How to Fix Insignia TV No Sound Issue

Television has been a staple in accessible media consumption since its invention. Over the years, it has evolved into something more than just a box of entertainment spurring mild curiosities. I see it as a window to cultures and worlds I would never encounter in my otherwise ordinary life because, let’s face it: I am no traveler, and my adventures are limited to sword fighting in video games. 

Keeping aside my personal equation with my television, I know most people use theirs to chase away their worries. Many of my friends in corporate look forward to camping in front of their television for some mindless fun after long hours of mind-numbing office work. It’s that one constant in their life that they turn to for instant gratification. Still, calamity is an inevitable part of human life and doesn’t play favourites—a case in point is the “Insignia TV no sound” issue. 

Imagine changing into your comfiest PJs and plopping down on your cozy sofa to have some after-work fun, only to find your Insignia TV sound not working. I don’t blame you for giving in to your frustration and wondering why is your Insignia TV volume not working? I have solved a similar issue in my Apple TV no sound issue article, so I know how to go about it with Insignia TV. 

If your Insignia TV has no sound, then try unmuting it using your remote. Additionally, unplug it from the power source, change its Audio Format, check its HDMI connection, and ensure the ARC/eARC option in HDMI-CEC Device Control is turned on. Moreover, your external speakers should be plugged into the right Audio Output. To counter the sound problem in only some channels, disable the SAP feature and turn the audio to Stereo. 

Following is a step-by-step guide to tackle the issue at hand. I have covered all the aspects of the problem, so give up your worries and follow my lead! 

Resolving the Insignia TV No Sound Issue 

A TV without sound is no fun, especially when we’ve become accustomed to sensory overload. I mean, if I ever fancy a silent movie watch, I’d pull out the classics, not settle for a mute TV. Scroll down to know what you can do to end this forced nostalgia. 

1. Unmute Volume From Your Insignia TV Remote  

When it comes to electronics, we don’t always have to take the most convoluted path to fix them. Sometimes, tinkering with the basics can yield sufficient results. I suggest checking your set’s volume settings to make sure they are not on mute while dealing with volume not working on your Insignia TV. I have seen enough people confusing Insignia TV volume problems for something drastic. All you need to perform this test is to use a remote to unmute the system and increase the volume of your TV. In case you need to reset the remote, here one detailed article I wrote sometime back on resetting Insignia tv remote. I have also mentioned other remote problems in the post on Insignia tv remote not working.

2. Unplug your Insignia TV

Whenever you find your Insignia TV volume not working, the first thing you need to do is unplug your TV. Resetting your TV is the easiest way to eliminate the problem as it gives the system a chance to start fresh instead of losing itself in a fractured loop. Using your remote to turn on and off your Insignia TV is not enough; you need to unplug it from its power source and wait 1-2 minutes for the power to die out in the lanes. If you are lucky, then doing just the bare minimum might get your TV chattering. 

3. Change Insignia TV’s Audio Format 

Most people think the worst of the situation and lose heart when they only need to make a few tweaks to turn things around. Changing your Insignia TV’s Audio Format is one of those tweaks; it requires little effort and often fixes the sound problem instantly. 

I’ve outlined the process below: 

• Step 1: Press Menu on your Insignia TV Remote.
• Step 2: Go to the Audio tab and scroll down to Digital Audio Format/ Audio Delay.
• Step 3: Go to Audio Format and change it from Pas Thru to PCM

If you are using a Cable Box, DirecTV, or something similar, you’ll have to change its Audio Format too. Do as follows:

• Step 1: Go to your TV box menu.
• Step 2: Find the audio setting. 
• Step 3: Change Audio Format to PCM or Stereo 

Why Is There No Sound on Insignia TV With HDMI?

Any one of the extra devices attached to your system can be the reason for you to be dealing with a no sound on Insignia TV issue. Before resorting to anything extreme, check all the cables and connections plugged into your HDMI. Each Insignia TV is supplied with more than one HDMI port, so try switching between them to isolate a faulty portal. You should also check the ports on the devices attached to your HDMI, especially speakers. 

• If the problem is in the speakers, replace them with new ones.
• If the problem is with the cables, replace them too. There is no easy way to fix cables, especially when they are rusting from the inside. 
• Any device interfering with your HDMI should also be removed. 

Most of what I’ve mentioned above is for when Insignia TV sound cuts out abruptly. If you are trying to set up your HDMI for the first time, then the no sound issue requires a different approach. 

How to Fix No Sound on Insignia TV With HDMI Issue

TVs are important in a modern household, making people bend their backs to facilitate their daily entertainment uptake. I’ve had my fair share of unnecessary purchases over the years, but the one thing I don’t regret buying is my booming speakers.

I believe in making the most out of my HDMI, and anyone who appreciates a good entertainment setup might concur. But sometimes, going that extra mile doesn’t pay off as you had hoped, and that’s when you have to play by the book. So here are 2 fixes for the problem.

1. Turn On HDMI-CEC ARC/eARC

To make your TV accept HDMI connections, you’ll have to turn on your HDMI-CEC ARC / eARC. I’ve outlined the step-by-step process as follows: 

• Step 1: Press the Home button on your remote.
• Step 2: Go to the Settings.
• Step 3: Find the Display & Sounds icon and click on it.
• Step 4: A list of options will appear; go to the bottom of the list to find HDMI-CEC Device Control and click on it. 
• Step 5: Click on ARC/eARC option to turn it on. 

You can also apply this process as one of the fixes for an “Insignia Fire TV no sound” issue.  

2. Choose the Right Audio Output 

Most external connections cannot establish an instant connection with your TV’s hardware, especially speakers. Imagine buying expensive speakers for your entertainment system and finding your Insignia TV audio not working. I don’t know about you, but I won’t react well to a curveball like that. Still, I’d do the needful first before writing off my purchase. 

Years of dealing with HDMIs and electronics have made me realize that a slight change in the TV’s software settings can facilitate this connection easily. Here’s how you can make sure your speakers are connected to the right Audio Output: 

• Step 1: Access your Settings panels either through your home screen or remote 
• Step 2: Go to Advanced Settings
• Step 3: Go to Display & Sounds and click on Audio Output 
• Step 4: Make sure your speakers are connected to the right Audio Output

Try the same process if your Insignia Fire TV sound not working.

Why Insignia TV Has No Sound on Some Channels

People are quite particular about their favorite channels, as I imagine anyone would be about things that make them happy. I know for a fact that I’ve waited weeks and sometimes months to watch live broadcasts of my favorite shows. 

Therefore if you find yourself in a situation where there is no sound on some channels, then it can become really frustrating. I am listing couple of fixes to resolve this issue in case you come across the same on Insignia Tv.

1. Turning off the SAP Option 

When the Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) of your Digital Cable Box or DVD player is turned on, you’ll run into the problem of having some channels with and some without sound. To counter, you’ll have to disable SAP:

• Step 1: Go to Settings, either digitally or via remote. 
• Step 2: The Settings button on the Insignia TV remote will bring you to the Quick Settings screen. 
• Step 3: Find the option that says “Disable SAP” and click on it. 

Once the SAP option is disabled, you’ll have a working sound system. But if you are wondering why your Insignia TV volume not working even after that, then you’ll have to investigate another aspect of this problem. 

2. Changing the SAP Language 

While local channels don’t transmit sound via the SAP feature, foreign channels utilize it for their second language track. Sometimes, these tracks do not line with your system, instigating radio silence. Just change the default language to English; You can find the “Choose Sap Language” beside “Disable SAP.”

Some Extreme Measures:

If, even after all that, your TV is silent, you’ll have to take some extreme measures. I’d recommend trying these only when all hope is lost. 

1. Insignia TV Sound Reset

So far, I have stuck to safe waters to avoid making a mess out of a simple issue. But if what I had suggested until now hadn’t worked, then it’s time to pull out the big guns. 

Here’s how you can reset your Insignia TV sound in four easy steps: 

• Step 1: Press the Home button on your remote. 
• Step 2: Go to Settings and then Advanced Settings 
• Step 3: You’ll find the Factory Reset option at the bottom.
• Step 4: Click on it after highlighting Audio Settings or Reset TV 

Caution: Ensure your HDMI is not connected to any external devices before performing this on your TV. 

2. Hard Factory Reset 

Sometimes human error or automatic system updates can disturb your TV’s internal interface. If that’s the case, nothing I’ve been suggesting will work; you’ll have to hard factory reset your Insignia TV, wiping out anything that might be stopping it from performing optimally. 

The easiest way to do this is as follows: 

• Step 1: Navigate to the System Setting through your Home page.
• Step 2: Find the Factory Reset option listed here.
• Step 3: Select Factory Reset Everything and press OK. 

FAQS:

Q1. How do I get the sound back on my Insignia TV?

Answer – You can try unplugging your Insignia TV, changing its audio format, checking your speaker’s connection with HDMI,  fixing its digital audio output, turning on HDMI-CEC ARC/eARCand disabling the SAP feature to bring the sound back to your Insignia TV. 

Q2. Why does my Insignia TV keep muting itself?

Answer – The latest electronics are designed to protect your ears and reduce noise pollution. If you are habitual of turning your volume all the way up, chances are your TV is turning it down or muting it to protect you. Try unmuting the volume from the remote, but if the problem persists, then change the batteries of your remote. Your remote might be acting up irrespective of its battery, so replace it with a new one. If you are using external speakers, then check HDMI connections and their battery. 

Q3. How do I turn on the speakers on my Insignia Fire TV?

Answer – Navigate to your Insignia Fire TV’s menu using the remote and turn on the Sound for TV speakers. 

Q4. What should be done if the tv is not turning on?

Answer – Quite a few people have complaint about their TV not turning on. I have done a detailed post on Insignia tv won’t turn on. Go and check that out for quick fixes.

Conclusion: 

Nothing hurts your TV or any other electronic device more than an unnecessary trip to the repair shop for something that could have been resolved at home. I have covered all aspects of the Insignia TV no sound issue, making this article an extensive guide to facilitate your repairs. I hope these methods, ranging from basic to complex, can save you the grief of calling in a repair service or technician. Cheers!