How To Fix Sound Problems with Chromecast

Google’s Chromecast is one of the most common, favorite ways to watch movies, TV shows, and other content straight from your phone, tablet, or laptop. Instead of having to fuss around with a remote and an interface on your television, Chromecast allows you to beam content directly from your device through the web from nearly any Android app (and some iOS applications), including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Google Play Movies.

Since everything you play is delivered straight from your phone, you don’t have to worry about dealing with menu systems and other services that are difficult to navigate. With the current generation Chromecast devices only costing around $35, it’s one of the cheapest ways to get into streaming videos and music on your devices.

If you recently picked up a Chromecast but have difficulties hearing any sound from your television while watching or listening to your favorite shows and movies, this article is for you.

Troubleshooting Audio on Chromecast

There are several reasons why you could be having issues with your Chromecast’s audio, so here are a few of the possible solutions to remedy it.

1. Check Your Television’s Settings

Let’s start with some essential sound solutions to kick things off. Technology can be buggy and imperfect, but some fundamental knowledge in troubleshooting can save the day.

  1. Ensure the sound issue isn’t coming from your television by checking your volume level and testing a different device for sound output (such as a game console or a cable box).
  2. Ensure that you have enabled the speakers in your television and not external audio.
  3. Make sure you have set your audio output to ‘fixed.’

Most modern televisions have a built-in option to disable the television speakers to use a home theater or surround sound system. You can also try turning off and unplugging your television for a few minutes, as well as resetting it to factory settings from the menu. Finally, if you’re using a stereo system to power the audio side of your home theater, ensure that your audio system isn’t malfunctioning.

2. Switch HDMI Inputs and Cables

Sometimes, the HDMI port (or a component on the board) malfunctions. This issue applies to both Chromecast and your TV. In addition, your HDMI cable might be damaged either at the pins or somewhere in the line.

  1. Start by switching your Chromecast to a different HDMI port. If you have an audio signal, the TV port on the original input may be damaged.
  2. Next, try using a different HDMI cable. If you get audio using this step, the cable is either damaged at the pins or somewhere in the line.

3. Double Check Your Chromecast’s Installation

There are a few points that you have to consider checking about your Chromecast:

  • Chromecast is powered by a micro USB cable with a power adapter, and plugging it into the TV’s built-in USB port doesn’t always provide enough power for it to work correctly.
  • If you have a 4K-supported Chromecast Ultra with a dedicated AC adapter, you might want to try a different electrical outlet to rule that power source out.
  • Avoid using extension cords when possible.
  • Ensure the mini-USB connection on the Chromecast is securely fastened.
  • When powering the Chromecast by a USB port on the TV, ensure the Chromecast is not plugged into a USB Service Terminal. This particular USB input is usually labeled as such.

4. Restart Your Chromecast using the Google Home App

After you’ve made sure your device gets supplied with enough power to function correctly, you can also try to restart your device to shake up any bugs that might currently exist. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Open the “Google Home” app on your mobile device.
  2. Select your device.
  3. Tap the “Settings” cog in the upper right-hand corner.
  4. Now, tap “More” to view additional settings.
  5. Finally, tap “Reboot.”

The above steps will restart your Chromecast, and it should fix any issues with both visuals and sounds. Alternatively, you can unplug the device from its power source, thus forcing a reset.

5. Check All Audio Volumes

If lack of sound is still an issue using a Chromecast on your TV, it could be the volume level on the TV or phone/tablet.

  1. Play some sort of content with audio on your phone or tablet before checking any volume levels.
  2. Ensure that the volume is turned up on your phone for Chromecast. It may be labeled as your mirroring app instead.
  3. Check the TV volume and adjust it if at a low level or muted.
  4. Check the source’s volume, if applicable. Apps such as YouTube have built-in volume controls that are usually separate from the device’s volume.

6. Restart the Application or URL that Mirrors to Chromecast

Sometimes, an app gets a glitch but keeps running and misbehaves. This scenario can also include losing audio output. Here’s what to do.

If the sound problem is spawning from the application, restarting the stream will force Chromecast to reload the URL from which the device accesses the video or audio feed.

  1. Try to stop the stream from your mobile device and restart it. This forces Chromecast to reload the stream source/URL.
  2. Force close the application on your device to see if the problem is coming from the app.
  3. Restart your phone or tablet if the above steps do not solve your audio problem.

7. Check for Audio Optimization using Chrome Extensions

If you have Chrome on your Chromebook or another computer, you can use the built-in Chromecast extension to ensure audio gets optimized for sound.

  1. Tap on the extension in Chrome and select your Chromecast device.
  2. Choose “Cast this tab (optimize for audio).”

8. Factory Reset the Chromecast

Finally, you may want to attempt to factory reset your device. The primary method for resetting the device is using the Google Home app, as we already discussed.

  1. To reset your device using the app on your phone, tap on the “Device” icon inside the app and select the Chromecast device in your app.
  2. After opening your device’s “Settings” menu, click on the “triple-dotted icon” inside the settings to select the “factory reset” option.
  3. Google Home will prompt you to ensure that you want to reset your device. Once you confirm your selection, you’ll be able to completely reset your device with preferences to test the audio again.

If you’re still experiencing problems with your Chromecast after trying these solutions, and you’ve ensured it isn’t another piece of A/V equipment in your setup, the next-best step is to contact Google for a warranty replacement.

Fixing ‘Chromecast Audio’ Devices

It is also best to mention some ‘Chromecast Audio‘ specific tips for fixing your sound streams. The ‘Chromecast Audio’ device is less popular than its older, video-friendly brother, Chromecast, but it’s a no less exciting device. This product is excellent for those with advanced sound systems and for something that functions better than a Bluetooth device.

If, in any case, you are having any trouble with your ‘Chromecast Audio’ device, here are some tips that might help.

First, we need to dive back into the settings menu of your device in Google Home.

  1. Open your ‘Chromecast Audio’ “Settings.”
  2. In the “Sounds” section, try turning on “Full Dynamic Range,” which is only available on Chromecast Audio devices—not Chromecast.
  3. Check that the 3.5mm cable used by the device is working properly. Unlike typical Chromecasts, the Chromecast Audio uses a modular, analog 3.5mm jack and cable that can get damaged.

Full dynamic range is designed for premium audio hardware, like digital surround sound audio systems and AV receivers. If you’re trying to pump sound through a $30 pair of computer speakers from Amazon, this setting can cause distortion and improper volume increases on your device. If you’re having difficulty listening to your music, ensure this setting is disabled.

However, this is typically easy to replace. Ensure that the cable is pushed into both your receiver or speaker and the Chromecast Audio unit. It would also be best to test the device with a different aux cable. If you can’t get any sound out of the device, you may need to consider replacing the unit, as the 3.5mm jack may be dead or damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

My sound still isn’t working. What else can I do?

If you’ve tried the methods above and your Chromecast sound isn’t working, you can reach out to the Chromecast Support team with this link.

Some issues are rare or device-specific, so you may need personalized help, which you can find at the link above.

Audio Problems and Chromecast

Like most technology, Google’s Chromecast has its issues, including occasional hiccups and glitches when streaming media. The old ‘Chromecast Audio’ devices also experience glitches and sound problems. Typically, most of these issues can be fixed by simply turning your device off and on or by changing the USB port powering the device. Of course, problems can often have all sorts of causes and fixes, so keep trying our solutions above until you’ve solved yours. You can do a lot with your Chromecast once you get it working correctly.

30 thoughts on “How To Fix Sound Problems with Chromecast”

J says:
does anyone know how to get rid of the black box of text blocking my picture?
It says “Chromecast is at max volume. Still too quiet? Increase your TV’s volume.”
Can’t watch anything with this annoying message… oh yeah and the best is that the message goes away when a fucking commercial comes on…
Daniele Domenicali says:
Why would you turn out Full Dynamic Range if you’re casting to a Hi-Fi setup?! And why same video cast from Youtub on phone is fine while same video (from Youtube) cast from a PC Chrome browser tab, isn’t?
Ed says:
I suggest you download the Google Home app to your phone ( PC /Laptop? ) I used my phone. Cast a video from your PC to a TV. Open the Google Home app and it will locate your chromecast or other device. Tap on the icon and that will open an adjustable volume screen. Works for me.
Glenn says:
If I plug the chromecast into my hdmi slot, it cuts out the audio, even if source is set to regular tv.
Unplug the chromecast device? Sound is back. Help!
Andrew says:
Same problem for me
Matthew Thomas Castleton says:
I plugged my chromecast into my tcl roku tv and it has picture, but no sound. I can’t figure out what the problem is. I’ve tried everything I can think of.
Sasa says:
Hi, I am using google cast 2 since was launched, for a few years now, never had any issue, mostly streaming from android phone, laptop, it was never touched since was pluged in Sony TV or rebooted, sound system connected to TV, youtube content in full HD, music videos anything else working, sound and vision perfect.
Stinkydurian says:
I have the same audio distortion when using Chromecast with Netflix when output movies with 5.1 surround on the tv’s speakers. Changing to stereo does solve the problem. However, I’m thinking to invest on a 5.1 soundbar and connect to the TV’s HDMI ARC to watch Netflix. Do you think this will work, or the distorted, highpitch will come back?
Andy says:
I use it to stream video from my Samsung phone to a monitor that has built-in crappy speakers. I cannot find how to only cast the video while still sending the audio to my bluetooth receiver. It’s either no casting and audio goes correctly to the bluetooth receiver or casting the video (and audio) and have the sound come out of the monitor wrongfully ! The monitor has no option to internally disable sound or sound input so it has to be defined on the sending side. Anyone ?
Andrew says:
when i cast my netflix the sounds always too low at conversations but then the sound goes too loud while on action scenes
Jeannie says:
My issue is mirroring from my laptop to the tv. I can cast from my phone with no sound issues at all. I have rebooted my laptop and turned tv on/off.
Stephen Sanner says:
same issue, when mirroring chrome tab on my windows laptop to TV, the sound stutters but the video is fine.
Brett says:
Ive had Chromcast for ages – never worked. All of these suggestions DONT work. You have to STOP casting and RECAST (SOOOO tedious) and that fixes the problem until Chromecast craps out again shortly after. Staggering worlds richest company cant fix this – Im no fan of Apple but at least if the tech universally craps out they offer a full refund. So tedious. Room for RELIABLE competition. Any suggestions?
Michael says:
I have this same problem. I will cast something and it will work fine for the most part, but if I have to rewind the video AT ALL (sometimes its as simple as moving the mouse TO rewind), it just messes up the sound and I have to turn it off and recast it. What is it with that?
Trev Rich says:
I get the problem with Netflix.
The work around is to pull up audio and subtitles in Netflix and set it to English stereo. Not Dolby. Problem is you have to do it for every episode!!!
So annoying…
Brad Down says:
For Netflix you can go to the subtitles menu and change the audio format. I changed from surround to stereo and it works. Some apps eg. Stan don’t have the ability to not force stereo so I think the Google hone app probably needs to be able to force stereo.
michelle says:
Thank you so much for this. Sorted !
Luca D'Ascanio says:
Good boy!
KO says:
When using Spotify (iOS) and switching from one Chromecast Audio to another, an annoying message is sounding from the unit being switched from. «The music stopped because…».

Is this a Chromecast feature or Spotify feature or iOS feature), and how to disable it?

Ren says:
You really do have to switch hdmi ports, which is just ridiculous. All this money for an expensive chromecast ultra and it works worse than the older chromecast. I bet tomorrow there will be another issue with it.
Multi Destines says:
CHROMECAST & CHROMECAST ULTRA PERMANENT AUDIO/VIDEO FIX …

UNTIL THE NEXT BUG

Hello Guys,

Just want to share with you the unique solution I have been finding myself to fix alll my Chromecast issues. Either no audio nor no Video or nothing at all

usually I am a google fan, but on this one, it’s a SHAME

The solution is quite Drastic :

>>>>>>>>> UNPLUG ALL YOUR DEVICES OF THE ELECTRIC CIRCUIT <<<<<<<<<< ( off the wall))

( switch off and restart all your Multi plugs behind your tv, or if your chromecast is on a single plug directly off the wall , unplugg it from tthe wall and turn your tv off)

Trust me it works I have tryied all of the things said on the forums, but this is the only thing that works for me everyday. And YES , I SAY EVERDY DAY because the chromecast ( ultra in mycase) crashes almost every 1 or 2 days. Which is a shame for Google. Especially for people like me that have a android tv and therefore who have no choice than having a chromecast to stream devices to my tv. A SHAME !!!I

THIS IS THE ONLY WORKING SOLUTION I FOUND SO FARD , i will recommand to always turn off you Tv, PS4, Blueray or whatever before unplugging in order to protect your device for any eletrical dammage due to unconventional unplug.

The other solutions you will find on the forums are

Change ythe HDMI Slot of the chromecast
Reboot the chromecast via the google chrome app ( Google Home)
Restore factory settings via the google Home app or thanks the physical button on the back.
Double check the setting of the streaming your ussing
Etc

BUT REALLY i PROMISE , BEST THING IS TO UNPLUG EVERYTHING FOR A FEW SECONDS, IT IS DRASTIC BUT AT LEAST IT WORKS DIRECTLY AND EVEN THIS MEANING, REBOOTING YOUR ROOTER ( Internet modem) then lets say that we have no choice. Especially if you have your chromecast plugged in a multiplug devices.

CHEERS

Trevpr says:
Cast from iPhone Spotify to powered speakers
The sound is weird – like the vocals have been turned down and it’s the backing track – better on the Spotify radio
Jerry says:
I get static and choppy sound when I try to cast from my chromebook. Casting from my phone = no sound problem. Why? It’s obviously not a chromecast problem but a chromebook problem…
Dennis Leman says:
Chromecast desktop to TV worked on day one and on day two no audio. After fiddling with a lot of settings, reinstalling everything and so forth with no joy I finally switched HDMI ports. Works .. 🙂 .. !!
Auirmar says:
I did everything above and the sound, after 30 minutes trasmitting from my notebook to my TV, sudeenly stops. Exactly 30 minutes after the movie/series/etc starts, it suddenly stops and I have to reconect chromescast all over again with my TV. Does anybody know what is it about?
Bob says:
Did you find a solution? I am having the same problem. sound stops after 30 mins. Bob
Dawn says:
THANK YOU!!!! Changing the port solved the problem, it was driving me crazy, now I can binge-watch the rest of the day. 🙂
BOB says:
If I go to the main HDMI then I don’t have sound for my cable. So I have to keep changing back and forth? Kind of defeats the purpose
ANDREE-ANNE GIROUARD says:
Hi. I have Netflix and able to connect to Chrome cast with no issues. The sound is on. However problem stats if I click pause. The sound doesn’t return even after disconnecting and reconnecting. Any ideas?
Andrew Tuttle says:
This is the exact same problem I’m having. So frustrating! If you find a fix please share. Thanks

Galaxy S7 > Netflix > Chromecast > Vizio 4k smart TV

Maarten says:
Thx! Problem solved!
Paula Lewis says:
I’ve been the same problem with sound on my Netflix and casting to my Chromecast, thing is not all the shows or movies has a sound issue.

But it seems that most of the new shows won’t play sound I go to the older programs and I hear the sound just fine.I play you tube or anything else and stream it no problem, it just seems to effect netflix and I only have one HDMI port.

I’m just not sure weather is Chromecast, Netflix or my TV that has the issue.

Lynsey says:
Did you find a fix as I’m having this same issue
shahruh says:
i recently downlaoded kodi, and trying to play it on my tv through chrome cast. the picture is coming but no sound.
the sound of youtube and netflix comes perfectly on the tv, but not kodi

pls inform how to get sound

Foo says:
My Chromecast has a crackling sound and no audio at times. I tested on two different TVs yielding the same problem.

I’m not sure if it’s the HDMI cable on the Chromecast or the audio processor chip giving issues.

I’m thinking how to replace the Chromecast internal HDMI cable connected to the motherboard.

Disappointed.

erich h says:
Same here, the last time this happened , it died a few weeks later. foo, I’m curious to see if yours died yet, being your post is 5 months old now? I bought a second one a year ago and now this one is doing it too. Thanks
Lisa says:
I have chromecast working but it only plays through HDMI3. Even though i have it plugged into HDMI1 on the side of my TV. I assume because it doesn’t play on HDMI1, I am unable to get the audio to go through the 5.1 speakers. Is there something in the TV settings I could change? All other HDMI ports are taken.
adela says:
Chromecast has nothing but problems. I am truly shocked that they would go to market with a product that is so flawed.
Larry says:
Anything I download to my Lg tablet will play movies from showbox fine.I use es file explorer for play back.As well installed All Cast and movies play fine. But recorded tv shows from Showbox or streaming I get picture I get no sound and there is a sound speaker ivon w no sound on tbe screen. How can I get sound on tv shows asxwell as my movies? Again movies from Showbox have sound only tv shows do not?
David Hilton says:
Since an update my Nexus 7 no longer streams sound on my Chromecast. The picture is ok.
Any suggestions?.
Thanks.
Rebecca says:
yes, i have a suggestion. Try turning your tv off, and then back on again.
David Hilton says:
Since a software update my Nexus 7 has stopped streaming sound on my Chromecast.
Any suggestions?.
Emma says:
Hello! Im having some serious problem with my audio on my chromecast, it’s not in sync and the sounds is sparky as well. I have tried everything on the chromecast website, switching HDMI port restarting the tv, chromecast (even factory resetting it) and the router. I have also tried casting from both my computer and Android phone, looked into the advanced installation of the sound for the chromecast. I dont have any speakers to plug into the tv. But the thing is that its a brand new TV and the chromecast worked fine on my old one. No idea what the problem could be…

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