Fix IPTV HDMI Audio Not Working
When IPTV video plays but audio doesn't come through your TV or soundbar via HDMI, the issue is usually HDMI-CEC settings, audio format incompatibility, or incorrect output configuration.
Common Symptoms
- ▸ Video plays but no sound from TV speakers
- ▸ Audio works in some apps but not IPTV
- ▸ Soundbar shows input but no audio
- ▸ Audio cuts out intermittently
- ▸ HDMI-CEC not controlling soundbar volume
Why This Happens
- ▸ HDMI audio output not configured correctly
- ▸ TV/soundbar not decoding audio format from stream
- ▸ HDMI-CEC (Anynet+, Simplink) not enabled
- ▸ Audio passthrough enabled but receiver doesn't support format
- ▸ Faulty HDMI cable or loose connection
Quick Fixes
Try these solutions first - they resolve most issues.
Check TV is not muted (both TV and streaming device volume)
Verify HDMI-CEC/ARC is enabled on both devices
Try different HDMI port - use ARC port for soundbars
Set audio output to PCM/Stereo instead of Passthrough
Restart TV and streaming device
Device-Specific Instructions
Note: Menu paths may vary slightly depending on your app version and device manufacturer.
Amazon Firestick
Check audio output
Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio > Surround Sound > Set to 'Stereo' to test (not Auto or Best Available)
Tip: Stereo works with all devices
Volume check
Press volume up on Firestick remote. Make sure TV isn't muted. Try Fire TV volume controls
Tip: Firestick can control TV volume via CEC
Enable HDMI-CEC
Settings > Display & Sounds > HDMI CEC Device Control > Turn On
Tip: Allows volume control through TV
HDMI ARC port
If using soundbar, make sure Firestick connects through TV's HDMI ARC/eARC port or directly to soundbar
Tip: ARC required for audio return
Disable Dolby
If audio cuts out: Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio > Dolby Digital Output > Off
Tip: Some soundbars can't decode Dolby
Android TV / Nvidia Shield
Audio settings
Settings > Device Preferences > Sound > Audio output > Select your audio device
Tip: May need to select TV or soundbar
Format setting
Settings > Sound > Surround Sound > Set to 'Never' or 'Auto' depending on what works
Tip: Passthrough can cause issues
Test with stereo
Set audio output to Stereo/PCM. If this works, issue is surround format compatibility
Tip: Progressive test
CEC settings
Settings > Device Preferences > HDMI-CEC > Enable all options
Tip: Required for TV audio control
Try optical
If HDMI audio won't work, try optical cable from TV to soundbar (if available)
Tip: Alternative audio path
Smart TV (Samsung/LG)
Check speakers
TV Settings > Sound > Sound Output > Make sure it's set to 'TV Speakers' or correct external device
Tip: May be set to external with nothing connected
HDMI-CEC
Settings > General > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (Samsung) or Simplink (LG) > Enable
Tip: Enables device communication
Sound test
TV Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Sound Test to verify TV speakers work
Tip: Rules out TV audio hardware
Reset sound
Settings > Sound > Reset Sound to default settings
Tip: Clears any problematic configs
HDMI cable
Replace HDMI cable connecting streaming device. Ensure firm connection
Tip: Audio can drop with loose cable
Pro Tips
- ★ HDMI ARC/eARC port is specifically designed for audio - use it for soundbar connections
- ★ If surround sound doesn't work, set to Stereo first, then gradually increase
- ★ Firestick users: press mute then volume up on Fire remote often fixes audio
- ★ Some audio issues are per-channel (stream has audio issue) - test multiple channels
When to Contact Your Provider
- ▶ If specific channels have no audio while others work fine
- ▶ Audio stream issue from provider - they may need to check their encoding
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does IPTV have no audio but Netflix works fine?
Netflix and IPTV use different audio formats. IPTV streams may use AAC, AC3, or other formats that your TV/soundbar can't decode when set to passthrough. Try setting your streaming device audio to Stereo/PCM which forces decoding on the device rather than passing through to the TV.
How do I connect Firestick to soundbar with audio?
Best method: Firestick -> TV HDMI (regular port) -> TV HDMI ARC port -> Soundbar HDMI ARC. Enable HDMI-CEC on Firestick and TV. Alternative: Firestick directly to soundbar HDMI input, soundbar HDMI output to TV. Make sure your TV speakers are set to 'external' or soundbar in audio settings.