LG TV Error Code 8301: How to Fix It
Easy 15-30 minutes Medium Severity
Verified June 2026
- Error Code
- 8301
- Brand
- LG TV
- Product Type
- smart_tv
- Severity
- Medium
- DIY Difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated Fix Time
- 15-30 minutes
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Tools You'll Need
- Certified High-Speed HDMI cable (for ARC) or Ultra High-Speed HDMI 2.1 cable (for eARC)
- LG TV remote control
- Internet connection (for firmware update)
How to Fix Error Code 8301
-
Power Cycle All Devices
Always unplug devices from the wall rather than relying on standby mode. Do not skip the 60-second wait — it ensures capacitors fully discharge. -
Verify You Are Using the Correct HDMI Port
-
Replace or Reseat the HDMI Cable
-
Enable SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC) on Your LG TV
-
Configure the TV's Sound Output Setting
-
Update LG TV Firmware
Do not power off the TV during a firmware update. A failed update can cause additional issues. -
Adjust or Disable eARC If Issues Persist
-
Factory Reset the TV's Sound Settings
Parts You May Need
Ultra High-Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable
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Certified High-Speed HDMI Cable
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Ultra High-Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable
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Certified High-Speed HDMI Cable
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Ultra High-Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable
Check Price on Amazon
Certified High-Speed HDMI Cable
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When to Call a Professional
If you have completed all steps above — including replacing the HDMI cable, enabling SIMPLINK, updating firmware, and resetting sound settings — and error 8301 still appears, there may be a hardware fault in the TV's HDMI ARC port itself. A damaged HDMI port requires professional board-level repair or port replacement, which should be handled by an LG-authorized service technician. Contact LG Support at 1-800-243-0000 or visit the LG service center locator online. If your TV is still under warranty, do not attempt any internal repairs as it will void the coverage.Frequently Asked Questions
What does LG TV error code 8301 mean?
Error code 8301 on an LG TV means the TV failed to complete an ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) handshake with a connected audio device like a soundbar or AV receiver. This prevents audio from being sent from the TV to the external speaker system over the HDMI cable.
Why does my LG TV keep showing error 8301 even after restarting?
If error 8301 returns after restarting, the most likely causes are a low-quality or damaged HDMI cable, the cable being plugged into the wrong HDMI port (must be the ARC/eARC labeled port), SIMPLINK being disabled in TV settings, or a firmware bug. Work through each fix systematically — particularly replacing the HDMI cable and verifying the correct port is used.
Does error 8301 mean my LG TV's HDMI port is broken?
Not necessarily. Error 8301 is most commonly caused by software or configuration issues — such as SIMPLINK being off, the wrong HDMI port being used, or an incompatible cable — rather than a broken port. Only if all software and cable fixes fail should you suspect a physical HDMI port fault.
Can I still use my soundbar if I get error 8301 on my LG TV?
Yes. While error 8301 blocks the ARC/eARC audio path, you can use your soundbar through an alternative connection such as a Toslink optical cable or a standard HDMI input with a separate audio source. This is a good temporary workaround while you troubleshoot the ARC issue.
Does my HDMI cable need to be a specific type to support eARC on an LG TV?
Yes. Standard ARC requires a certified High-Speed HDMI cable. eARC specifically requires an Ultra High-Speed HDMI 2.1 certified cable to handle the higher bandwidth needed for lossless audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Using an older or generic cable with eARC is one of the most common causes of the 8301 handshake error.