There’s nothing more frustrating than getting ready to binge-watch your favorite show or stream music to your speakers via Chromecast, only to realize that the sound isn’t working. Whether you’re using a Chromecast with Google TV, or an older generation plugged into your TV or speaker, audio glitches can put a real damper on your streaming experience. Fortunately, there are several simple fixes you can try before reaching for customer support.
TL;DR: If your Chromecast has no sound, first check that your TV or audio device isn’t on mute and that the volume is turned up. Make sure the Chromecast is securely connected and that your device and casting app are updated. Power cycling the Chromecast and TV often resolves minor glitches. For persistent issues, try rebooting the Chromecast or resetting it to factory settings.
Common Reasons Chromecast Audio Isn’t Working
There are a few main culprits when it comes to Chromecast sound problems:
- Volume or mute settings on your TV or mobile device
- Loose connections or incorrect input sources
- Outdated firmware or app versions
- Temporary software glitches in the Chromecast or casting device
- Incompatible audio formats
Now that you have a general idea of what might be going wrong, let’s go through several troubleshooting steps to help bring the sound back to life.
1. Check Volume and Audio Output Settings
Start with the basics—you’d be surprised how often simple things are the root of the problem.
- Make sure your TV or speaker volume is turned up and not muted.
- If you’re casting from your phone or computer, ensure that the device volume is up as well.
- Some apps have their own volume controls. For instance, YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify all have in-app volume sliders. Don’t forget to check those!
2. Try a Different App or Media Source
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with Chromecast itself but with the app or media you’re streaming.
- Try streaming a different app like YouTube or Netflix to see if the problem persists.
- If there’s still no sound, consider casting from a different device, like a smartphone instead of a laptop, to rule out app-device compatibility issues.
3. Reboot Your Devices
Rebooting is often the magic trick of the tech world. Restart the following in this order:
- Your TV
- Your Chromecast device (simply unplug it from the power source and wait 30 seconds before plugging it back in)
- Your router, especially if you’re experiencing connectivity lags
- The mobile device or computer you’re casting from
This can resolve many software hiccups with minimal effort.
4. Check HDMI and Input Connections
Chromecast connects through your TV’s HDMI port, which delivers both video and audio. A faulty or loose connection can disrupt one or both signals.
- Ensure your Chromecast is fully inserted into the HDMI port.
- Double-check that you’re on the correct TV input source (HDMI1, HDMI2, etc.).
- If you have another HDMI port on your TV, try moving the Chromecast there.
If you’re using an HDMI audio extractor or AV receiver as part of your setup, verify that it’s functioning correctly.
5. Use the Google Home App to Adjust Audio Settings
The Google Home App offers basic audio controls. Here’s how to check them:
- Open the Google Home app on your casting device.
- Select your Chromecast device.
- Tap the gear icon for settings and review the audio output settings.
- If your Chromecast is connected to an external speaker or AV receiver, make sure the correct output is selected.
6. Update the Chromecast and Casting Apps
Outdated firmware or apps can sometimes cause compatibility issues, including sound problems.
- Ensure that your Chromecast’s firmware is up-to-date. This usually happens automatically, but you can verify it using the Google Home app by checking the device settings.
- Update the app from which you’re casting (e.g., YouTube, Netflix, Spotify) via the App Store or Google Play Store.
- If you’re casting from a browser like Chrome, make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
7. Factory Reset the Chromecast
If all else fails, you might have to go nuclear with a factory reset. Here’s what to do:
- Hold down the physical reset button on your Chromecast for about 25 seconds, or until the indicator light starts flashing.
- Release the button, and the Chromecast will restart and reset to factory settings.
- You’ll need to set it up again from scratch using the Google Home app.
Note: Factory resetting will remove saved Wi-Fi networks, device names, and any custom settings.
8. Use a Different Power Source
Chromecast devices are powered via USB, and they often draw power either from your TV or a wall outlet. If you’re using the TV’s USB port, it may not provide consistent power, leading to performance problems including sound failure.
- Try plugging the Chromecast into a wall outlet with the included power adapter instead of the TV’s USB port.
- This ensures a stable power supply and better performance overall.
9. Try Casting From a Different Device or Browser
Sometimes, specific devices or browsers can cause issues when casting.
- If you’re casting from an Android device, try using an iPhone or computer, and vice versa.
- Switch from casting via Chrome browser to the mobile app, or from mobile to desktop.
- If there’s sound when using another device, your original phone, computer, or browser might be the issue.
10. Check for Audio Format Compatibility
Chromecast may not support certain audio formats, especially if you’re casting local media using a third-party app.
- Try converting or playing a file with a more common audio format like MP3 or AAC.
- Apps like VLC Media Player or Plex allow you to set or transcode into compatible formats before casting.
- When streaming from services like Netflix or YouTube, audio compatibility is rarely an issue—but it’s worth noting if you’re streaming from unknown sources.
11. Chromecast with Google TV: Additional Tips
If you’re using the newer Chromecast with Google TV, here are a few bonus tips:
- Go to Settings > Display & Sound > Audio and check the available options.
- Switch audio formats manually or toggle “Surround sound” to off if your TV doesn’t support it.
- Try disabling “Match content audio” to avoid issues with varying sound types.
Still Not Working? Get Help
If none of these solutions work, it could be a hardware issue. Contact Google Support or consider replacing the device, especially if it’s an older model.
Final Thoughts
While Chromecast is generally reliable when it comes to streaming, audio hiccups can and do happen. The good news is most sound issues are solvable with these straightforward fixes. Whether it’s a quick reboot or a full factory reset, going through these steps can help restore your listening experience and get you back to enjoying your content—sound included.
Keep your device updated, connections secure, and settings checked, and your Chromecast should remain music to your ears—literally.