When your TCL TV shows video but no sound, or the sound cuts in and out, it feels like a big failure. But in many cases, it’s something simple like mute, wrong audio output, and so on.
Below is a step-by-step set of solutions for sound not working on your TCL.
Guide on how to fix sound not working on your TCL TV
Follow them in order, and stop as soon as your sound returns.
1. Start with this quick diagnosis to save time
You don’t want to spend an hour changing settings if the problem is only one app or one HDMI device. So start here:
- Check if it’s “everything” or “just one thing.”
- Try at least two different sources. For example, a built-in streaming app + Live TV from your set’s antenna or cable.
- If sound works in one place but not another, the set’s speakers are fine. The issue is the specific app/content/device.
- Check what you’re actually hearing
- No sound at all: complete silence
- Sound works but is delayed: lip-sync problem
- Sound cuts in and out
- Sound works only on external speakers but not TV speakers. or the opposite.
Once you know which case you have, the fixes below will make more sense.
2. Make sure you’re not muted
Mute can be triggered accidentally through remote button press, voice remote, soundbar remote, even a connected box. Here is the fix:
- Press Volume + about 10 times.
- Press Mute once to toggle mute off.
- If you use a soundbar or receiver, raise the volume on the soundbar too. Use the soundbar remote.
- If you use a decoder/box/console, raise volume there as well, since some devices can be muted independently.
3. Check your TV’s Audio Output
This is one of the most common “silent TV” causes. Your TCL gadget is still set to output sound to a Bluetooth device, wired headphones, or ARC soundbar, even when you think you’re using TV speakers.
Here is how:
- Go to Settings
- Find your Display & Sound or Display & Sounds option.
- Choose Audio.
- Choose Audio Output.
- Select the output you actually want.
4. Restart the TV
Audio issues often come from a software “hang.” The TV is running, but the audio service is stuck. Do the following for a full restart:
- Unplug your set.
- Give it about 30 seconds. 60 seconds is even better.
- Connect it back in.
- Turn it on and test the sound again.
If you have a soundbar, do these too:
- Unplug the TV and and also the soundbar.
- Wait a minute.
- Plug the sound system in first, let it fully boot.
- After, turn on your TV set.
5. Confirm all cables are fully seated.
A slightly loose HDMI cable could show video, but fail to produce audio. Also, an optical/analog cable can be plugged into the wrong port.
- For HDMI:
- Push the HDMI firmly into the TV and into your device
- Try another HDMI cable if possible
- For red/white audio cables:
- Red plug goes to R
- White plug goes to L
- For component video (YPbPr) or DVI video:
- Remember: these often require separate red/white audio cables for sound.
- For optical (TOSLINK):
- Confirm it “clicks” into place, and the ends aren’t loose
6. Reset Audio Settings
Sometimes, one wrong toggle (output routing, processing mode, volume leveling) breaks sound.
- Go to Settings
- Go to Display & Sound
- Go to Reset Audio Settings (wording can vary)
- Confirm reset
- Test the sound again
7. Update your TV software
Updates frequently fix audio bugs, especially ARC/eARC and app audio problems. On most TVs:
- Settings > System > About > System Update
- Install any available updates
- Restart the TV after updating
8. Factory reset (last resort)
A factory reset wipes apps, logins, Wi-Fi settings, and custom audio settings. We recommend it only after you’ve tried basic troubleshooting and audio reset steps.
- Write down your Wi-Fi password. Do the same for streaming app logins.
- Go to Settings.
- Then head over to System and find Reset, or in some models, Factory Reset.
- Complete setup.
- Test the sound before you reconnect external devices, then reconnect devices one-by-one.