When the picture works but the sound doesn’t, the cause is often a setting or a connected device rather than a broken TV. Work through these checks in order.
Safety first: Never open a TV yourself. Parts inside a TV can hold a dangerous electrical charge even after it has been unplugged. Only try the checks from the outside of the TV described here.
Safe checks to try
1. Check mute and volume
Press Volume up on the TV remote and check that mute is off. If you watch through a decoder or streaming box, check its volume and mute too, using its own remote.
2. Watch for the volume bar
When you change the volume, does a volume bar or number appear on the TV screen? If nothing appears, the TV may be sending its sound somewhere else, such as a soundbar or headphones.
3. Set the sound output to the TV speakers
Open the TV’s sound settings and find the option called Sound Output, Sound Out or Speakers. Set it to TV Speaker and check the sound again. The exact name and menu path depend on the brand and model.
4. Check soundbars, headphones and Bluetooth
If a soundbar, home theatre or Bluetooth headphones were ever connected, the TV may still be sending sound to them. Switch the soundbar on, or disconnect Bluetooth devices in the TV’s settings, and test again.
5. Run the TV’s sound test
Many TVs have a built-in sound test in their support or sound settings. On Samsung and LG TVs, for example, it’s called Sound Test. If the test sound plays clearly, the TV speakers are working and the problem is the device you’re watching or its settings.
6. Try another channel, app or input
Switch to a built-in app or a different input. If sound works there, the problem is with one channel, one app or one connected device.
7. Restart everything
Switch the TV and any connected devices off at the wall, wait 60 seconds, then switch them on again.
When to stop and call a technician
- The TV’s built-in sound test plays no sound, or the sound is crackling or distorted.
- There’s no sound on any input, app or channel, even with the output set to the TV speakers.
- You notice a burning smell, buzzing or other unusual noises.
In these cases, the fault is likely inside the TV.
What a technician will look at
- The TV’s speakers or their connections.
- The audio circuit on the main board.
- A software problem, which a technician may be able to fix with an update or reset.
Only a technician who inspects the TV can confirm the cause. If you have the opposite problem, read why your TV has sound but no picture.
Still no sound?
Use the Problem Finder for a quick check, or send a repair request with your TV details.