Fix Firestick Not Playing Sound – Causes and how to fix

A FireStick is an awesome device to have if your TV is not smart. You end up having access to tons of content online and even play games on it. You must have encountered a problem with your FireStick not playing sound if you’re on this page and we’ll take you through fixing your FireStick’s sound.

It’s annoying when you’re streaming your favorite video content and there’s no sound while the pictures are showing. You kind of get a feel of what the scene is all about but you need the audio fully to get it and be able to follow. I don’t know about you, but for me, I have to restart the video and I hate missing even a single word.

Your FireStick not playing sound can be caused by several issues. Your TV may be on mute, or the video you’re trying to play doesn’t have sound. Another reason for this is your HDMI port. The connection may be weak or not proper. Also if the audio receiver is powered off, then there won’t be sound. Another cause is if your FireStick is not up-to-date. You can resolve this by ensuring your TV is not muted, the video you’re trying to play has adequate sound, your FireStick is properly connected to your TV’s HDMI port,  your audio receiver is turned on, and is working properly, and your FireStick software is up-to-date. 

How do I fix sound on my FireStick?

There are several solutions that you can employ.

Solution One: Check TV and video for audio

Sometimes a simple thing like your TV being on mute is all it takes to deny your videos a sound. It sounds so basic but yeah, you need to check and ensure your TV is not muted. The movie or TV show you’re streaming might be the issue. The whole video or just a scene might have sound issues that make you think it’s your TV and FireStick. Restart the app that you’re using and replay the video again. You can also try playing the same video using another device or another video on the same FireStick and see if the same issue occurs.

Solution Two: HDMI port connection

Your FireStick is connected to your TV through an HDMI port usually at the back or on the side. Sometimes, it may have been interrupted with causing it to loosen or shift. You can fix it by unplugging and replugging the FireStick and then retrying the video. Besides, ensure that your HDMI port supports audio. If your HDMI port doesn’t support audio, it will display ‘Monitor’, or ‘PC’, or ‘DVI’ when you plug into it. If this doesn’t work out, then try unplugging the FireStick and plug it back in in a different HDMI port on the same TV and retry the audio. Another technique you can use is to reverse the HDMI cable you’re using on your FireStick.

Solution Three: Check your Audio receiver

If you use an ‘AV receiver’ to transmit your FireStick’s audio to an external speaker such as a surround sound home theater system, then you might want to check it out and ensure it’s powered on. To ensure it’s on, look if the AV receiver has any lights lit on it. If there isn’t any, then power it on by switching the power button and turn up the volume. You should also ensure the surround sound system is properly hooked. Check the cables depending on whether you’re using an RCA cable if your TV is an older model or an audio cable and then use your TV remote and navigate to Settings. Make sure the ‘Enable Audio Output’ or External Audio option depending on your TV model is turned ON. If this doesn’t still work, then proceed to the next solution.

Solution Four: Restart your devices

Restarting your devices can be of help. Unplug your FireStick, TV, and Surround Sound System from the power source. Wait for a few seconds and plug them back in. Once they’re all powered on, launch your ForeStick and try paying the video one more.

Solution Five: FireStick’s Dolby Digital Output

FireSticks have the Dolby digital output – an audio output technology format based on the Dolby DIgital 5.1 sound method that works well with surround sound receivers that support it and a setting on the FireStick can cause sound issues. Click and hold the Home button on your remote and go to Settings. Select ‘Display & Sounds’ and on ‘Dolby Digital Output’, ensure it’s set to ‘turned OFF’. Go back and retry the video.

Solution Six: Check your devices sound settings 

Some TV models like Panasonic can exhibit this problem if the surround sound receiver and the TV settings are set to output the sound to the wrong port. Use the TV remote to navigate toSound settings and ensure that on the Digital option, HDMI is ON. If you’re using a Surround Sound system, you can try using an Optical Audio to output sound and use it to connect the TV and the sound system. If this doesn’t work, you can try switching the TV and the Surround Sound System to a different Input if your TV has more than one and then switch it back. For instance, switch the sound input to PC and then back to HDMI and see if the issue is gone.

Solution Seven: Update FireStick

Amazon from time to time releases new updates for FireStick that are meant to fix many glitches and bugs that occur on the stick. If your FireStick is not up-to-date, then you may experience this problem. You can fix this by simply updating your FireStick’s software. To do an update, click and hold the Home button on your FireStick remote and select Settings. Choose ‘System/Device’ and select ‘About’. Then select ‘Software Version’ and check for updates by pressing ‘Check for System Update’. If there’s an update available, then the download will automatically begin. Once it’s complete, go ahead and install the update by selecting ‘Install System Update’. Then go back and retry the video. If this doesn’t work, then consider getting a new FireStick or TV.

A Summary Table

Issue	Cause	How to fix
FireStick not playing sound	TV is on mute	Check and ensure the TV is not muted
	The video you’re playing doesn’t have sound	Play another video.
	The HDMI port connection is not properly fitted	Check and fit your FireStick properly in the HDMI port, or unplug and switch the FIreStick to a different HDMI port
	The audio receiver is off	If you’re using an audio receiver, check and ensure it’s turned on and connected to the right port on your TV.
	FireStick software is not up-to-date	Update your FireStick by selecting Settings on the home screen and navigate to Device/System and select ‘About’. To check for available updates, select Software Version’ and install any available updates.

FAQs

Can I enable automatic updates for my FireStick?

Software updates should automatically be downloaded and installed on your FireStick when connected to the internet. You however need a reliable wireless connection for this to happen.

Do I need a receiver to connect my TV to speakers?

No. You can directly connect it to your TV using an audio cable or Bluetooth. You can also use a hub.

Conclusion

Try the above troubleshooting solutions and you’ll be good to get back to your viewing experience.