For a Hisense TV with no sound, the independent guides begin with the obvious and work outward. Check the TV volume and mute, then the connected soundbar or receiver, since each has its own volume and mute. Try another app or input to see whether silence is everywhere. If you use an external speaker, check whether the TV output is set to it: on VIDAA open Settings, Sound, and check the speaker selection and the digital output format,
The checks in more detail
since a format the soundbar cannot decode, such as Dolby Digital Plus or Atmos, produces silence and PCM or Stereo restores it. For an HDMI soundbar, connect it to the HDMI port marked ARC, turn HDMI control on under Inputs, and choose the ARC output. Disconnect Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth speaker that may still be connected and taking the audio, which is a very common cause of a TV that looks silent. Power cycle by unplugging for a minute.
Run Settings, Support, Self Diagnosis, Sound test on VIDAA to see whether the TV produces a test tone; if it does, the fault is downstream. Update the software, and if only one app is silent, clear its data or reinstall it. If the TV produces no sound in the test on any output, the speaker or main board may be at fault and a repair quote is next. Test with headphones or another audio output if the TV offers one; if those work, the fault is in the soundbar or cable, not the TV.
Streaming apps carry their own audio track choice, so a show set to a surround track can play silent through a stereo-only soundbar even when every cable is right; switch the track in the app first. Turn the TV volume to about half while testing and raise the soundbar separately, since two low volume controls multiply into silence that looks like a fault. Play a channel with speech rather than music when testing, since speech makes a missing center channel or a muted output obvious at once.
Differential
Likely causes of “Hisense TV line has picture but no sound”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Mute or low volume
What separates it There is silence because the volume is low or the TV is muted
How to confirm Check the volume on the TV and on the device, and the mute setting
- 2
Bluetooth audio still connected
What separates it There is no sound from the TV because a Bluetooth audio device is still connected
How to confirm Disconnect the Bluetooth device, and check that the sound returns to the speakers
- 3
The wrong audio output
What separates it There is no sound to the soundbar because the wrong audio output is chosen
How to confirm Choose the ARC output in the sound settings, for the soundbar
- 4
An unsupported format
What separates it Movies are silent because the audio format is not supported
How to confirm Set the audio format to PCM or Stereo, and check the sound
- 5
A speaker or board fault
What separates it There is no test tone because a speaker or board has a fault
How to confirm Get a repair quote, since a silent test tone points to a hardware fault
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The audio output setting that is chosen in the sound settings
- Whether a Bluetooth device is still connected to the TV
- Whether the test tone plays through the speakers
- The soundbar that you use and the ARC port
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedCheck volume and mute
ReversibleCheck the volume and the mute setting, on the TV and on the connected device.
Disconnect Bluetooth
ReversibleDisconnect Bluetooth, meaning any paired headphones or speaker, that the TV may still be using.
Choose the audio output
ReversibleChoose the audio output in Settings, under Sound, and pick the speakers or the ARC output.
Set PCM or Stereo
ReversibleSet PCM or Stereo as the audio format, if a certain format fails to play.
Run the sound test
ReversibleRun the sound test in Self Diagnosis, which plays a tone through the TV speakers.
Update the software
ReversibleUpdate the software on the TV, and then retest the sound with each source, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- VIDAA
- Sound settings sit under Settings, Sound.
- Google TV
- Sound settings are under Settings, Display and Sound.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the U7N Mini-LED TV, U6N Mini-LED TV, R6 Roku TV family.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If there is no test tone, contact Hisense support
- !If only the soundbar is silent, check ARC
- !If one app is silent, check that app
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Common faults and fixes.
Common issues.
Enable HDMI control.
Reset, WiFi, Bluetooth, apps and remote FAQ.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is my Hisense silent?+
Volume, Bluetooth or the audio output.
Can Bluetooth cause it?+
Yes, Bluetooth can cause it, if a paired device is still connected and takes the sound.
What is the sound test?+
The sound test is a VIDAA Self Diagnosis test, which plays a tone through the speakers.
Where is ARC?+
ARC is the HDMI port that is marked ARC, on the back of the TV.
Can an app be silent alone?+
Yes, an app can be silent alone, so clear its data or reinstall it.
What does a blinking red light mean on a Hisense TV?+
The TV has detected a fault, so count the blinks, and give the count to Hisense support.
What is Self Diagnosis on VIDAA?+
It is a VIDAA menu that runs picture, sound and network tests, to find where a problem lies.
Does the Hisense warranty cover repairs?+
A limited warranty applies from the date of purchase, so keep your receipt and check the terms.
What is the Light Sensor setting?+
It is auto brightness, which adjusts the picture to the light in the room.
Can I use a Hisense TV without a remote?+
Yes, use the button on the TV, or use the phone app, to control the basic functions.