Guide
Casting to TV: Video Plays but There's No Sound
A picture without sound is frustrating, but the cause is usually simple: a muted TV, the wrong audio output, or an audio format the TV can't decode.
Quick checks first
- TV volume and mute. Raise the TV volume and make sure it isn't muted. When casting, the TV volume is what counts, not your phone's.
- Audio output. If the TV is connected to a soundbar, an AV receiver or Bluetooth speakers, check that the TV is sending sound to the right place.
- Phone-side routing. If you mirror your screen, make sure the phone isn't sending audio to a Bluetooth headset or speaker.
- Another video. Cast a short MP4 you know has sound. If it works, the problem is the first file.
Cause 1: the TV can't decode the audio format
Many files have audio in a format some TVs don't support, for example DTS, Dolby Digital (AC3 / E-AC3) or TrueHD. The picture plays, the sound doesn't. TVs differ: some decode these formats, others don't.
Fix: convert the file to MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio with a video converter, or pick another audio track in the original file. Use SmartGoCast to cast the converted file.
Cause 2: picture and sound are separate streams
Some websites deliver the video and its audio as two different streams (common with HLS). A tool that only picks up the video stream gives you a silent picture.
When you cast from the browser in SmartGoCast, it detects such pairs and merges them into one entry labelled Video (picture + sound). See cast web videos to TV.
Cause 3: the TV's sound settings
- Check the TV's audio output setting (internal speakers, HDMI ARC / eARC, optical).
- Try changing the digital audio format from Auto to PCM if your TV or soundbar offers it.
Cause 4: copy-protected content
Apps that protect their videos with DRM can show a picture with no sound, or nothing at all, when mirrored. Use the cast button inside the app instead of mirroring.
Still no sound?
- Restart the TV and the casting session.
- Update the TV software.
- Try another method, such as a different cast route or an HDMI cable. See cast Android to a TV without a Chromecast.
- If the TV isn't responding at all, read TV not showing up in the cast list.