. 3. **Learning Function:** If you manage to borrow a friend's identical Sony remote for a few minutes, or if your original remote is partially working, use a learning remote. It's very accurate. I'd always recommend spending a bit more on a decent universal remote, like a One For All. The really cheap ones can be a bit flaky and limited. It's an investment if you're prone to losing remotes or have a complex setup. ## Troubleshooting Common Issues Sometimes, it's not just the remote. If your soundbar isn't responding, even to physical buttons or a TV remote you know should be working, there might be other issues at play. ### Power Cycle Everything This is the IT crowd's favourite, and for good reason. "Have you tried turning it off and on again?" 1. **Turn off your TV and soundbar.** 2. **Unplug both from the mains socket.** Not just turn off at the wall, but actually pull the plug out. 3. **Wait 60 seconds.** This allows any residual charge to dissipate and refreshes the internal circuits. 4. **Plug them back in.** 5. **Turn on your TV first, then try turning on your soundbar.** I've seen this fix countless inexplicable issues over the years. It resets the HDMI-CEC handshake, clears temporary glitches, and often brings things back to life. ### Check Cables and Connections A loose HDMI cable can wreak havoc with CEC. Make sure your HDMI cable is firmly seated in both the TV's ARC/eARC port and the soundbar's HDMI OUT (ARC) port. If it's a bit old or damaged, consider replacing it with a new, high-speed HDMI cable. It doesn't need to be fancy gold-plated nonsense, just a decent quality one. I've had many a case where a flimsy cable was causing intermittent dropouts or preventing CEC from working properly. ### Input Selection Even if you get the soundbar to power on, you might not hear anything if it's on the wrong input. If you're relying on physical buttons, look for a "Source" or "Input" button. Cycle through them (TV, HDMI 1, HDMI 2, Bluetooth, USB, etc.) until you hear sound. Sometimes it's on Bluetooth when you want TV, and you're left scratching your head. ### Firmware Updates Less likely to prevent power-on, but sometimes outdated firmware can mess with HDMI-CEC reliability. If you do get your soundbar working, check Sony's support website for your model to see if there are any available firmware updates. These usually come via USB stick or, on newer models, directly over Wi-Fi through the Music Center app. Keeping things updated can prevent a lot of headaches down the line. ## When All Else Fails: What to Do Next If you've tried everything above and your Sony soundbar is still stubbornly refusing to cooperate, it might be time for some more drastic measures. ### Order a Replacement Remote * **Official Sony Spares:** You can often order a direct replacement remote from Sony's parts department or an authorised distributor. It might cost a bit more, but it's guaranteed to work perfectly and restore all original functionality. * **Third-Party Replacements:** Amazon and eBay are awash with third-party replacement remotes. They're usually much cheaper, but quality can vary. Read reviews carefully. I've had good luck with some, others have been absolute rubbish, needing excessive force on buttons or breaking after a month. ### Factory Reset the Soundbar This is a last resort, as it will wipe all your custom settings, network connections, and paired devices. The method for a factory reset varies by model, but it usually involves holding down a combination of physical buttons (e.g., Power and Volume Down) for several seconds. Check your specific soundbar's manual for the exact procedure. After a factory reset, you'll need to re-do all the initial setup, including connecting it to your TV via HDMI-CEC or the app. Only do this if you've exhausted all other options. ### Professional Help If none of this works, and you suspect a deeper issue (e.g., a faulty power supply, a knackered main board), it might be time to call in a professional. A local audio repair shop (like mine!) might be able to diagnose and fix the problem. Sometimes, if the soundbar is very old or a lower-end model, the cost of repair might outweigh the cost of a new one. I'll always give an honest assessment of whether it