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If your Sony soundbar turns off after sitting idle, check its model-specific Auto Standby setting first. If it shuts down when the TV turns off, check the HDMI-CEC or BRAVIA Sync power settings on both devices. Sony’s troubleshooting advice and available controls vary by soundbar model, so find the model number and consult its matching manual or Help Guide before trying menu paths or button presses.
Match the shutdown pattern to the likely cause
- It turns off after a period of inactivity: Check Auto Standby and the audio signal coming from the connected source. Sony says the feature may put a soundbar into standby after approximately 15 minutes on models covered by its guidance; that timing should not be assumed for every Sony soundbar. Sony’s auto-shutdown troubleshooting guide was last modified February 3, 2022.
- It turns off when the TV powers down: Check whether HDMI-CEC or BRAVIA Sync is linking the TV’s and soundbar’s power behavior. Sony’s soundbar troubleshooting guidance and HDMI-linked power guidance describe these controls; the latter was last modified January 19, 2026.
Find the right instructions for your model
Look for the model number on the soundbar itself, its label, or its documentation, then use Sony’s support site to open that model’s manual or Help Guide. Search the guide for “Auto Standby,” “Control for HDMI,” and other standby or power-link terms. Names and menu locations differ, and a setting described for one soundbar may not exist on another.
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Sony specifically says Auto Standby cannot be turned off on the HT-CT80. For other models, disable the feature only if the matching guide provides that control; do not assume every Sony soundbar offers an off switch. Sony’s model-dependent guidance also describes Auto Standby as a possible cause of shutdown after inactivity.
Check Auto Standby and the incoming audio
If the bar shuts down while the TV or source remains on, first inspect the soundbar’s Auto Standby setting in its model-specific guide. If a disable option is available, turn it off and see whether the symptom changes.
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If it still happens, check how audio is being sent to the bar. Sony suggests setting a connected cable or satellite box’s volume to maximum and adjusting listening volume on the soundbar. With a TV connection, select external audio output in the TV’s settings if that option is available; otherwise, try increasing the TV volume. These are setup-dependent checks, not guaranteed fixes. Sony’s troubleshooting article describes them as possible steps.
Check TV-linked power settings
If the soundbar shuts down in step with the TV, inspect the power-link settings at both ends of the connection:
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- On the soundbar, look in its manual for Control for HDMI or a similarly named HDMI-CEC control.
- On the TV, check BRAVIA Sync or the equivalent HDMI-CEC setting. Sony’s examples of related labels include “Standby Linked to TV” and “Auto devices off.”
- Use the matching TV and soundbar guides to determine whether the settings should be changed for your setup. If the labels or controls are absent, do not force a menu path from instructions for another model.
HDMI-CEC settings can coordinate power behavior among compatible devices, but the exact controls and effects depend on the equipment. Sony’s HDMI-linked power guidance explains the connection between these settings and linked power functions.
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If checking the settings and connections does not resolve the shutdown, Sony recommends trying a soundbar reset. Reset steps vary by model, so follow the procedure in the matching manual or get instructions from Sony support rather than trying an unverified button combination. Sony’s current soundbar troubleshooting guide was last modified January 19, 2026.
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When to contact Sony support
If the soundbar remains correctly connected but continues to turn off after the relevant settings checks and a model-specific reset, Sony says it may need repair. Contact Sony support for diagnosis; the available guidance does not establish that replacement parts or a new soundbar are necessary.
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- BRAVIA THEATER AND BRAVIA TV, THE PERFECT PAIR: Pair with compatible BRAVIA TVs to control the soundbar from the TV menu and take advantage of Voice Zoom 3 for enhanced dialogue.
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