Netflix Sound Not Working (Causes, Fixes)

 

Netflix is a popular online streaming platform that offers its subscribers a wide range of entertainment options.

If something as crucial as the sound is not working, it can be a cause of concern for a lot of people, as it means they can’t watch their favorite show.

Let’s discuss why Netflix sound may not be working and how to fix it.

 

Netflix Sound Not Working (Causes, Fixes)

 

Content and connectivity issues are the two primary reasons the Netflix sound won’t work properly.

Netflix streams many TV shows, movies, songs, sports, and other entertainment, all under the same platform.

The platform can sometimes face issues with some content that can result in sound issues.

The connectivity issues are related to the device you are streaming the Netflix services on.

This can include faults in the connection cables or even the entire device.

All the causes you might face with the sound come under these two categories.

Let’s discuss each of them with their fixes.

 

1. Chromebook Or Chromebox Problems

 

Problems in the content are one of the most common reasons for sound failure when using Netflix.

The issue can arise in every form of entertainment, including games, movies, seasons, or sports.

This issue is entirely from Netflix’s side and only they can fix this.

However, before getting into the fix, it is essential to confirm whether or not the problem is in the content.

To be sure, try streaming the same content on different devices.

If all of the devices face sound issues, the problem is surely in the content.

 

Fix: Report The Issue

The only way to fix the issue is by contacting Netflix customer support.

1. Go to Viewing Activity by accessing your account.
2. Find the content that had sound issues.
3. Fill out all the asked information and submit the report.

Netflix guarantees fixing issues within a day or two once you submit the report.

 

2. Faults In The Connections

 

The second major issue can be the fault in the connections.

If you are streaming Netflix on your Smart TV or Computer, check out the cables connected to your speakers.

However, if you are streaming on a mobile phone or any device with a built-in speaker, check by running other video or audio content.

This will give you an idea of whether there is an issue with your device’s speaker or not.

The cables can be a significant reason for faulty connections as well.

Also, check out the internal links, including the connectivity ports.

 

Fix: Troubleshoot The Connections

The easiest way to fix the issue is by playing content from other sources.

This will confirm the problems in the connections of your device.

If the issue is found in the connections, you can fix them by following the steps below.

1. Unplug all the cables.
2. Remove dust from the ports.
3. Check for the connection of the speaker to the electric socket (if you are using a device with a built-in speaker, ignore this step).
4. Plug in all the cables.

Once you take all the steps, you will be able to hear a proper sound if it is a minor issue with the speaker.

If you still do not hear the sound, get your device checked out by a technician.

 

3. Processing Errors

 

Processing errors are a common thing, especially in devices running internet-based applications.

Typically, these errors occur when there is an internal lag in the device.

Failure of information received by the device can also become the reason for these errors.

These errors are pretty common in mobile phones and computers.

However, other streaming devices like Smart TVs and Gaming Consoles can also face these issues.

The issue generally arises when running a device with low primary storage.

Low disk space can also be a reason for other failures like screen lag, black screen, slow video processing, etc.

 

Fix: Restart The Device

The easiest fix to the issue is to restart the device.

The rebooting of the device will boost the processing speed of the device and it will be able to run the content without any issues.

If you are streaming on the computer or the mobile phone, you should also consider freeing up some space.

It will give more space to Netflix and the platform will run smoothly without any issues.

However, if you are streaming Netflix on a Smart TV, the only fix to the problem is to restart the device.

 

4. Netflix Audio Setting

 

Netflix’s internal and external audio settings can also be the reason for the no sound issue.

Most users don’t have an awareness of the inner sound settings of the platform and end up muting their content’s sound.

The other audio setting from the player is quite apparent.

Most people check the player’s volume when they can’t hear the sound in the first place.

But some might still miss it and fail to realize the issue.

 

Fix: Reset Netflix Audio Settings

The only way to fix the issue is by resetting the audio setting of Netflix.

Before getting into the internal settings, make sure the sound volume of your audio player is open.

To change the settings, take the following steps.

1. Log in to your Netflix account and start streaming the content.
2. Click the dialogue box present at the bottom right of the player.
3. Select the Non-5.1 option from the available ones.

Once you follow the steps, the audio settings of your Netflix account will be reset to the default.

 

5. Your Device’s Audio Settings

 

The device’s audio settings can also become the reason for the sound issues in your Netflix streaming.

Most of the time, people don’t realize that the device’s audio settings do not allow any volume from external sources.

This can result in a no sound scenario for your Netflix as well.

However, the issue only arises when streaming via mobile phone or PC.

If you are streaming on a smart TV, you just need to increase your device’s volume.

 

Fix: Reset Audio Settings

The easiest way to fix the issue is by improving the audio setting of your device.

Take the following steps if you are streaming on a PC.

1. Check the audio by accessing the sound options from the taskbar (If the sound is high and the audio is still not available while streaming, proceed to the next step).
2. Search for Sound Settings in the search bar or directly access it from the control panel.
3. Select the Primary Speakers from the available options by clicking the dropdown.
4. Select the Sound Control Panel from the left menu.
5. Click Set As Default.

After taking these steps, you will be able to reset the audio setting to the default on a computer.

If you are streaming on a smartphone, reset the phone’s media settings by accessing the device’s main settings.

The steps for resetting the sound settings for other devices like the gaming console, smart TVs, and Mac might vary depending on your model.

However, you should just focus on resetting the audio settings and the sound issues will be resolved automatically.

 

6. Dust Issues

 

Another common reason that might cause failure to your device’s internal or external speaker is the dust.

The dust can cause blockage to the speaker’s panel.

If you don’t have a habit of cleaning your speakers, the dust might even cause damage to the internal cables of your device.

This results in an immediate failure of the speaker, and it won’t stream Netflix with sound.

Dust can also harm devices that have internal speakers.

You might face complete failure or malfunction of the internal speakers.

 

Fix: Clean The Speakers

The only way to remain protected from the issue is to clean the external speakers regularly.

You can also take preventive covers to ensure less dust enters the speaker.

If you are using a device with an internal speaker, protect it from dust by keeping it away from dusty places.

You can also use rubber covers that offer a maximum dust protection guarantee.

Take a look at some tips that might enable the speaker to work correctly again.

All these tips apply to external speakers only.

1. Use a small vacuum at a slow speed to suck up dust from the speaker.
2. Clean the speaker with a clean cloth.
3. Remove all the speaker’s power cables and plug them in again after waiting for a while.

If the speaker still does not start working, you will have to repair it.

 

7. Netflix Could Be Down

 

A massive website like Netflix would rarely go down.

However, the possibility is still there

If Netflix is down, it could also cause sound issues and other issues like screen lag, poor video quality, low streaming speed, etc.

To confirm whether the official Netflix website is down or not, you can utilize third-party websites like Down Detector.

 

Fix: Wait For The Website To Get Back Up And Running

Since the issue is from Netflix’s side, you will have to wait until the website starts running normally.

If you want to stream Netflix urgently, you can use VPNs to see whether the website is working fine or not.

Sometimes the server is down only in specific areas and the website starts working fine when accessed from another location.

You should not use VPN to stream Netflix as most platforms don’t allow it and it is considered against their Terms of Service (TOS).

 

8. Unavailable Audio Streams

 

Unavailability of your preferred language in the content you are streaming can also become the reason for the sound issues.

Netflix provides its users with a wide range of language options.

However, not all the content present on the platform is available in different languages.

Netflix will show you a pop-up notification if you try to stream content in a language that is unavailable most of the time.

It might launch the stream with sound issues sometimes.

 

Fix: Change The Language

The easiest way to avoid the issue is by streaming the content in the original language of the content.

The language is generally mentioned in the content details, whether it is a movie, season, TV show, or game.

Take the following steps to change the language settings.

1. Play the content by checking the language details mentioned in the description.
2. Tap the Audio & Subtitles option present at the bottom of the player.
3. Select the language mentioned in the description from the drop-down of Audio Streams.

Once you take all the steps, Netflix will start streaming with a normal functioning sound in the selected language.

 

9. Incompatible Audio Settings

 

The incompatible audio settings might also cause issues with the sound.

In most cases, the default settings of Netflix are set according to the traditional speakers.

This causes problems with the sound when you try using assertive sound-producing devices like the Stereo and PCM.

Audio settings are generally incompatible when you stream Netflix on devices like Smart TV, NVIDIA Shields, Gaming Consoles, etc.

Once you have reset the settings or added your unconventional speaker to the device, the sound issue will be resolved instantly.

 

Fix: Set Netflix According To Your Device

Take the following steps to fix the issue.

1. Access the settings by logging in to your Netflix account.
2. Click Audio Settings from the available options.
3. Select the device from the dropdown and confirm changes,

After taking these steps, your new device will be able to access the sound.

 

10. Netflix Fails To Load

 

Failed processing might be another reason you might face sound issues.

This issue generally arises when you stream Netflix from a device with less available space.

Sometimes, the device might also fail to launch the Netflix website or application properly, resulting in sound issues.

 

Fix: Restart Netflix

The easy way to fix the issue is by restarting Netflix.

If you were streaming Netflix on a computer, it is better to relaunch the website by closing it completely.

To be more precise, you should also consider closing the entire web browser and opening it again to avoid any repeated issues.

People streaming Netflix via mobile applications should relaunch the application after waiting for a short period.

If you are on a smart TV, gaming console, or any other device other than a computer and mobile phone, restarting the entire device is a better option.

 

11. Outdated Sound Drivers

 

Outdated sound drivers can also be one of the primary reasons for the sound issues.

Netflix is one of the most updated streaming devices globally that keep updating to the latest sound formats.

This helps them in bringing the best audio experience to their users.

However, the updates can also become a significant issue for people who have a habit of running outdated devices.

The incompatibility of the sound feature makes the device challenging to catch the signals and it ends up missing the sound while streaming content.

That said, Netflix upgrades to the new sound formats in two to three years on average, as per records.

Outdated drivers might not be a problem if you are using the latest device.

Also, it is not a frequent issue.

The outdated sound drivers are common in all the types of devices that can stream Netflix, including computers, mobile phones, gaming consoles, etc.

 

Fix: Update The Drivers

If you are streaming Netflix on a mobile device, update the software of your mobile to resolve the issue.

However, computer users should take the following steps.

1. Go to your computer’s control panel.
2. Select Device Manager from the available options.
3. Click Audio Inputs and Outputs present at the top of the list.
4. Right-click both Digital Audio and Speakers one by one.
5. Select Uninstall Device from the drop-down.
6. Confirm the uninstallation.
7. Restart your computer.

The computer will automatically update the drivers during the restart.

Make sure your computer has a stable internet connection since the updates will be made from the internet.

If you are using any other device, up-gradation of the sound driver can only be done by updating the internal software.

 

12. Device Connected To Other Speaker

 

Another common issue you might not realize is the device’s connectivity with another speaker.

Sometimes, your device automatically connects to the closest available speaker with which you might have paired your device before.

It is quite obvious but may not sometimes occur to you that your device is connected to another Bluetooth device.

 

Fix: Turn Off Bluetooth

The only way to fix the issue is by keeping the Bluetooth turned off if you are not using a wireless speaker.

This will stop your device from connecting to any irrelevant device that you are not using.

When using a wireless speaker, make sure your device is connected and paired to that particular speaker only.

This will ensure Netflix’s sound is generated from the speaker you are connected to.

 

Which Sound Format Does Netflix Use?

 

Netflix uses Dolby Digital Sound Format—one of the most advanced sound technologies.

It gives the users a good quality sound with a balanced bass and crisp audio.

The audio running with the help of this technology is quite realistic and enhances the user’s visual experience.

Netflix also supports a 5.1 surround sound with Dolby Atmos.

You can change the format to it from the audio settings.

However, we highly recommend using the default setting that provides the Dolby Digital Sound Format.

 

Conclusion

The sound issue is a common thing when using Netflix.

It can be caused due to your device’s audio settings or processing errors.

If the issue is from Netflix’s side, you won’t have to wait long since the company always offers quality services to the customers.

If the issue is from another source, however, you should find the source and troubleshoot accordingly.