Interactive fix flowchart

Sound not working

Fix no sound, speakers not working, headphones not working, Bluetooth audio problems, sound only coming from one side, low volume, crackling audio, and wrong output device.

All fixes in this guide

Fix: No sound on Windows

No sound on Windows is usually caused by mute, the wrong output device, app volume settings, Bluetooth or HDMI taking over audio, or an audio driver problem.

Fix: No sound on Mac

No sound on Mac is usually caused by mute, the wrong output device, Bluetooth headphones, HDMI or AirPlay output, app settings, or a temporary audio service problem.

Fix: No sound on iPhone or iPad

No sound on iPhone or iPad is usually caused by silent mode, low volume, Focus settings, Bluetooth, AirPlay, app volume, or the speaker being blocked or dirty.

Fix: No sound on Android

No sound on Android is usually caused by separate volume sliders, Do Not Disturb, Bluetooth output, app settings, muted media, or blocked speaker grilles.

Fix: One app has no sound

If only one app has no sound, the app may be muted, using the wrong output, stuck, blocked by permissions, or affected by its own audio settings.

Fix: Wired headphones not working

Wired headphones usually fail because the plug is not fully inserted, the wrong audio jack is used, the device output is wrong, the cable is damaged, or the jack is dirty.

Fix: USB-C headphones or adapter not working

USB-C audio problems usually happen because the adapter is passive when the device needs a DAC, the USB-C port is dirty, the output is wrong, or the adapter is damaged.

Fix: Bluetooth audio not working

Bluetooth audio usually fails when the device is connected to the wrong output, media audio is disabled, the headphones are connected somewhere else, or the Bluetooth profile is stuck.

Fix: Built-in speakers not working

Built-in speakers often stop working because audio is muted, a headphone or Bluetooth device is still selected, the app is muted, or the speaker output is disabled.

Fix: External speakers not working

External speakers usually fail because they have no power, volume is low, the wrong input is selected, the cable is loose, or the computer is using the wrong output device.

Fix: Monitor or TV speakers not working

Monitor or TV audio usually fails when HDMI audio output is not selected, the monitor has no speakers, volume is muted, or the source device is sending audio elsewhere.

Fix: Sound coming from the wrong device

Sound comes from the wrong device when the system or app sends audio to HDMI, Bluetooth, AirPlay, USB audio, headphones, a dock, or a monitor instead of the speakers you expect.

Fix: Sound is very quiet

Very quiet sound is usually caused by separate volume controls, low app volume, quiet source audio, wrong audio mode, dirty speakers, or volume limits.

Fix: Sound crackling, cutting out, or distorted

Crackling or distorted audio is usually caused by a loose cable, Bluetooth interference, low battery, overloaded computer, damaged speaker, bad driver, or audio enhancement setting.

Fix: Sound only works on one side

Sound only on one side is usually caused by audio balance settings, a loose headphone plug, dirty jack, damaged cable, one earbud not pairing, or a failing speaker.

FAQ

Why is my sound not working?

The most common causes are muted volume, the wrong audio output device, disconnected headphones or speakers, Bluetooth routing problems, app-specific audio settings, driver issues, or a damaged cable or adapter.

What should I check first when there is no sound?

Check volume, mute, output device, app volume, and whether sound works through another speaker or headphones.

Why is sound coming from the wrong device?

Your phone, computer, or app may be sending audio to Bluetooth, HDMI, a monitor, headphones, or another output instead of the speakers you expect.

Can Bluetooth cause no sound?

Yes. Bluetooth can be connected for calls but not media, connected to the wrong device, muted, or stuck on the wrong audio profile.