Samsung's audio troubleshooting starts with output selection. Open Settings, Sound, Sound Output (or Speaker Settings) and make sure TV Speaker is selected, since a soundbar, Bluetooth speaker or headphones selected earlier can leave the TV speakers silent. Check the volume and that Mute is off, then run the Sound Test under Settings, Support, Self Diagnosis to hear whether the TV speakers work.
The checks in more detail
If you use a soundbar over HDMI eARC or ARC, check the cable is in the port marked ARC or eARC, that Anynet+ is on and that the soundbar is on the right input; Samsung's eARC article says eARC works on 2020 and newer Samsung TVs and soundbars. If audio comes from a set-top box, Samsung has a page on audio issues connected to a set-top box; check the box's own audio format, and set Digital Output Audio Format to PCM if Dolby or DTS formats cause silence.
Samsung also notes the optical output can carry 5.1 only when the TV decodes the audio, so sound may drop to stereo through optical. The Q-Symphony feature plays sound through the TV and a soundbar at once, so if you hear echo or nothing, check Q-Symphony under Sound Output. Turn the TV off and unplug it for 30 seconds, update the software, and test with another source such as the built-in Samsung TV Plus channel. If the Sound Test is silent, the speakers or board may be at fault.
Try the same content on a different app. If sound works in one app but not another, the fault is the app's audio setting or format, not the TV, and switching the app's audio track or output usually fixes it in a minute. Turn the volume up slowly while the Sound Test plays, and listen at the TV. A test that plays quietly points to a level or output setting, while total silence points to the speakers or a board.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung TV line has picture but no sound”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The wrong sound output
What separates it There is silence from the TV speakers because the sound output is set to another device
How to confirm Select TV Speaker in the Sound Output settings, and check that sound comes back
- 2
Mute or low volume
What separates it There is no sound because the volume is very low or the TV is muted
How to confirm Check the volume and the mute setting on the TV, and on any soundbar connected
- 3
An ARC or eARC fault
What separates it The soundbar is silent because of a fault in the ARC or eARC link
How to confirm Check the ARC port, Anynet+ and the input that the soundbar uses, and reconnect the cable
- 4
An audio format issue
What separates it It is silent on some sources because of an audio format that the TV cannot pass on
How to confirm Set the audio format to PCM, which works everywhere, and see whether the sound returns
- 5
A speaker fault
What separates it The Sound Test is silent, which points to a fault with the TV speakers themselves
How to confirm Contact Samsung service, since a silent Sound Test means the speakers may need repair
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which sound output is selected in the TV's sound settings
- Whether the Sound Test plays a tone through the speakers
- Which source you are watching, and its audio format
- Whether a soundbar is connected to the TV
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedSelect TV Speaker
ReversibleSelect TV Speaker in the Sound Output menu, so that the TV plays the sound itself.
Check volume and mute
ReversibleCheck the volume and the mute state on the TV, and raise the volume above a low level.
Run the Sound Test
ReversibleRun the Sound Test in Self Diagnosis, to see whether the TV speakers can play a tone.
Check the soundbar link
ReversibleCheck the soundbar link, looking at ARC, eARC and Anynet+ settings and the HDMI port used.
Set PCM
ReversibleSet the audio format to PCM if a certain format fails, as PCM works with all sources.
Turn off Q-Symphony
ReversibleTurn off Q-Symphony to isolate the problem, since it mixes the TV and soundbar sound together.
Update the software
ReversibleUpdate the software on the TV, and then retest the sound with each of your sources.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- eARC
- The QN90D, QN95D, S90D and S95D support eARC on a marked HDMI port.
- Q-Symphony
- Q-Symphony 4.0 works with matching Samsung soundbars on recent models.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models CU8000, Q80C, Q90T, QN900D, QN90C, QN95D, S90C, S95C, S95D, LS03D.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the Sound Test is silent with TV Speaker selected, contact Samsung
- !If only the soundbar is silent, check eARC and Anynet+
- !If sound cuts in and out, update the software
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Speaker settings and audio faults.
ARC versus eARC, 2020 and newer models.
Game Mode and Game Bar on 2023 and 2024 TVs.
Automatic, internet and USB updates.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is my Samsung TV silent?+
A different output is selected or mute is on.
How do I test the speakers?+
Run the Sound Test in Self Diagnosis, which plays a tone through the TV speakers.
Can optical carry 5.1?+
Only when the TV decodes the audio.
What is Q-Symphony?+
Sound from the TV and soundbar together.
Should I turn on Anynet+?+
Yes, turn Anynet+ on, since ARC and eARC need it to work properly with a soundbar.
Can a set-top box cause silence?+
Yes, a set top box can cause silence, so check the audio format that it sends.
Can a software update fix it?+
Sometimes, a software update fixes sound problems, so update the TV and check again.
What is the Sound Test?+
The Sound Test is a built in tone that shows whether the TV's own speakers work, apart from any soundbar.
What is Game Bar?+
Game Bar is an on screen panel with game information, which is available when Game Mode is switched on.
How do I find the model code?+
Look at the label on the back of the TV, or go to Settings, Support, and then About This TV.