This article is for users who can see picture from the Roku player on the TV, but cannot hear the associated sound. This confirms that your Roku player is powered on and the correct input on your television is selected. If your player will not power on or you do not see picture, review the suggestions in the appropriate article below:
Your player is connected directly to your TV
If you are connecting your Roku player directly to your TV and not through another device such as an audio/video receiver (AVR) or soundbar, then try the following:
- Check the volume level and mute settings on your television. Make sure mute is OFF and that the volume setting is at an appropriately audible level. If you need help, check the documentation for your TV manufacturer.
- If you are using a composite cable, check that the audio connectors are snugly attached at both ends. Composite audio cables commonly have a red or white connector.
- Connect the Roku player to a different input (ideally one you know works) and see if you can now hear sound. If you can, then there is a problem with the previous input on the TV.
- Try changing the cable.
Your player is connected to an AVR or soundbar
If you are connecting the Roku player through another device such as an audio/video receiver or soundbar, then try the following:
- Make sure the correct input is selected on your AVR or soundbar.
- Check the volume level and mute settings on your television and the master volume level on the AVR or soundbar. Make sure mute is OFF and that the volume setting is at an appropriately audible level. If you need help, check the manufacturers documentation for your TV and AVR or soundbar.
- If you are using a composite cable, check that the audio connectors are snugly attached between your Roku player and the AVR or soundbar, and the AVR or soundbar and the TV. Composite audio cables commonly have a red or white connector.
- Connect the Roku player to a different input on the AVR or soundbar (ideally one you know works) and see if you can now hear sound. If you can, then there is a problem with the previous input on AVR or soundbar.
- Try changing the cables, one at a time.
Your player is connected using an optical (S/PDIF) cable
If you have a Roku player that has an optical port and you have connected it to an AVR or soundbar using an optical cable, try changing the output format (on your Roku player) to Dolby Digital.
- Note: When using an optical cable, be sure to remove the protective plastic cap from each end of the cable before inserting the connectors. Failing to do so may result in a faulty connection, or damage to the cable or optical port.
- Press Home
on your Roku remote - Scroll and select Settings
- Select Audio
- Select Digital output format
- Select Custom
- Highlight Dolby and select Dolby Digital
You do not hear sound ONLY when playing surround sound
If you do not hear sound only when trying to play a movie or TV show in surround sound, then it is possible that your TV, AVR, or soundbar does not support the surround sound format used by the content provider (e.g. Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, etc.).
- Press Home on your Roku remote
- Scroll and select Settings
- Select Audio
- Select Digital output format
- Select Stereo
If you need help connecting to an AVR or soundbar, learn more about setting up your Roku player for surround sound.
You still do not hear sound
If you still do not hear sound, disconnect and reconnect all cables including the power cable, and then:
- Press Home on your Roku remote
- Scroll and select Settings
- Select Audio
- Select Digital output format
- Select Stereo
Last updated at 2/25/2026 3:14:29 AM
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