Roku TV No Sound? Here’s How to Fix It

OTT platforms are becoming the key source of media content these days. A lot of us prefer to use Netflix or even Hulu rather than opting for regular cable channels. For the older generations, the Roku stick has made it possible to convert non-smart TVs to smart televisions and access a plethora of web content. Now, if you remember, I had done a post about converting my grandma’s television using a Roku stick. The Roku has an exceptional relationship with me. I have the Roku device, and I use it all the time. It can get very frustrating if your Roku runs into a technical error and stops working.

It happens to me frequently, which I take in my stride. Else, how would I get on to writing fixes for you guys? This time it was my Girlfriend who ran into a glitch. She face timed me and was yelling at the top of her lungs, “James, Why isn’t my Roku tv volume not playing?. Though these devices have made streaming a breeze, they can get equally infuriating when they don’t function as intended. Many users and I have also experienced problems with Roku every now and then. 

James being James, could not disappoint his love, so I hopped on the internet to do some research, skim through online forums, and get just what I was looking for a fix for no audio on Roku. After eons of research, I discovered that Roku audio glitches are some of the easiest to fix, unlike How to Fix Roku Remote Volume Not Working, which was an arduous task for sure.

In most scenarios, one can simply troubleshoot the issue and find a fix in a few seconds. This guide will act as a one-stop solution for you to fix and resolve all issues with sound not working on Roku. Simultaneously it will also help you better understand why the problem arose in the first place. 

There have been countless cases where Roku owners have claimed to face the same problem of volume not working on their Roku TV. At the same time, some have even stated that the audio glitch is something they have seen for years on their TVs. 

Luckily, I am here to save your day! Pretty cocky, I must say, but let’s be honest, I am kind of your Tech Superhero. If you can’t hear your Roku tv, then get on and check the HDMI connection, make adjustments to the audio settings and check if the audio format is compatible with your current Roku device. 

Roku TV No Sound? Here Are 17 Fixes For the Problem

Roku sound problems could be due to several reasons, such as internet failure, faulty Wi-Fi connection, corrupted cables, damage in the hardware, or even a technical glitch. Regardless of the reason, let’s delve into 17 fixes that can work around the issue of sound not working on Roku.

1. Ensure that Mute Is Turned Off

If your TCL Roku tv has no sound, then perhaps the most imperative thing that needs to be done is to check if your Tv’s not on mute. The mute button may seem very trivial, but it should definitely be checked. So, grab your Roku remote and press the mute button, and this will deactivate the Mute mode on the Tv.

Also, be certain to check if the volume levels on your TV are reasonably audible. Bring the TV volume to at least 50% because it could happen that your TCL Roku tv sound was not working because the Tv volumes were very low and the sound wasn’t audible. Therefore, verify the volume levels before jumping to conclusions about your Roku device having no audio and complete these preliminary checks before you get into serious troubleshooting modes

Ensure that Mute Is Turned Off

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press home on Roku remote.
  2. Go to settings and then choose the option for system.
  3. Scroll down to volume, and you can adjust the volume levels as per your preference.
  4. Check the sound to see if it has been fixed.

2. Power Cycle Roku Device

 Power Cycle Roku Device

Before I scare you off with a complicated fix, let us get the simple fixes out of the way. These fixes can certainly help you with any sound problems you may face on your Roku Tv. Power cycling is sometimes known notoriously for fixing everything that could go wrong. It is rather simple and straightforward to execute. 

All you need to do is switch off the paired devices and the Roku off. Unplug the Roku device from its power outlet and wait patiently for at least 60 seconds before plugging it back. Once you switch it on, it could have potentially fixed the no sound issue for the Roku device. If it does not do so, it is a best bet to check the Roku device. This fix may be very obvious for some, but it undeniably can help you. The key to success is to ensure that you wait for a whole 60 seconds before you plug it back in.

Note: When the Roku Tv is unplugged, hold the power button for 40 seconds. Hold the Tv’s power button and not the remotes; this will ensure that any residual power is drained from the remote and the TV can be restarted. Once you power the Tv back up, your challenge  of Roku audio not working  should be fixed!

3. Make Sure your Speakers are Switched On

Sometimes in a hurry, we may forget to turn the speakers on, especially when we may have connected external speakers or are connected to the Roku Tv’s Built-in speakers, and we may think out aloud “why does my Roku tv have no sound”?. To enable the speakers, follow these steps:

  1. Press home on the remote.
  2. Go to settings
  3. Choose the option of audio.
  4. Select speakers
  5. Press the option of ON.

You will be able to hear sound while streaming content. It may sound like a simple fix, but sometimes it gets the best of us.

4. Disable Private Listening

The private listening feature on Roku allows you to connect your headphones to the Tv’s sound. In case this feature is enabled, you will not be able to hear the television audio without the headphones and the Roku will not play any sound. Hence it is imperative that you disable this feature. The private listening feature is available on the Roku app on your phone, and sometimes this feature can run into an audio glitch. 

Here’s how to do it:

  1.  Open the Roku application on your smartphone.
  2. Select Remote.
  3. You will see a headphone icon. Tap on it to switch it off.

5. Check Roku Hardware

Check Roku Hardware

If you are using the Roku streaming stick, ensure that you have double, in fact tripled checked the connection of the device to ensure that everything has been set up in the appropriate manner. 

It may create audio issues if the inputs and outputs are not connected properly. You can try to change the component cables to verify if they are not causing the sound problem. In case of using an external audio device, you need to check if it’s powered on and not on mute. Using the Soundbar compatible with Roku, you can use the remote to toggle its functions. Furthermore, checking the audio setup also plays a crucial role.

6. Reset the Audio and Picture Settings on Roku

Another great way to fix any Hisense Roku tv having no sound problem is to reset the audio and the visual settings on your Roku Tv. Let me show you the steps how to do it:

  1. Press home on the Roku remote.
  2. Select settings and then press Settings from the list of options available.
  3. Scroll to Advanced system settings and choose the option of Factory reset.
  4. Select Reset audio/picture settings.
  5. Press the play/pause button thrice to perform the audio reset.

This will ensure that your Roku Tv sound settings are switched back to their original factory settings.

7. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

If you are having difficulty with no sound working on Roku TV, then the most pivotal point that you need to do is check your Wi-Fi Connection. Ensure that the Roku Tv is connected to the home network that you are using for all other devices. If not, then connect them to the same network. It may not be an exact reason for Roku sound problems, but it has a possibility. So why should we not try everything under the sun to fix our hiccup.

An unstable and poor internet connectivity can cause a lag in the audio and visual quality of the content that you are playing on the Roku TV. Hence make sure to check if there are any connectivity issues. If you are experiencing any instability, you can do a quick reset for your modem and router to ensure it works flawlessly.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Unplug the modem and the router from the main power source.
  2. Wait patiently for 40-60 seconds.
  3. Plug the modem and router back into their power outlets.
  4. Wait for all indicators to blink and turn stable.

Go ahead and try to play your content and see if this mitigated the problem.

8. Unplug each of the Cables and then Plug them in

If you still have not been able to get a fix for your Roku Tv having no sound , there could be a high possibility that the cables have a problem with them. In such a scenario, you need to unplug all the cables that have been connected to the Roku and then plug them back in. For example, if you have used an HDMI cable to connect, then unplug it from the Tv and the Roku device. If there is a problem with the cable being loose, this may possibly just do the trick and fix the sound.

9. Check the HDMI Cables and Ports

It is plausible that your Roku Tv Volume may not be working because the port that you have been using to connect your HDMI cable to your Roku device and Tv may not be working. There could be numerous reasons for a faulty port, that could comprise of dust settling in the port. Hence check the port for any dust or damages. 

Experts also state that poor quality of an HDMI cable can also be responsible for a host of problems that most Roku users face from time to time. So, if you are facing any issue with no audio on Roku, it’s time to inspect your HDMI connection.

Check the HDMI Cables and Ports

Frequent plugging and unplugging of the cables can cause them to become loose and, in turn, cause disruptions to the sound once it’s upped into usage. Make sure that the cable and the device is plugged into each of their respective ports. If the problem persists, try plugging in the Roku device to another TV with a set of different cables so that you can ensure it’s not a hardware problem.

Check the HDMI cables and ports

If you find out that the problem lies with the audio settings and not the HDMI cables, then doing a simple HDMI swap of the inputs is recommended. When users switch input sources on the Tv, it can help with mitigating the problem. All you need to do is switch the HDMI cable from one port to another on your television. After doing so, restart the device so that a connection can be reestablished with the new port that is being used. If the problem still exists, then try altering the HDMI input on your Tv.

HDMI cables

 Some pointers:

  • Audio issues could be because of physical problems like the wiring.
  • Make sure the HDMI cable is not damaged physically.
  • Ensure the cable is attached to the correct device ports.
  • In case of a damaged HDMI cable, there could be problems with video quality as well, apart from the audio issues.

Thus, it is recommended to switch the HDMI cables for new ones. These cables are not very expensive and can be bought online as well. Make sure to get one of the right lengths as very long cables are easily prone to damage. I am linking a few of my chosen HDMI cables that I like to use with most of my devices.

10. Change Audio Mode on Roku

Roku has the feature of choosing multiple modes for audio, and you can select one that is compatible with your device. It is certainly worth altering this mode to ensure that it helps with the problem of Roku audio not working

a) TOSLINK Cable

 If using a TOSLINK cable to connect your Roku Tv, it is imperative to change the audio mode settings to Dolby Digital so that any potential issue with sound can be fixed.

Let me show you how to do it:

  1. Press home on Roku Screen.
  2. Navigate to settings from the menu.
    Navigate to settings
  3. Scroll down the list of the settings menu and select the audio option.
  4. Next, choose the HDMU and S/PDIF Option on the setting list.
  5. The next step is to select Dolby Digital from the audio options in the list.
    Dolby Digital
  6. Play any video/audio, and the sound should be working just fine!

b) HDMI Cables

If you have connected your Roku Tv with the help of an HDMI cable, then make sure that you are choosing the PCM-Stereo as your default audio settings and check if it fixes no sound on the Roku Tv Issue. 

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Access the Roku interface by Selecting Home on the remote.
  2. Go to Settings.
  3. Select the AUDIO option and then choose HDMI.
    AUDIO
  4. Choose the option of PCM- Stereo from the list of AUDIO MODE.
    PCM- Stereo
  5. To check, please play any video/audio file on your Roku Tv if you can hear the sound.

11. Disable the Audio Leveling Feature

I don’t know anyone personally who likes to watch loud advertisements; well, frankly, they ruin your entire viewing experience. Roku has come up with a fix for this as well, through a feature known as audio leveling. 

As the name suggests, the Roku device automatically adjusts the audio levels. Subsequently, this feature also can be a reason for no audio on Roku. By disabling the audio leveling feature, the sounds can adjust to louder or softer depending on the original content’s volume. If you experience any sound issues, it is suggested to turn this feature off to potentially mitigate the problem.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Begin streaming any video or music on your Roku Tv.
  2. Press * on your Roku remote thrice.
  3. Go to the sound settings on your TV home screen and choose the option for volume leveling.
    volume leveling
  4. Select the volume leveling option
    volume leveling option
  5. On your Roku remote, press the right arrow keys till the option states OFF.

This feature’s magnificence ensures that the sound is consistent and does not play ear-shattering advertisements at unreasonable pitches. So, you can certainly say goodbye to loud and noisy ads now!

12. Adjust the Roku TV Sound Settings

Can you imagine that you can adjust the settings to turn off the TV speaker? Well, this feature comes in handy, especially when you use a soundbar. However, if you are not using a sound bar and your speakers have been turned off, there will be no sound on your Roku TV. Let me show you how to turn them on:

  1. Press home on the Roku remote.
  2. Go to settings and then to audio.
  3. From the audio settings, go to the option for Speakers.
  4. Scroll down and select TV speakers; check if the option for TV speakers is on.
    Adjust the Roku TV sound settings

 Another crucial sound setting that you need to check is for S/PDIF and ARC.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press home on the Roku Remote.
  2. Select the option of Settings and go to audio.
  3. Go to S/PDIF and ARC, and check if it’s on AUTO. If not, set it to auto and check if it solves the issue of sound not working on Roku TV.
  4. If it was on auto and still not working, try switching to PCM Stereo.
    PCM Stereo.

13. Reset the Roku Device

If nothing works to fix no sound on Roku, then it’s time to do a factory reset. This should definitely work to eliminate any issues that are occurring because of an improperly configured device. The Roku device gets back to its factory settings when the device is reset. Also, note that by carrying out a factory reset, all the data and customised options will be deleted, and the Roku device will be delinked from its main account as well. Once the gadget has been reset, you can always reconfigure your Roku account.

Here’s how to factory reset your Roku device:

  1. Press Home on Roku remote.
  2. Select the option of Settings from the main interface.
  3. Select System from the setting’s list.
    setting's list
  4. Choose Advanced system settings on the System page.
    Advanced system settings
  5. The next step is to highlight the Factory reset option.
  6. Press OK to make a selection.
  7. On the top right area of the screen, there will be a 4-digit code.
  8. Type this code with the help of your Roku remote to reset the device.

Once the Roku device has been reset, you can link it with your account and gain access to your Roku content. If you are unable to keep up with the above steps to reset your Roku device, don’t lose heart, there is an alternative that you can imply. On the back of the Roku remote, there is a reset button. You can use this button to reset the Roku to Factory settings.

How to factory reset the Roku TV without a remote

14. How to Factory Reset the Roku TV without a Remote

Hey! Don’t have a Roku remote? Do not fret; I have you covered here as well. You can reset your Roku device by simply using the Reset button found at the back of your television. It can be a little tedious to locate the rest button. Some models have it labeled, so it’s obvious; hence you cannot miss it, while others do a very good job of hiding it. In most Roku Tv models, the button is next to the RCA and HDMI ports. A few of them have the reset button on the right side of the television or the left side and even under the front panel of the TV.

How to Factory Reset the Roku TV without a Remote

Once you have found the port in your TV, you need to look out for a tiny reset button. I have attached a few photos of Roku TV so that you get a better sense of what you need to look out for.

How to Factory Reset the Roku TV without a Remote

Once you locate the reset button, press it for 10 seconds and check if it does the magic. You may need to repeat this 4-5 times for it to work if luck is not favoring you, press and release the button rapidly for at least 15-20 times. It sounds plain crazy but trust me on this- it does work!

15. Check for System Updates

A lot of Roku devices fail to work consistently if they have not been updated. You can even check for updates manually and get the device up to date. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press home on the Roku remote.
  2. Go to settings from the main home screen.
  3. Click on system.
  4. Next select system update.
  5. Wait patiently for the system to check for any new updates.
  6. If any updates are available, click the option of update now.

If, after downloading the latest updates, there is no audio on your Roku device, then perhaps you may want to reset the device. Nevertheless, prior to doing this, make sure you have the latest version of the system update to rule out the possibility of any bugs. To ensure that you have the latest version of Roku installed, follow these steps below:

  1. Press home on Roku remote.
  2. Select settings on the home screen.
  3. The next step is to select the system.
  4. Scroll down and choose the option of system update by pressing the OK button on the Roku remote.
  5. On this screen, look at the bottom of the screen to check last when the device was updated.
  6. Click on the check now option and press OK. The device will manually check for any updates.

16. Troubleshooting the Audio Receiver

Troubleshooting the Audio Receiver

If you have attempted the fixes above and nothing worked out for you, then perhaps the culprit could be the Audio receiver and not your Roku device. Thus, it is suggested that you switch off all the parts of the device and check if the selected audio input is appropriate or not. Try to adjust the volume levels so that you are certain that the audio receiver is not muted. Sometimes issues can arise with the audio receiver, and we blame the Roku device instead. Here are some steps to troubleshoot the issue:

  1. Make sure that all the components of the Roku device are switched on.
  2. Ensure that the right input is selected on your Tv/ soundbar and the a/v receiver.
  3. Try to adjust the volume levels to see if that makes any difference in the playback.

Note: You can play music on multiple Amazon Echo devices for a fabulous audio experience.

17. Contact Roku TV Customer Support

Have you tried all the fixes that have been mentioned above but still no luck? Don’t worry; there is light at the end of the tunnel for you. You can get in touch with Roku’s customer support through telephone or email, and they will mitigate your problem.

In case of a manufacturing defect, they will even provide a replacement for your Roku TV. Majorly all Roku TVs are TCL’S so you can call on 1-877-300-8837 to get the assistance needed. Their hours of operation are:

MONDAY- FRIDAY: 9AM – 12AM ET

SATURDAY- SUNDAY: 9 AM – 6 PM ET

 The staff is trained to handle problems like these and have surely received dozens of complaints about no sound on Roku devices in the past. They will be proficient enough to steer you through some troubleshooting steps to check if it’s an issue that can be fixed by you or if you need a mechanic to come in and sort the problem. 

Note: Check warranty of the device: One last ditch effort that could be worth it is checking if your Roku Tv is under warranty or not. Most Roku televisions have a limited warranty for the first year when you purchase the Roku Tv. The warranty covers all faults in the material when the product was bought from an authorized dealer. 

Fundamentally, what it means is that if the company decides to cover the issue, Roku will pay to get your Tv fixed or even replace your damaged/defective Tv with a brand new one. Good fortune could be on your side if you suffer from an issue while your TV is still under warranty. If nothing, it is undeniably worth a shot!

These 16 ways are definitely going to help you to find a fix for the sound problems you may be facing on your Roku devices. After all, sound has a very intrinsic role to play in our lives; imagine watching a film with no audio. How boring it would get!

FAQs

Q1. How can Roku Audio and Video be synced?

Answer – Numerous users have reported to have issues with their video and audio being desynchronized from time to time while they watch their favorite shows on their Roku devices. There is a quick fix to resolve this problem that needs you to make a quick change to the video refresh property of your Roku. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press home on Roku remote.
  2. Go to the setting on the menu and select it.
  3. From the system menu, choose Advanced systems.
  4. Select Advanced display settings from it.
  5. Find auto adjust display option and ensure it is disabled.

This fix will sort your issues with audio syncing but can also give rise to some unwanted problems with the video playback, such as a jerky image quality. In case this happens, you need to switch the auto-adjust refresh option to enabled.

Conclusion

 Audio concerns are very frequently occurring issues with Roku devices and, luckily, can be fixed very easily. In addition to the fixes that have been mentioned, there are very simple methods that you can use to fix malfunctions on your Roku device. Irrespective of what Roku device you are using, losing sound is a very triggering. Once you know how the Roku devices detect any audio, you just need to know the appropriate settings to restore audio to your Roku device. From there, you can even have much better access to controlling audio on your devices.

All the aforesaid fixes are certain to work. However, if they do not work for you, there could be an internal issue with the device, and the best way to alleviate it is to get in touch with Rokus Customer support. Please let me know if these fixes that we discussed at length work out for you, and in case you were successful with another fix that I did not mention, go ahead and share it in your comments.

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