Gone are the days of Charlie Chaplin and silent movies.
Today, the best parts of films are typically the dialogue.
So it’s naturally frustrating if your Apple TV suddenly has no sound.
But fret not.
This is something you can fix faster than you can finish eating an apple.
Continue reading to learn:
- The most common reason for Apple TV’s no audio problem.
- 3 easy steps to fix your Apple TV’s no-sound issue in seconds.
- Whether it’s actually normal for Apple TVs to lose sound occasionally.
- And this is just the beginning…
How to fix the no sound issue on Apple TV – 3 steps
Incorrect audio format is the most common reason for Apple TV’s sound problems.
What exactly do I mean by that?
Well, Apple TV is programmed to play audio in the best quality possible.
So it usually defaults to Dolby Digital 5.1. Which is the latest and most advanced sound technology for home theaters.
But here’s the problem…
If you’re using an older TV set with your Apple TV…
It’s likely not capable of supporting the Dolby audio format. So you’ll end up with no sound at all.
That’s why the steps here are all about changing your Apple TV’s audio format to Stereo.
It’s a format that’s supported universally. And that includes older, non-smart TV models.
So let’s get started.
#1: Launch the Settings menu on your Apple TV
To do that, just press the Menu button on your Apple TV remote. And once a window opens, navigate to Settings and click it.
#2: Open the Video and Audio menu
From the Settings menu, scroll down and select Video and Audio.
#3: Change the audio format to Stereo
Once you’re on the Video and Audio menu, look for Audio Format and select it.
And then follow these steps to change it to Stereo:
Step #1: Select the Change Format option. A window will pop up asking you to confirm your selection. Click Change Format again to proceed.
Step #2: Highlight New Format.
Step #3: Click the New Format option to toggle it to Stereo.
That’s it. This should fix your Apple TV’s audio problem.
However, if the problem persists…
You may also have to go to your main TV’s settings to change the audio format. Proceed to the Bonus section to know more about it.
In the meantime, if you’d also like a video guide on changing your Apple TV’s audio format…
You may watch this:
Bonus: How to change your TV’s audio format to PCM
Changing the audio format of your Apple TV should fix its sound issue.
However, in some cases, you may also have to do it on the TV you’re using with Apple TV.
You just need to go to your TV’s audio format settings. And from there, you should change it to Pulse-Code Modulation or PCM.
“What exactly is that?”
It’s really just a technical term for the Stereo format. So basically, you’ll have to match your TV’s audio output format with your Apple TV’s.
Now, if you’re not sure where to find the audio settings on your TV, don’t worry.
I’ll provide the steps for some of the best smart TV brands.
How to change the audio format on a Samsung TV
- Press your Samsung remote’s Home button.
- Scroll down to Settings and select it.
- Select Sound.
- Click the Expert Settings option.
- Select HDMI Input Audio Format.
- Select PCM.
How to change the audio format on an LG TV
- Press the Smart button on your LG remote.
- Select Settings.
- Select Sound.
- Select Sound Out.
- Highlight Digital Sound Out and toggle it to PCM.
How to change the audio format on a Sony TV
- Click the Quick Settings button on your remote.
- Select Settings.
- Click the Display & Sound option.
- Look for Audio Output and select it.
- Select Digital Audio Out.
- Select PCM.
How to change the audio format on a Vizio TV
- Click the Menu button on your Vizio remote.
- Navigate to Audio and select it.
- Select Digital Audio Out.
- Click the PCM option.
How to change the audio format on a TCL TV
- Press Home on your remote.
- Scroll down and click the Settings option.
- Click the right arrow and select Audio.
- Select Audio mode.
- Select Stereo.
Now, the guide above only covered 5 TV brands. However, the steps should at least be similar even for other manufacturers.
You might also like: Is Apple TV Worth It? 7 Pros And Cons
What causes the no sound issue?
The no sound issue on Apple TVs is mainly due to audio format mismatch. The Apple TV device might be trying to play audio in Dolby Digital 5.1. But your main TV can only process Stereo. That’s why changing your Apple TV’s audio format is the way to resolve this issue.
But while the audio format mismatch is the most common cause…
It’s not the only reason for an Apple TV’s sound problems.
There are several other possible causes why you’re not hearing anything from your device.
I’ll be going over each of them. And then, I’ll provide effective fixes.
#1: Your Apple TV’s on mute
So you just changed your Apple TV and the main TV’s audio format.
And yet you’re still not hearing anything.
Well, your Apple TV device may simply be on mute.
You might have just accidentally pressed the remote’s mute button.
So before going into any other fixes, ensure that it isn’t the case.
Just grab your Apple TV remote. Then press the Volume Up button. And try to turn up the level.
If you’re using an external device such as a soundbar…
The volume issue might be because of that, too.
Soundbars and Bluetooth speakers also have a built-in volume button. So just click it and see if that fixes your Apple TV’s audio problem.
#2: The issue is with the content that you’re watching
Like Roku and Fire TV Stick, you can install 3rd party apps on your Apple TV.
And sometimes, those apps can also malfunction. Some may have scrambled video. While others may lose sound.
So, verify if the problem’s with the app.
To do that, close the current app that you’re streaming from. And then open another one.
Are you now getting audio?
If so, then this confirms that it’s not an Apple TV issue. But rather, it’s an app problem.
So how do you fix it?
Simple. First, restart the app. If you’ve already closed it, try to relaunch it.
And if it still has no sound, check if updates are available. And install them if there are.
So, here’s how to update an app on an Apple TV:
- Click the App Store icon from the home screen.
- Search for the app that you want to update.
- Once you find it, click the Update button.
#3: The HDMI cable is defective
Apple TVs can only connect to any TV via an HDMI cable.
And this cable is responsible for transmitting both sound and display.
So naturally, if the HDMI cable’s defective…
You’re going to experience audio or video issues.
And that’s why the HDMI cable is also a possible culprit for your device’s no-sound problem.
What you should do is try to reseat the cable first. In other words, unplug it from both the Apple TV player and your TV.
And then reconnect it to both the TV and the player. Ensure that you plug it all the way in. So it’s firm and secure.
Now, if you’re still not getting any audio…
Replace the HDMI cable with one that you’re sure is working.
#4: Your Apple TV device is glitching
Another possibility is your Apple TV device is simply glitching. And that’s why you can’t hear any sound.
While Apple products are generally durable, they’re also prone to occasional malfunctions.
And the fastest way to fix it is by performing a power cycle. Or, to put it simply, just restart your device.
You may follow these steps to power cycle your Apple TV:
- Unplug the Apple TV from the outlet.
- Disconnect it from your main TV.
- Wait for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Reconnect the Apple TV to your TV’s HDMI port.
- Plug it back into an outlet.
Now, wait for the device to power back on. And try to launch a streaming channel.
Still not getting any sound?
If so, restart your main TV as well. Do so by unplugging it from its power source. Then, plug it back in a minute or 2.
And do the same if you’re using an external audio device such as a soundbar or a speaker.
#5: Your Apple TV’s software is outdated
Apple periodically releases software updates on Apple TVs. And it’s mainly for installing new features and fixing software bugs.
So if you haven’t updated your device in a while…
It might be why you’re having audio issues. There’s possibly a software bug that’s causing it.
And to fix it, you’ll need to install the latest software updates on your Apple TV. Here’s how:
- Click the Settings icon on your Apple TV’s home page.
- Select System.
- Select Software Updates.
- Click the Update Software option.
- Click Download and Install.
Is the no sound issue normal on Apple TVs?
The no sound issue on Apple TVs is fairly normal. Many users experience this issue periodically. And it’s easy to fix. All it takes is changing your device’s audio format. And in some cases, you’ll just have to install software updates. Or replace the HDMI cable.
However, if this happens every time you try to use your Apple TV…
There might be a more serious underlying issue.
So it’s best to take your device to your nearest Apple service center for repair.
If you’re not sure where that is, you may contact Apple at 1-800-275-2273. They’re open 24/7.
A support agent should be able to help you locate the closest repair center in your area.