The LG G5 OLED runs webOS and sends sound to its own speakers, to a soundbar through eARC or optical, or to Bluetooth devices, and when there is no sound, the cause is usually the output setting. LG's help library pages for a TV with no audio and for no sound from external equipment give the sequence. First check the volume and mute on the TV and on any external device, and that the volume on both is at a normal level, 10 or higher. Open Settings, Sound, Sound Out and select Use TV Speaker to test: if the sound returns, the TV is fine and the external route is the problem.
The checks in more detail
If it does not return, the speakers or a setting is at fault. Check that the TV is not in a mode that mutes audio when Bluetooth is selected without a connected device, since many cases on webOS come from a Sound Out set to Bluetooth, HDMI ARC or Optical when nothing is connected, which gives silence. For a soundbar on eARC, connect the soundbar's eARC or ARC port to the TV's eARC port, which on the G5 is labeled, with an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, and in Sound, Sound Out choose HDMI ARC or the soundbar's option.
Make sure Simplink (HDMI-CEC) is on in the general settings and that eARC support is enabled. Set the digital audio output to Auto or PCM for a test, and power cycle the TV and the soundbar by unplugging for a minute. If an app is silent but others are not, check the app and the format. If the sound is out of sync, adjust the AV Sync adjustment in Sound settings. Check for a software update in Settings, General, About This TV. A game console may have its own audio output setting that the TV obeys.
If the TV speakers produce no sound on any setting and the TV is on Use TV Speaker, a hardware fault is possible and LG support can help, with warranty covering parts for a year. If the sound works from the TV's own apps and not from an input, the fault is with the device on that input. If it works from inputs and not from the apps, check the apps' own audio settings. Write down the pattern before you start changing things, since a change made at random can hide the cause, and set the Sound Out back to a known state each time you test.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG G5 OLED evo TV has picture but no sound”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Sound Out set to an absent device
What separates it The TV is silent
How to confirm Select Use TV Speaker
- 2
eARC or Simplink off
What separates it No sound from a soundbar
How to confirm Enable Simplink and eARC and use the labeled port
- 3
A digital format mismatch
What separates it Silence or crackle
How to confirm Set the output to PCM
- 4
A muted device
What separates it The external device is quiet
How to confirm Turn up both volumes
- 5
A hardware fault
What separates it Silence on Use TV Speaker
How to confirm Contact LG
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The Sound Out setting
- The port and cable
- Whether Simplink is on
- Whether the TV speakers work
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedCheck volume and mute
ReversibleOn the TV and device.
Select Use TV Speaker
ReversibleTo test.
Use the eARC port
ReversibleWith a good cable.
Enable Simplink
ReversibleAnd eARC.
Set the output to PCM
ReversibleIf silent.
Power cycle
ReversibleFor a minute.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Sound Out
- It decides where sound goes.
- Simplink
- LG's HDMI-CEC.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If TV speakers are silent on every setting, contact LG
- !If only the soundbar fails, check eARC and the cable
- !Update the TV
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
LG's steps for a TV with no sound.
LG's steps for a soundbar or receiver that gives no sound.
Owners' picture, audio and Bluetooth tips for the LG C5.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why has my LG G5 no sound?+
Sound Out may be set to a device that is not there.
How do I test the speakers?+
Select Use TV Speaker.
Which port is eARC?+
The labeled port.
What if Bluetooth is selected?+
Switch Sound Out back.