- TVs
- Speakers and soundbars
HDMI error
Sonos HDMI error on soundbar: another device is blocking CEC
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Low
Quick answer
The HDMI error in the Sonos app means your soundbar or home theater product cannot send commands over HDMI ARC, usually because another device connected to the TV interferes. Turn on CEC on the TV and find the culprit by unplugging devices one at a time.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Switch off the TV and devices before unplugging and replugging HDMI cables at the back, and never force the connectors.
Safe checks you can perform
- Turn on CEC settings on the TV
- Find the HDMI device causing the error
- Disable CEC on the interfering device
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Sonos support by phone or live chat
- Do not attempt this professional task: TV or HDMI device manufacturer
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Sonos support by phone or live chat
What they doSonos technicians review the system through the app and guide you in isolating the interfering device when the steps are not enough.
They must show youwhat they see in the diagnostics of your Sonos system and which device they point to.
In writingthe case number, the device identified and the recommended setting.
TV or HDMI device manufacturer
What they doIf you cannot find the CEC menu on the TV or receiver, its manufacturer can tell you the exact option for your model.
They must show youthe exact CEC menu path on your model.
In writingthe model, software version and the setting they gave you.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Turn on CEC settings on the TV
- Who:
- you, with the TV remote.
- How:
- open the TV settings and look for the CEC option; each brand uses its own trade name, so check your TV manual if you cannot find it. Make sure it is on, then open the Sonos app again.
- Result that matters:
- the HDMI error clears from the Sonos app with CEC on.
- If the error goes away:
- CEC was off, nothing else needed.
- If the error stays with CEC on:
- find which HDMI device triggers it.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the TV menu with CEC on.
Evidence: HDMI error in the Sonos app
Find the HDMI device causing the error
- Who:
- you, with access to the back of the TV.
- How:
- disconnect every HDMI device from the TV except Sonos and play TV audio through Sonos. Then reconnect them one by one and, after each, check whether the error returns in the Sonos app. Note which port each device used.
- Result that matters:
- pinning down the specific device that brings the error back.
- If the error returns with one device:
- that is the one interfering, so disable its CEC.
- If it does not return with any:
- leave the setup as it is and watch whether the error comes back.
- Evidence to keep:
- list of devices, ports and which one brought the error back.
Evidence: HDMI error in the Sonos app
Disable CEC on the interfering device
- Who:
- you, in the settings of the device you identified.
- How:
- open the settings of the receiver, cable box or console and turn off its CEC functions; its manual shows where they are. If the device cannot turn them off, Sonos recommends an HDMI cable or adapter that removes CEC.
- Result that matters:
- Sonos keeps controlling the TV and the error stays away with everything connected.
- If the error disappears:
- note which setting you changed on that device.
- If it still appears:
- contact Sonos support with your device list.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the CEC setting turned off on the device.
Evidence: HDMI error in the Sonos app
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- TVs
- Brand
- Sonos
- Product type
- Speakers and soundbars
Known code variants
- CEC broadcast blocked
- CEC broadcast blocked. There is a device connected to your TV causing an issue
- Error del HDMI en la app Sonos
- Hay un dispositivo interfiriendo con la conexión HDMI
- La transmisión CEC está bloqueada
- Sonos CEC error
- Sonos error HDMI CEC
- Sonos HDMI error
- There is a device interfering with the HDMI connection
What it means
In Sonos's article "HDMI error in the Sonos app", the messages "There is a device interfering with the HDMI connection" and "CEC broadcast blocked" appear when the Sonos home theater product has trouble sending commands over its HDMI ARC connection. Sonos mostly blames another HDMI device on the same TV, such as an audio receiver, cable box or game console, or CEC being turned off on the TV. Menus vary by TV brand and Sonos model, and the message alone never proves that the soundbar or the TV is faulty.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Loweditorial warning
Switch off the TV and devices before unplugging and replugging HDMI cables at the back, and never force the connectors.
Evidence: HDMI error in the Sonos app
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Another HDMI device interfering with CECCommon
Sonos names a receiver, cable box or game console on the same TV as the usual cause, since they send their own CEC commands.
Evidence: HDMI error in the Sonos app
- CEC turned off on the TVPossible
If CEC-related settings are disabled on the TV, Sonos explains that its home theater product cannot send commands to it.
Evidence: HDMI error in the Sonos app
- Device without a CEC off switchLess common
Some devices offer no way to disable CEC; for that case Sonos mentions an HDMI cable or adapter that removes the CEC function.
Evidence: HDMI error in the Sonos app
Virtual technician
Does HDMI error still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
Sonos · 2026 · official_doc
- 2
Error del HDMI en la app Sonos
Sonos · 2026 · official_doc
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