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Fix a Chromebook that has no sound

We'll rule out volume, mute, and output device—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • Headphones or external speakers (to test)
Step 1 of 5

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Steps

Goal: Rule out volume, mute, and output device.

  • Check the volume is not muted and the correct output device (internal speakers) is selected.
  • Good: Volume up, internal speakers selected. Proceed to Disconnect Bluetooth.
  • Bad: Fix volume or output device first.

Check volume and output

Goal: Rule out mute and wrong output device.

  • Click the volume icon—confirm volume above zero and no mute. Select internal speakers. Disconnect Bluetooth headphones.
  • Good: Volume and output correct. Test sound.
  • Bad: Restart the Chromebook.

Disconnect Bluetooth

Goal: Ensure audio is not routing to Bluetooth.

  • Turn off Bluetooth or disconnect Bluetooth headphones. Audio may be going to them.
  • Good: Sound plays from internal speakers.
  • Bad: Restart. If headphones work but speakers do not, call a technician.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • Headphones or external speakers produce sound but the built-in speakers stay silent.
  • Internal speaker replacement requires opening the Chromebook.

Verification

  • Volume slider is above zero and no mute icon.
  • Internal speakers selected as output device.
  • Sound plays when testing a video or music.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Volume and output Check mute; confirm internal speakers selected.
  2. Disconnect Bluetooth Turn off Bluetooth or disconnect headphones.
  3. Restart and Powerwash Restart; Powerwash if software corrupted.
  4. Call a pro Headphones work but built-in speakers do not.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Chromebook model
  • Whether headphones or external speakers produce sound
  • Output device selected
  • Steps already tried

Is the volume up and the correct output device selected?

Mute and wrong output device are common causes.

Check the volume icon—volume above zero, no mute. Confirm internal speakers (not headphones or Bluetooth) selected. Good: volume up, internal speakers—disconnect Bluetooth. Bad: fix volume or output first.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Fix volume and output

Unmute, raise volume. Select internal speakers as output. Disconnect Bluetooth headphones. Test sound.

Done

Are Bluetooth headphones connected?

Turn off Bluetooth or disconnect headphones. Audio may be routing to them. Good: sound plays from speakers. Bad: restart; if headphones work but speakers do not, call a technician.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Restart and test

Restart the Chromebook. Test with headphones. If headphones work but speakers do not, the speakers may have failed—call a technician.

Done

Sound restored

Sound plays from the correct output. Test with a video to confirm.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a Chromebook have no sound?
Volume muted, wrong output device, Bluetooth headphones connected, or failed speakers. Check volume and output device first.
Can I fix Chromebook with no sound myself?
Yes. Check volume, output device, disconnect Bluetooth. If headphones work but speakers do not, the speakers may have failed—call a technician.
When should I call a technician for no sound?
If headphones or external speakers work but the built-in speakers stay silent. Internal speaker replacement may need a professional.

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