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Fix a TV that has no sound

We'll check mute, volume, audio output, and cables—or tell you when to call a technician.

Troubleshooting · Home electronics
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • TV remote
  • Source device remote (if using cable box, streaming stick)
Step 1 of 7

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, check mute and volume, then rule out output settings and cables.

Check mute and volume

Goal: Rule out mute and low volume on the TV and source.

  • Press the mute button on the TV remote to turn mute off. Raise the volume with the volume up button.
  • Check the source device (cable box, streaming stick)—its volume and mute too.
  • Good: Mute off and volume up. Sound appears. Done.
  • Bad: Still no sound—proceed to Check audio output and cables.

Check audio output and cables

Goal: Confirm the correct audio output and rule out loose or faulty cables.

  • Open TV Settings > Audio. Confirm TV speakers are enabled, or the correct external output (HDMI ARC, optical) is selected.
  • Unplug the HDMI cable at both ends. Plug it back in firmly. Try the HDMI port labeled ARC if you use a soundbar.
  • Try a known-good HDMI cable. A faulty cable can carry video but not audio.
  • Good: Output fixed or cable reseated. Sound appears. Done.
  • Bad: Still no sound—proceed to Power-cycle.

Power-cycle

Goal: Reset audio handshake between TV and source.

  • Unplug the TV and the source device from power. Wait 30 seconds. Plug both back in. Turn on the source first, then the TV.
  • Good: Power-cycle fixes the issue. Sound appears. Done.
  • Bad: Still no sound on all inputs—call a technician.

When to get help

Call a TV repair technician if:

  • You have checked mute, volume, output settings, and cables and the TV still has no sound on all inputs and sources.

Verification

  • The TV plays sound from the selected source.
  • Mute is off and volume is at a normal level.
  • The correct audio output is selected (TV speakers or external).
  • The HDMI or optical cable is firmly connected.

Escalation ladder

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

  1. Mute and volume Turn off mute; raise volume on TV and source.
  2. Audio output Confirm TV speakers or correct external output.
  3. Cables Reseat HDMI or optical; try different port and cable.
  4. Power-cycle Unplug TV and source for 30 seconds; plug back in.
  5. Call a pro No sound on all inputs after all checks.

What to capture if you need help

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

  • TV model
  • Source device (cable box, streaming stick, etc.)
  • Whether picture is present
  • Steps already tried

Does the TV show a picture?

Picture but no sound is audio-specific. No picture and no sound is a different problem.

Turn on the TV and source. Check for picture. Picture, no sound: proceed to mute and volume. No picture: see fix-tv-has-no-signal or fix-tv-will-not-turn-on.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Is mute off and volume up?

Mute and low volume are common causes.

Press mute to turn it off. Raise volume on the TV remote. Check the source device volume too. Mute off, volume up: check audio output. Still no sound: proceed to output settings.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Adjust mute and volume

Turn off mute. Raise volume on TV and source. If sound appears, done. If not, check audio output settings.

Done

Are TV speakers or correct external output selected?

Wrong output sends audio to the wrong device.

Open TV Settings > Audio. Confirm TV speakers are on, or the correct external output (HDMI ARC, optical) is selected. Correct: reseat cables. Wrong: fix setting, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Fix output and test

Select TV speakers or the correct external output. If sound appears, done. If not, reseat cables and power-cycle.

Done

Reseat cable and power-cycle

Unplug HDMI at both ends. Plug back in firmly. Try a different HDMI port (e.g. ARC). Try a different cable. Power-cycle: unplug TV and source for 30 seconds, plug back in. If sound appears, done. If not, call a technician.

Done

Call a technician

No picture: see fix-tv-has-no-signal or fix-tv-will-not-turn-on. Picture but no sound on all inputs after all checks: call a TV repair technician.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a TV have no sound?
Mute on, volume down, wrong audio output (TV speakers vs external), loose or faulty HDMI or optical cable, or source device volume. Less often: speaker failure or board fault.
Can I fix a TV with no sound myself?
Yes. Check mute, volume, audio output settings, and cables. Most no-sound issues are settings or cable related.
When should I call a technician for no sound?
If you have checked mute, volume, output settings, and cables and the TV still has no sound on all inputs and sources. The speakers or audio board may need repair.

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