Why is a sound mode for my Roku TV Ready™ soundbar missing?
Manufacturers design Roku TV Ready soundbars with unique, built-in sound modes that let you tailor the audio experience based on the content you are viewing. Whether listening to your favorite musician, watching a blockbuster movie late at night, or playing an online game with friends, you can access sound settings right from the screen on your Roku TV™ and seamlessly adjust the manufacturer sound mode – all without needing to get up and press a button on the soundbar, or grab another remote.
If you are not seeing one of the manufacturer sound modes, this article provides details about the most likely cause and outlines steps you can take to resolve the issue.
Why is a sound mode missing?
When you want to adjust sound on your Roku TV Ready soundbar, press Star
on your Roku remote to access the sound settings menu on your Roku TV. As you browse available sound modes, you should see choices from the manufacturer of your soundbar. If you are missing any manufacturer sound modes, it is most likely that software on one (or both) of your devices is not up to date.
Your Roku TV and Roku TV Ready soundbar both run software similar to your smartphone or laptop, and like those devices, periodic updates are necessary to keep the device running optimally. If a sound mode you expect to see is not listed, check the current version of software on both devices and install an update if necessary.
How to update your devices
Your Roku TV is designed to ensure it is always running the latest version of software. It will check to see whether new software is available for download during initial setup and whenever it is powered on, and then randomly every 24-36 hours. The download and installation are done automatically without ever interrupting use of your Roku TV. To receive automatic updates, make sure your Roku TV is connected to the internet.
If your Roku TV has been disconnected for an extended period of time, you can have it manually check for a software update.
Some Roku TV Ready soundbars may receive updates over a wireless network connection, or an alternate method like installing a USB drive with a downloaded file. To learn how to check the current software version and install an update on your soundbar, visit the website for the manufacturer or contact their support team.
Last updated at 2/25/2026 4:54:17 AM
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