You settle in for movie night, hit play, and the picture looks great on your TV. But there is one problem. Complete silence.
If your TV has no sound over HDMI, you are dealing with one of the most common home entertainment issues out there. The good news is that in roughly 90% of cases, the fix takes less than five minutes and requires no tools, no technical skills, and no money.
I have helped friends, family members, and readers troubleshoot this exact problem dozens of times. HDMI audio issues usually come down to a wrong setting, a loose cable, or a device that just needs a quick restart. This guide walks through every fix in order, starting with the simplest and most common solutions.
Whether you are connecting a laptop, a PS5, an Xbox, a streaming stick, or a soundbar, these steps will get your audio working again. Let us cover how to fix a TV that has no sound over HDMI step by step.
Quick Checklist: Fix HDMI Audio in 60 Seconds
Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, run through this fast checklist. Most HDMI audio problems get solved right here.
Press the volume up button on both your TV remote and the source device remote (laptop, console, etc.)
Check that the TV is not muted, including any secondary mute on your source device
Unplug the HDMI cable from both ends and firmly reconnect it
Try a different HDMI port on your TV
Go to your TV settings and set audio output to either Auto or PCM
Power cycle both devices: unplug each from the wall for 60 seconds, then reconnect
Check for firmware updates on your TV and source device
If none of those worked, do not worry. The sections below walk through each step with specific menu paths, brand-specific instructions, and advanced fixes.
How to Fix a TV That Has No Sound Over HDMI: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Check Volume and Mute Settings First
This sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how often the fix is this simple. HDMI devices often have two separate volume controls. Your TV has one, and the source device (laptop, console, Blu-ray player) has another.
Here is what to check:
Press the volume up button on your TV remote to at least 20
If connecting a laptop, check the system volume in Windows or macOS separately
Look for a mute icon on your TV screen, which can persist even after you think you unmuted
Some TVs have a separate mute for external devices, buried in settings under Sound or Accessibility
Forum users on Reddit frequently report that their source device was muted without them realizing it. A gaming console in rest mode can remember a muted state from a previous session. A laptop connected to a TV might have its system volume set to zero even though the TV volume is fine.
Check both. Turn both up. This solves the problem more often than any other step.
Step 2: Verify Your HDMI Cable Connection
HDMI cables carry both video and audio signals through the same connection. If your picture looks perfect but there is no sound, the cable is transmitting data, which means the connection is mostly functional. However, partial failures can still happen.
Can a bad HDMI cable cause no sound? Yes, absolutely. A damaged cable can transmit video data while failing on the audio portion. This is especially common with older HDMI cables that do not support the bandwidth needed for newer audio formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS-HD.
Try these cable fixes in order:
Unplug the HDMI cable from both the TV and the source device completely
Inspect the connectors for bent pins, dust, or damage
Firmly reconnect both ends until you feel them click or seat fully
If nothing changes, swap to a different HDMI port on your TV
Still no sound? Try a completely different HDMI cable
Use a cable rated at least HDMI 2.0 (also called Premium High Speed) for 4K and standard audio. For Dolby Atmos or eARC, you want HDMI 2.1 (Ultra High Speed). A cable labeled HDMI 1.4 might carry video but struggle with newer audio formats.
I have seen cases where switching from a no-name cable to a certified HDMI cable instantly restored audio. Cable quality matters more than people think.
Step 3: Fix Audio Output Settings on Your TV
This is where most HDMI audio problems actually live. Your TV has an audio output setting that tells it how to handle incoming sound signals. If this is set wrong, you get silence.
Navigate to your TV sound settings and look for the audio output format. You will typically see three options:
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation): This is uncompressed stereo audio. It works with every TV and every source. If you are troubleshooting, start here. PCM is the safest setting because it requires no decoding by the TV.
Bitstream: This sends raw encoded audio (like Dolby Digital) to the TV or receiver for decoding. It is necessary for surround sound but can cause silence if the receiving device cannot decode the format.
Auto: The TV and source device negotiate the best format automatically. This usually works well but can occasionally default to a format your setup cannot play.
For troubleshooting, switch the audio format to PCM first. If sound returns, your issue was an audio format mismatch. You can then experiment with Bitstream or Auto once you know the connection works.
Also check these related settings on your TV:
Audio Output: Set to Internal TV Speakers if you are not using a soundbar
HDMI Input Audio Format: Set to Auto for the HDMI port your device is connected to
Additional Settings: Look for options like Dolby Digital Plus or DTS and try toggling them off
Expert Settings: Some TVs have a hidden audio codec selection under advanced menus
One Reddit user shared that switching from Auto to PCM fixed a months-long audio issue between their PC and Samsung TV. The Auto setting was negotiating an audio format the TV could not decode, resulting in total silence.
Step 4: Test Different Sources and Inputs
Isolating the problem helps you know whether the issue is your TV or your source device. Try this quick test.
Connect a different device to the same HDMI port. If you have a streaming stick, plug it in where your laptop was. Or try connecting your gaming console to a different HDMI port.
If the new device produces sound, your TV is fine. The problem is with the original source device settings. If the new device also has no sound, the TV is likely the culprit.
Here is a quick diagnostic approach:
Test Device A on HDMI Port 1: No sound
Test Device B on HDMI Port 1: Sound works (problem is Device A settings)
Test Device A on HDMI Port 2: No sound (confirms problem is Device A)
Test Device A on a different TV: No sound (definitely Device A issue)
Testing different sources also helps you identify if a specific HDMI port is faulty. HDMI ports can fail individually while the rest of the TV works fine.
Step 5: Power Cycle Both Devices
A power cycle is different from turning something off with a remote. When you use the remote, most devices enter a standby state where internal systems stay partially active. A true power cycle fully drains residual power and resets the hardware.
Here is the correct way to power cycle:
Turn off both your TV and the source device using their power buttons
Unplug both devices from the wall outlet completely
Wait a full 60 seconds (90 seconds is even better)
Plug the source device back in first and turn it on
Wait 10 seconds, then plug the TV back in and turn it on
Power cycling clears temporary glitches in the HDMI handshake process. HDMI devices negotiate a connection each time they link up, and sometimes this negotiation gets stuck in a bad state. A full power cycle forces a fresh handshake.
Forum data shows power cycling is the single most recommended fix across Reddit, manufacturer support forums, and community threads. It works because it resets the EDID communication between devices, which is the protocol that tells each device what audio and video formats the other supports.
Do not skip the unplug step. Just turning off the device with a remote will not work.
Step 6: Update Firmware and Software
Outdated firmware is a surprisingly common cause of HDMI audio problems. TV manufacturers regularly release updates that fix HDMI handshake bugs, add support for new audio formats, and resolve compatibility issues with specific devices.
To update your TV firmware:
Samsung: Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now
LG: Settings > All Settings > General > About TV > Check for Updates
Sony: Settings > System > About > System Software Update
TCL (Roku TV): Home > Settings > System > System Update > Check Now
Vizio: Settings > System > Check for Updates
For source devices, the process varies:
Windows: Check Windows Update for audio driver updates, or visit your GPU manufacturer site (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) for the latest HDMI audio driver
Mac: System Settings > General > Software Update
PS5: Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings
Xbox: Profile and System > Settings > System > Updates
Streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV): Updates happen through the device settings menu
AMD GPU users report HDMI audio issues more frequently than NVIDIA users, according to forum discussions. If you have an AMD graphics card, check for driver updates specifically labeled as fixing HDMI audio output.
Brand-Specific HDMI Audio Fixes
Different TV brands have unique menu structures and known audio quirks. Here are brand-specific fixes that go beyond the general steps above.
Samsung TV No Sound Over HDMI
Samsung TVs have a setting called Anynet+ (their name for HDMI-CEC) that can interfere with audio. Go to Settings > General > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) and try turning it off. If audio returns, the issue was a CEC communication conflict.
Also check Settings > Sound > Sound Output and make sure it is set to TV Speaker. Samsung TVs sometimes switch this to a Bluetooth device or receiver automatically when one was previously connected.
For Samsung soundbar users, the HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC must be used for audio return. Using a standard HDMI port will give you video but no sound from the soundbar.
LG TV No Sound Over HDMI
LG TVs running webOS have a setting called SIMPLINK (their HDMI-CEC implementation). Go to Settings > All Settings > Connection > Device Connector > SIMPLINK and try disabling it if you have audio issues.
LG also has a setting called eARC Support under Settings > Sound > Additional Settings. If you are not using an eARC-compatible receiver, turn this off. Leaving it on with a non-eARC device can cause complete audio loss.
Sony TV No Sound Over HDMI
Sony TVs often need the audio format set to PCM for compatibility with external devices. Go to Settings > Sound > Digital Audio Out and switch from Auto 1 or Auto 2 to PCM.
Sony also has a Bravia Sync setting (HDMI-CEC). If you experience intermittent audio loss, try disabling Bravia Sync temporarily to see if the problem resolves.
TCL TV No Sound Over HDMI
TCL Roku TVs have a simpler settings menu. Go to Settings > Audio and check Audio Preferences. Set Audio Output to Auto-detect. If that does not work, manually set it to PCM Stereo.
TCL TVs also have a known issue where the HDMI-ARC port stops outputting sound after a standby cycle. Power cycling the TV (full unplug for 60 seconds) usually fixes this.
External Audio Devices: Soundbar and AV Receiver HDMI Audio
Adding a soundbar or AV receiver to the mix introduces another layer of potential audio problems. The most common setup uses HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC to send audio from the TV to the external speaker system.
HDMI ARC vs eARC: What Is the Difference?
HDMI ARC can handle standard Dolby Digital and DTS audio. HDMI eARC adds support for uncompressed surround sound, Dolby Atmos, and DTS-HD Master Audio. The ports look identical, but eARC requires HDMI 2.1 cables and compatible hardware on both ends.
If your soundbar supports eARC but your TV only supports ARC, they will still work together but fall back to basic audio formats. If your TV supports eARC but your cable is not HDMI 2.1 rated, you might get no sound at all.
Fixing Soundbar HDMI Audio Issues
Try these steps if your soundbar has no sound over HDMI:
Confirm the HDMI cable is plugged into the HDMI ARC or eARC port on your TV (it is usually labeled)
Set your TV audio output to HDMI ARC or External Speaker (not TV Speaker)
Set your TV digital audio output format to Auto or Bitstream (not PCM if using surround sound)
Turn on HDMI-CEC, SIMPLINK, Anynet+, or Bravia Sync depending on your TV brand
Power cycle the soundbar, TV, and source device in that order
If HDMI ARC still does not work, an optical audio cable is a reliable fallback. Optical supports Dolby Digital and DTS but not Dolby Atmos. It is a solid temporary solution while you troubleshoot the HDMI connection.
Laptop and Gaming Console HDMI Audio Fixes
Windows Laptop to TV No Sound Over HDMI
Windows has its own audio output selection that is independent of the TV. When you connect a laptop via HDMI, Windows does not always switch audio to the TV automatically.
Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar and select Sound Settings. Under Output, select your TV from the device list. If your TV does not appear, click Manage Sound Devices and look for it under Disabled devices.
If the TV appears but still produces no sound, open the Services app (press Win + R, type services.msc) and restart the Windows Audio service. Right-click Windows Audio, select Restart, and test again. Forum users on Reddit report this service restart fix works frequently.
Also check your GPU driver. NVIDIA and AMD both bundle HDMI audio drivers with their graphics updates. An outdated driver can cause the HDMI audio device to disappear entirely from the output list.
Mac to TV No Sound Over HDMI
On macOS, open System Settings > Sound and check the Output tab. Select your TV from the list of output devices. If it does not appear, disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable while System Settings is open.
For MacBooks, the audio output can also be managed through the Audio MIDI Setup app (found in Applications > Utilities). If the HDMI output is muted at the system level, you might need to adjust it here.
PS5 and Xbox No Sound Over HDMI
On PS5, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output. Set Output Device to TV or AV Amplifier depending on your setup. Under Audio Format (Priority), try Linear PCM first for maximum compatibility.
On Xbox, go to Profile and System > Settings > General > Volume and Audio Output. Set HDMI audio to Stereo Uncompressed for troubleshooting, then switch to a higher format once sound is working.
Steam Deck HDMI Audio
Steam Deck users on Reddit report that you need to enter Big Picture Mode and navigate to Settings > Audio. Set the audio output to the TV rather than the Deck speakers. Some users also need to switch the TV Sound Option in Steam settings manually.
When to Seek Professional Repair
If you have tried every step in this guide and still have no sound over HDMI, the problem might be hardware-related. This is less common but does happen.
The main board in your TV handles HDMI input processing, including audio decoding. If the main board is failing, you might experience audio loss on all HDMI ports while the picture remains fine. Other symptoms include audio cutting in and out, distortion, or audio delay that gets progressively worse.
Signs that point to a hardware problem:
No sound on any HDMI port with any device
Sound works through Bluetooth headphones but not HDMI
Audio worked before a power surge or lightning storm
TV is over 5 years old and symptoms appeared gradually
Audio issues are accompanied by other glitches like random restarts or input lag
If you suspect a main board issue, a professional repair service can diagnose it. Replacing a TV main board typically costs less than buying a new TV, but you should weigh the cost against the age and value of your set.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the sound back on my TV?
To get the sound back on your TV, first check the volume level and mute status on both your TV remote and source device remote. Then go to your TV sound settings and set the audio output format to PCM. Unplug the HDMI cable and reconnect it firmly. If none of that works, power cycle both devices by unplugging them from the wall for 60 seconds.
How do I get sound over HDMI to my TV?
To get sound over HDMI, make sure your TV audio output is set to Internal TV Speakers (or HDMI ARC if using a soundbar). Set the audio format to PCM or Auto in your TV sound settings. On a laptop, select the TV as the audio output device in your system sound settings. Use an HDMI cable rated 2.0 or higher for best compatibility.
How to enable HDMI audio output?
To enable HDMI audio output, go to your TV Settings menu and navigate to Sound or Audio. Set Audio Output to the correct mode (TV Speaker, HDMI ARC, or External Speaker). Then set Digital Audio Format to PCM or Auto. On the source device, select HDMI as the default audio output in the sound or display settings.
Can a bad HDMI cable cause no sound?
Yes, a bad HDMI cable can cause no sound even when the picture works fine. HDMI cables carry both audio and video, and a damaged or low-quality cable can fail to transmit the audio signal while still passing video. Try a different HDMI cable rated 2.0 or higher to see if the audio returns.
Conclusion
Learning how to fix a TV that has no sound over HDMI comes down to working through a simple checklist. Start with volume and mute settings, then move to cable connections, audio output settings, and power cycling. The vast majority of HDMI audio issues get resolved within the first three steps.
If the basic fixes do not work, dig into your TV brand-specific settings, check for firmware updates, and verify that your audio format (PCM vs Bitstream vs Auto) is set correctly. For soundbar and receiver setups, confirm you are using the right HDMI ARC or eARC port and that HDMI-CEC is configured properly.
When all else fails and the problem persists across every device and port, it may be time to consult a professional repair service about a potential main board issue. But before you get there, run through every step in this guide. You will very likely find your fix.