Since its launch in 2002, Vizio TVs have become popular in many homes. They are famed for their immersive picture quality and low price, among other attributes. Although popular, the TVs also have different problems that users face on a daily. One such problem has no audio output from the TV, yet everything seems to be in place.
Unless it is a hardware malfunction issue, you can easily solve the no audio problem on any Vizio television. The solutions are easy to follow; therefore, keep reading as we also look into what might cause the TV to have problems with its audio output.
TOP SOLUTIONS
Check your remote – replace it or repair it if it’s not working.
Check if your TV is muted – unmute it if it is.
Check all external source devices.
Check the cables and connections.
Check your TV’s settings – enable TV speakers, change your analog audio settings, and disable DTS TruVolume.
Restart your TV.
Update the software on your TV.
Factory reset your TV.
Why Does My Vizio TV Have No Sound?
Vizio televisions have a bad reputation regarding their operating system and various system operations. One such problem is the lack of audio output when there should be sound coming from the TV.
The problem can be because the TV’s settings have been modified to prevent audio output. These include muting the TV, turning off audio output, or lowering the volume on the TV or cable box. Or cable connections could be faulty, especially those carrying audio signals from the TV to the secondary audio output device like a soundbar.
Another reason could be a system malfunction due to outdated software or a startup error preventing the TV from functioning normally.
Below are some settings you can update to ensure the TV has sound whenever you are watching. Also included are troubleshooting tips you can use to identify and solve audio problems on a Vizio television.
1. Ensure the Remote Controller Works
It is important to confirm that the remote controller works as it could not be sending signals to the TV to increase the volume. You can check if it works by pressing any other key like Menu.
If the menu pops up on the screen, the remote is fine. If it does not, try another key and ensure the remote has new batteries.
You can use the volume up (+) on the TV to check if the TV volume is turned up enough. The button is usually on the back of the TV, but if you are having problems locating yours, you can use the manual to guide you.
VIZIO Support – How to Troubleshoot the VIZIO Remote that Is Not Working
2. Ensure the TV Is Not Muted
Although it is obvious for many to check that the TV is not muted, some of us can forget. Therefore take a few seconds to ensure the TV is not on mute to avoid unnecessary processes if it is muted.
You can do this by checking for the screen’s mute icon or pressing the remote controller’s mute button. Also, check that the TV’s volume is turned up to a reasonable level.
If there is still no audio, proceed to other solutions discussed here.
3. Check the Audio Feed
We often use our TVs to watch content streamed from another device. The device could be a Blu-ray player, a cable box, or a streaming stick, e.g., Roku.
Often when such devices are connected to the TV, they are also in charge of the audio signal; thus, they feed it to the television speakers.
Therefore, if these secondary devices are not properly connected or have their volume turned down, the TV will not produce any audio.
If the TV is connected to a cable/set-top box, ensure the box’s audio is also turned up together with the TV’s.
Also, check that all cables are firmly set and connected to the appropriate ports. You can unplug any connections and then re-plug them to ensure they fit snuggly.
Also, switch between the ports, especially if you use an external audio device like a soundbar. Some HDMI ports, like HDMI 1, have an enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) that supports most audio formats. Therefore, there could be a possibility the current port is incompatible with the audio output format from the TV.
If you are using the TV without a secondary device, try switching channels or streaming services and check if the issue affects only one channel. If only a particular channel is affected, you can deactivate the Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) settings, as we shall see later.
What Is SAP and How to Disable It?
4. Check the Cables and Ports
Damaged cables or ports will not work as efficiently as they are supposed to. Confirm that all cables and the ports they go into are in perfect condition.
You can switch cables if one is destroyed and cannot transmit audio signals. However, try other solutions before purchasing a new cable to avoid unnecessary purchases.
Try other cables if they are easily accessible, but if you have to buy one, consider ruling out all other possible issues for lack of sound from your Vizio TV.
Also, ensure nothing in your TV’s 3.5mm headphone port, as this would influence the TV to output audio to a different destination.
You can also change the source device to determine whether the TV speakers are the problem. If audio is out on a specific device, try the settings suggestions discussed here, and if they fail, consult the source device manufacturer or user manual for further help.
5. Restart the TV
A simple restart goes a long way in solving many electronic malfunctions, including audio output problems. If the ‘No sound’ problem persists, restart the TV, and any firmware issues will be resolved by the system booting afresh.
To restart a Vizio TV:
- Press the power button to switch off the TV and unplug the TV from the power outlet.
- Press the power button on the TV for fifteen seconds to remove any residual power on the television.
- Power on the TV after a minute and check if the sound troubles persist.
If there is still no audio, you can switch off the TV and give it 15-30 minutes before turning it back on.
Another alternative is to use the soft power cycle feature on many Vizio televisions. To use it, press Menu > Admin & Privacy > Reboot TV and wait for the TV to restart.
6. Check the TV Settings
Some of the TV’s settings are functional in specific circumstances only, and when they are activated outside such circumstances, they might malfunction and interfere with the audio output. The various settings you should update to fix any audio issues are:
Turn on the TV Speakers
The first setting is to ensure the TV is configured to output audio from the built-in speakers. To do this;
- Press the Menu key on the remote
- Navigate Audio/Audio Settings
- Select TV Speakers and press OK until it says ON instead of Auto.
- Press exit and test the audio output to check if it has been fixed
Change the Analog Audio Settings
The analog audio feature allows some cable and over-the-air channels to broadcast audio in more than one language. However, not all programs are compatible with the Secondary Audio Program (SAP).
You can deactivate it by navigating Menu> TV Channels > Analog Audio. From here, choose either Stereo or Mono.
Note that this solution is effective if the audio problem affects the free-to-air or cable channels.
Disable DTS TruVolume
This Vizio feature levels the TV volume output to enhance the listening experience. However, the setting can cause issues with sound, and deactivating it has solved the no audio problem for some users.
Navigate Menu > Audio > Volume Leveling and press OK to turn it off. Also, turn off the following settings if they are on; Surround Sound and Dialogue Enhance, as they are advanced audio settings that could interfere with your TV’s normal functioning.
VIZIO TV No Sound – Change These Settings
7. Reset the TV
A factory reset clears all the data and settings saved on the TV, reverting it to the manufacturer’s settings when you first purchased it. The reset would undo any changes that might be interfering with audio output.
Before factory resetting the TV, note all the Wi-Fi passwords needed by the TV for the set-up process when it restarts.
To reset your Vizio TV;
- Press Menu > Admin & Privacy > Reset to Factory Settings
- Enter the passcode or 0000 if you have never updated it.
- Navigate Reset and press OK and wait for the TV to restart.
How to Factory Reset a VIZIO TV
You can also reset the TV without the remote controller:
- Press the Input + Volume down buttons simultaneously while the TV is on until a prompt appears on the screen.
- Press and hold the Input button for ten seconds as the prompt demands
- Wait for the TV to reset and restart.
How to Factory Reset a VIZIO TV (No Remote)
8. Perform a Software Update
Outdated firmware has the potential to cause various issues for your TV. Vizio TVs automatically update their firmware, but the update can be delayed occasionally.
You can check for updates in case your TV has outdated firmware interfering with the audio.
To do this, navigate menu> Admin & Privacy > Check for Updates; if there is one, the TV will ask you to confirm the update.
How to Update a VIZIO TV
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Where is the audio out on a Vizio TV?
Answer: Vizio TVs have Audio out ports on the back of the TV. They have multiple audio output options, including HDMI, HDMI eARC, Optical, and RCA outputs.
If you have issues locating them, consult the user manual.
Question: Why Does My VIZIO TV Suddenly Have No Sound?
Answer: Various factors can affect the TV’s sound output. They include damaged or loose cables/ports, firmware malfunctions, incompatible settings, or damaged TV speakers. A restart often solves some of these problems.
Conclusion
If none of the solutions work, your TV could be damaged and require a trusted professional to test and diagnose. Fortunately, Vizio’s customer support encourages you to request a service visit, and they will send someone to look at the TV. If the warranty is still valid, you can get a new TV, depending on the terms and conditions.
