In this guide
Yes, you can run audio through HDMI — it transmits audio and video together in a single cable. You just need compatible devices, the right port, and correct output settings.
- Source and display both support HDMI audio (PCM, Dolby Digital, etc.)
- You use HDMI 1.4 or later for ARC/eARC features
- HDMI is selected as the audio output in your OS or device settings
- You need audio-only output — HDMI bundles audio and video and cannot separate them without an extractor
- Your amp or receiver lacks an HDMI input
- The wrong HDMI port is used (ARC only works on the designated ARC port)
How HDMI Carries Audio
HDMI bundles audio and video into a single digital signal. Formats supported include uncompressed stereo PCM, multi-channel PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X depending on the HDMI version and device capability. No separate audio cable is needed.
If you are connecting a PC, game console, or streaming stick to a TV or monitor with built-in speakers, audio should pass through automatically once HDMI is set as the playback device in your sound settings.
ARC and eARC: Sending Audio Back to Your Soundbar
Standard HDMI is one-way for audio. ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC, introduced in HDMI 1.4 and 2.1 respectively, allow a TV to send audio back down the same cable to a soundbar or receiver — removing the need for a separate optical cable.
- ARC — supports compressed audio like Dolby Digital 5.1
- eARC — supports lossless formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Both devices must support ARC or eARC, and you must plug into the port labelled ARC on the TV. Check the HDMI.org audio extractor specification if you need to split audio out to a legacy receiver that lacks HDMI.
Common Setups at a Glance
| Setup | Works? | Need | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC to TV via HDMI | Yes | Select HDMI in sound settings | Uses TV speakers or ARC soundbar |
| Console to TV | Yes | Standard HDMI cable | Audio passes automatically |
| TV to soundbar (ARC) | Yes | HDMI 1.4+, ARC port | One cable handles both directions |
| TV to legacy amp (no HDMI) | No | Audio extractor | Converts to optical or RCA |
| Audio-only output | No | Audio extractor | HDMI cannot strip audio alone |
When Audio Does Not Come Through
The most common reason audio fails over HDMI is the output device not being set correctly. On Windows, right-click the speaker icon, open Sound settings, and set your HDMI display as the default playback device. On a Mac, go to System Settings → Sound → Output and select the HDMI display.
If you are having trouble getting video and audio to a display, see our guide on why USB-C to HDMI is not working for adapter-related audio issues. For users connecting laptops without a full HDMI port, check whether USB-C can connect to HDMI and carry audio at the same time.
Bottom line: HDMI is one of the easiest ways to carry high-quality audio alongside video using a single cable. Make sure your devices support the required HDMI version, select the correct port, and set HDMI as your audio output — and you will have audio running through HDMI without any extra cables.