When a Series X has picture but no sound, Microsoft's first check is that the TV is not muted and the speakers are connected and on. Then set the TV connection to HDMI under Video fidelity and overscan, run the Audio setup tool under Volume and audio output, and if a receiver is involved switch its input away and back and restart it. The Series X and S do not support optical audio out, so sound reaches a soundbar through the TV's own optical port, and the Audio Passthrough option applies only to media apps over HDMI.
Differential
Likely causes of “Xbox Series X|S has no sound or headset audio problems”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The TV is muted or the speakers are off
What separates it There is no sound but the picture is fine and a mute icon may show on the TV
How to confirm Check the TV audio is not muted, is at a reasonable volume and that external speakers are connected and on
- 2
The console's display connection is not set to HDMI
What separates it Sound is missing after a change of TV or receiver
How to confirm Open Profile and system, Settings, General, TV and display options, Video fidelity and overscan, and set Display to HDMI
- 3
A receiver that is out of sync
What separates it There is no picture or sound only through an audio-video receiver
How to confirm Turn on the TV, then the receiver, then the console; switch the receiver's input away and back and restart it
- 4
A speaker channel that is not playing
What separates it Some speakers are silent in a surround setup because a speaker channel is not playing
How to confirm Run the Audio setup tool under Volume and audio output, Advanced, and watch which speaker the test skips
- 5
A headset or setting that cuts the speakers
What separates it Sound goes only to a headset or the setting mutes the speakers when a headset attaches
How to confirm Check Additional options for the mute speakers when a headset is attached setting and the Chat mixer if the game goes quiet in chat
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Where the sound is missing: TV, soundbar, receiver or headset
- The HDMI audio and Optical audio settings under Volume and audio output
- Whether a receiver or soundbar is between the console and the TV
- Which model: the Series X, the Series X Digital or the Series S
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedRule out mute and cables
ReversibleCheck the TV audio is not muted and is at a reasonable volume, and that any external speakers are properly connected and on.
Set the console's display connection to HDMI
ReversiblePress the Xbox button, choose Profile and system, Settings, General, TV and display options, Video fidelity and overscan, and set Display to the HDMI option.
Run the Audio setup tool
ReversibleGo to Settings, General, Volume and audio output, then Advanced, Audio setup. Highlight the option that matches your system and watch the test animations to see which speaker does not play.
Check HDMI audio
ReversibleUnder Volume and audio output, Speaker audio, keep HDMI audio on Stereo uncompressed unless your receiver can process 5.1 or 7.1 uncompressed. The Series X|S have no optical audio out.
Use the TV's optical out for a soundbar
ReversibleConnect the console to the TV with the HDMI cable, then connect the TV's optical (S/PDIF) out to the soundbar or receiver. Microsoft says to do this because the Series X|S do not have optical audio out.
Sort out a receiver
ReversibleTurn the TV on first, then the receiver, then the console. Use the TV remote's Input button to switch the receiver's input away from the console and back, then restart the receiver.
Check Audio Passthrough and the chat mixer
ReversiblePassthrough applies only to media apps over HDMI and is disabled with a headset. If game sound drops in party chat, adjust the Chat mixer under Additional options.
Reset display settings if it persists
ReversibleIf the problem began with a blank screen too, hold Xbox and Eject through the second beep to start in low resolution, then set the resolution again.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- No optical out on Series X|S
- Microsoft says optical audio out is not supported by the Xbox Series X|S. Connect the console to the TV by HDMI and use the TV's optical out for a soundbar.
- HDMI cable in the box
- The Series X ships with a 2-meter Ultra High Speed HDMI cable and the Series S with a High Speed cable; a faulty or swapped cable is worth ruling out.
- Tools and supplies
- A second HDMI cable, the TV remote and a flashlight to see the HDMI port.
- What to tell Microsoft
- The audio settings you used, the receiver make if any and the model number; not a part number.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the Xbox Series S (512GB and 1TB).
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If there is no sound on any TV, cable or headset after every step, request service through Device service and repair
- !If the sound crackles at a port, unplug the console and stop
- !If only a headset is silent with a known-good headset elsewhere, contact Xbox support
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. Microsoft writes them for the Xbox One and the Series X|S together and states where a feature is Series-specific.
Out-of-warranty service fee chart by device.
TV, HDMI, Audio setup tool and receiver steps.
HDMI audio, optical audio and advanced settings.
What passthrough is and when it is disabled.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is there no sound on my Xbox Series X?+
Check the TV is not muted, set the display connection to HDMI, run the Audio setup tool and check any receiver. Microsoft lists these in that order.
Does the Series X have an optical audio port?+
No. Microsoft says optical audio out is not supported by the Series X|S; use the TV's optical output to reach a soundbar or receiver.
Does the Series S have different audio steps?+
No. The steps and menus are the same on the Series X, the Series X Digital and the Series S.
Why does Xbox Series X audio cut out at 4K 120Hz with Dolby Atmos?+
Owners on AVS Forum and Sonos' community report the Atmos signal skipping or going mute when the TV's HDMI port carries 4K at 120Hz, and say that dropping to 1440p at 120 frames or to 8-bit color keeps the sound steady.
Where do I set Dolby Atmos on the Xbox?+
Open Settings, General, Volume and audio output, choose HDMI audio, set it to Bitstream out, then pick Dolby Atmos for home theater as the bitstream format.
Can an eARC extractor help?+
For a soundbar that lacks eARC, forum answers suggest an eARC extractor between the TV and the soundbar to stop dropouts.