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No sound on TV

ToddPheifer

By Todd Pheifer

Let's fix this!

TV remote image

If your television is suddenly showing only silent movies, check the obvious first, such as whether the mute button is on or whether the volume is turned all the way down. If that's not the issue, this troubleshooting chart can help you determine what’s causing no sound on TV and, hopefully, help you fix it in time for your favorite show.

 

Note: When troubleshooting sound problems on your TV, be sure to consult the owner’s manual. Some of the steps included will likely be rudimentary, but you may find troubleshooting advice specific to your set. Your TV model may offer onscreen diagnostic software that can help identify problems.

Problems

Possible causes and what to do

No sound after handling or bumping components

Loose connections
Verify that all cables are firmly seated by reinserting each one. Loss of sound from moving, adding, subtracting or bumping into equipment is common. It is particularly applicable if your TV is connected to an exterior sound system. Inputs require tight connections in order for you to hear audio.


Cords plugged into incorrect inputs
Confirm that cords are connected to their appropriate plugs. Certain TVs have color-coded inputs that can be matched up with cable boxes and sound systems.


Worn cables
Try a new cable to see if that fixes the problem or if other components appear to be working. Over time, cables can malfunction, either from age or from wear and tear. Having a spare cable or two around the house can be helpful for troubleshooting and eventual replacement.

Sound suddenly turned off but picture still works

Remote on wrong input
Verify that the remote is set to:

  • Proper video input (TV, satellite/cable, DVD)
  • Correct audio input (TV, DVD player, gaming system)

 

Technical difficulty with cable/satellite provider or TV station
Check other channels to see if the sound is isolated to a single station. Call your provider to see if they're experiencing issues with their audio before attempting to fix your own.


HDMI or set-top box connection glitch
Reconnect the HDMI cable connection:

  1. Turn the TV off and back on again.
  2. Unplug the cable and reinsert it (turn off the TV first).


If the problem persists, you may need to schedule TV repair service.

Picture came on but sound never did

Cables disconnected
Check cables and components to make sure that something wasn't bumped recently and connections weren't dislodged or loosened. 


Remote on wrong input
Make sure that the remote is on the right input, and see if sound might be produced by playing a DVD or turning on a video game system. 


Technical difficulty with cable/satellite provider or TV station
Check other channels to see if the sound problem is just occuring for the one channel or a handful of channels. Call your provider to find out if they are having technical difficulties.


Faulty inputs
If an external sound system is used, testing another input such as a radio or CD player is a good way to differentiate problems between the TV and the sound system. Contact a TV repairman to fix faulty inputs. 


Failed sound board or damaged speakers
If you suspect a failed sound board or damaged TV speakers, consider setting up a visit from a TV repair pro to confirm and repair the issue. Television hardware is delicate, and you may do more harm than good without the help of a qualified professional. 

Consider buying a new television if your unit is older; parts and labor could be pricey.

Still seeking a solution? Schedule TV repair service with a qualified professional.
 

Closed captionsWhat to do until your TV is repaired
 

  • Turn on the closed captions [CC] and read the dialogue.

  • Watch a TV show or DVD on your computer.

  • Read a book.

  • Have a movie day.

  • Watch TV at a friend’s house.

  • Catch up on household chores while your DVR records favorite shows.

 

 

Repair or replace?


Bringing the sound back to your television is most often a simple matter of pushing a button or reconnecting a cable. But if the problem turns out to be major, factor in the age of your TV and how much you like your model when considering if replacement makes more sense than putting money toward repair.

Good flat-panel TVs start as low as a few hundred dollars. Shop for Energy Star-qualified TVs; they are approximately 40% more energy efficient than standard models.

Examine TV types in our LED, LCD and plasma comparison.

✓ Reviewed and approved by Repair.com expert Greg Roth, general manager, Roth’s.

 

 
ToddPheifer

Todd Pheifer

Todd is a freelance writer who has done his share of household tasks and home repairs over the years. He is comfortable conducting research and doing work himself, but he also knows that sometimes it is best to leave repairs to the professionals.

 

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