It can be very frustrating when your Roku device won’t play audio sound or video especially when you need to stream a particular video or movie to your TV and you can’t hear or see anything on your TV screen. With Rokue, this is fixable if it’s not caused by physical damage to your device. So, in this article, you will learn how to fix Roku not playing sound or videos
Roku is just like other streaming devices that can easily develop faults unannounced. And when it happens, you can either look for a way to fix it or forget about the device and get a new one. Since getting a new Roku device each time the streaming device is not playing video is capital intensive, then, it’s better to be on the look for how to fix it.
And with this guide on how to fix Roku not playing sound, you will be able to solve Roku not playing Netflix videos.
Recommended: How to connect Bluetooth speaker to Roku TV
Why is my Roku TV Not Playing Sound
There are a few reasons why your Roku TV might not play sound. This varies, so, why my Roku TV not playing sound might be different from the reason why your Roku TV is not playing sound as well.
However, we will consider the general reasons why Roku TV is not playing sound and video.
- Check your television’s volume and mute settings as it may be enabled.
- Make sure the volume is adjusted to a level that is audible enough and that the mute function is off.
- Make sure the audio connections are securely fastened at both ends if you are using a composite cable.
- Problem with the HDMI connection used to plug the device into your TV, you may need to check the manufacturer’s documentation for your TV for any assistance.
- The audio format of the media is not compatible with your Roku device.
At least one of the reasons above can affect your Roku TV from playing sound. If you have multiple reasons at the same time your Roku will not play sound or video until both problems are fixed. So, for the sake of this guide, you will learn how to fix Roku not playing sound.
How to Fix Roku Not Playing Sound on Video
There are general and specific solutions as regards fixing Roku not playing sound on videos or audio.
First, we’ll first consider how to apply the general solution to fix your Roku TV not playing sound below before going on specific problems that might likely cost the Roku device from streaming with sound.
- Make sure your TV’s volume is not entirely muted by checking the volume settings and pressing the volume up button.
- Make sure you select the proper AVR input and turn off the mute before checking the volume.
- Make sure your audio connections are plugged in correctly by checking them.
- Reconnect all of the cables after disconnecting them.
- Change to a new input type or port if at all feasible. If the current input is faulty, changing to another one should fix the issue.
- If you use an AVR setup, connect the device to a different AVR.
- Using a separate cable, check the connection. If your existing cable isn’t functioning properly, replace it.
- Turn off your TV and Roku device’s power, then disconnect them for two minutes. Reconnect them after that, and see whether the problem persists.
- Update the software’s version, you can download the most recent system update by going to Settings >> System >> System Update.
If there is nothing serious as to why your Roku is not playing audio the above general solution should fix them. But, if there is something to think about rather than the reasons above, then, let us look else by considering the following solution to why is my Roku not playing videos.
Turn on Dolby Digital
Enable Dolby Digital as your audio option if you are using a Roku device with an optical connection to an AVR (optical cable).
By following the steps below you will be able to turn on Dolby Digital on your device.
- Choose Audio under Settings.
- Change the audio mode to Dolby D and then choose HDMI and S/PDIF.
Switch to Stereo Mode
You can change to stereo if your TV or AVR is not compatible with surround sound, especially if you are having audio problems when you try to use surround sound as your audio option.
By following the steps below you will be able to switch to Stereo mode on your Roku.
- Go to Settings >> Audio Audio.
- Find Audio mode, and set it to Stereo.
- In case you are using an optical port, set HDMI to PCM-Stereo.
Roku not Playing Netflix
To play Netflix videos on your Roku you’d have to add Netflix as a channel on the device. However, with some glitches, your Roku might not be able to play Netflix videos. So, with the following requirement, you will know why your Roku TV won’t play Netflix videos.
- SDTV requires a minimum download speed of 3.0 Mbps.
- HD requires up to 9.0 Mbps, and 4K HDR requires up to 25 Mbps.
- Lack of bandwidth can cause a variety of video problems, such as buffering, poor video quality, stuttering, and more.
How to Fix Roku Not Playing Netflix Videos
The following troubleshooting tips are the steps to take to fix Roku not playing Netflix. Be surreal to test your Netflix after each of the tips.
- If the device reports that it was unable to connect to the Internet, check to see if your ISP is having any network issues
- Restart your modem/router, and unplug all other devices.
- Reduce wireless interference from other devices
- Use a different Internet connection (mobile hotspot, if that’s possible).
- Use a different HDMI port and cable.
Remove Useless Channel
There is no need to keep channels you do not use on your Roku as they may contribute to the problem. So, removing them won’t harm the streaming drive either. Therefore, by following the steps below you will learn how to remove unwanted channels on your Roku media player.
- Go to Streaming Channels by selecting the Menu.
- Activate the Channel Store.
- Choose the channel that you wish to remove.
- Choose the option to remove the channel.
- After restarting your device, add the problematic channel or channels back.
Use a lower bit rate
Roku does a great job by automatically adjusting the bit rate based on the speed of your network connection. However, you may consider reducing your bit rate if the service makes use of a high bit rate and your connection suddenly becomes unreliable.
- Press the Home button five times on your remote.
- Then, three times on backward scan and twice on forward scan.
- The Bit Rate Override window should now appear.
- Reduce your bit rate by going to the Manual option.
Contact Roku Support or your TV Manufacturer
This would be the last resort if your Roku TV won’t play audio or won’t play your Netflix video. For further possible troubleshooting tips, we advise you to contact Roku support.