Fix No Audio on IPTV Channels
Missing audio on certain IPTV channels is typically caused by audio codec compatibility issues, passthrough settings, or incorrect audio track selection. HD channels often use advanced audio codecs that some devices can't decode.
Common Symptoms
- ▸ Video plays but no sound at all
- ▸ Audio works on some channels but not others
- ▸ Audio cuts out when switching to HD channels
- ▸ Sound works with headphones but not TV speakers
- ▸ Audio only missing on channels with surround sound
Why This Happens
- ▸ Channel uses AAC, AC3, or EAC3 codec that device can't decode
- ▸ Audio passthrough enabled but soundbar/TV doesn't support the format
- ▸ Wrong audio track selected (foreign language or commentary track)
- ▸ HDMI audio format mismatch between device and TV
- ▸ TV audio output set to wrong format
Quick Fixes
Try these solutions first - they resolve most issues.
Press audio/language button and cycle through available audio tracks
Disable audio passthrough in your IPTV app settings
Change audio output from Bitstream to PCM in device settings
Check TV volume isn't muted and correct input is selected
Try a different channel to see if issue is channel-specific
Device-Specific Instructions
Note: Menu paths may vary slightly depending on your app version and device manufacturer.
Amazon Firestick
Disable passthrough
Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio > Surround Sound > Set to 'Stereo' or 'Best Available'
Tip: Passthrough sends raw audio that some TVs can't decode
Change app audio settings
In TiviMate: Settings > Player > Audio Track > Select English/Default. In IPTV Smarters: Settings > Audio > Disable Passthrough
Tip: Forces audio through device decoder
Check HDMI connection
Try different HDMI port. If using ARC, connect directly to TV instead
Tip: ARC can have audio sync/compatibility issues
Update Firestick
Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates
Tip: Audio codec support improves with updates
Test with Bluetooth
Connect Bluetooth headphones and test if audio works. If yes, issue is TV audio output
Tip: Isolates whether problem is playback or output
Android TV / Nvidia Shield
Set audio to PCM
Settings > Device Preferences > Sound > Digital Audio Out > PCM
Tip: PCM forces device to decode audio locally
Disable surround
Settings > Sound > Speaker > Set to TV Speakers instead of Audio System
Tip: Eliminates advanced audio format requirements
App audio settings
In your IPTV app, disable any options for Dolby, DTS, or Audio Passthrough
Tip: Forces stereo output which is universally compatible
Select audio track
During playback, press Settings or Audio button > Switch to different audio track
Tip: Some channels have multiple audio tracks
Test in VLC
Open same stream in VLC app. If audio works in VLC, adjust your IPTV app settings
Tip: VLC decodes almost all audio codecs
Smart TV (Samsung/LG)
Change TV audio output
TV Settings > Sound > Audio Output > Set to 'PCM' or 'TV Speakers' instead of 'Bitstream' or 'Passthrough'
Tip: Forces TV to decode audio internally
Check audio format
TV Settings > Sound > Expert Settings > Digital Output Audio Format > Set to PCM
Tip: Matches audio format to TV capabilities
Disable eARC
TV Settings > External Device Manager > HDMI eARC Mode > Off
Tip: eARC can cause compatibility issues with some devices
Try different app
If using built-in app, try installing IPTV Smarters or Tivimate (if available) to test
Tip: Different apps handle audio differently
Reset sound settings
TV Settings > Sound > Reset Sound (or Expert Settings > Reset)
Tip: Returns all audio settings to default
iPhone / iPad
Check volume
Ensure device isn't on mute (side switch). Check both ringer and media volume
Tip: iOS has separate volume controls
Select audio track
During playback, tap screen and look for audio/subtitle icon to switch tracks
Tip: Some streams default to wrong audio track
Check Bluetooth
Settings > Bluetooth > Disconnect any audio devices. Check audio isn't routing elsewhere
Tip: Audio may be going to connected Bluetooth device
Reinstall app
Delete the IPTV app and reinstall from App Store
Tip: Clears any corrupted audio settings
Test AirPlay
AirPlay to Apple TV or compatible speaker to see if audio works there
Tip: Isolates iOS device vs. destination issue
Pro Tips
- ★ If audio only fails on HD channels, they likely use AC3/EAC3 - set audio output to stereo/PCM
- ★ Soundbars often require specific audio formats - check your soundbar's supported formats
- ★ Some IPTV channels have multiple audio tracks (English, Spanish, Commentary) - cycle through them
- ★ The Nvidia Shield has the best audio codec support of any streaming device
When to Contact Your Provider
- ▶ Audio track shows as available but produces no sound
- ▶ All channels on a specific group/category have no audio
- ▶ Audio suddenly stopped working on channels that previously worked
Frequently Asked Questions
What is audio passthrough and should I use it?
Audio passthrough sends the raw audio signal from the stream directly to your TV or soundbar without the streaming device decoding it. Enable it ONLY if your TV/soundbar supports the audio format (AC3, EAC3, DTS). Otherwise, set to PCM to let your streaming device decode the audio.
Why do only some channels have no audio?
Different channels use different audio codecs. HD and premium channels often use AC3 (Dolby Digital) or EAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus) which older devices and TVs can't decode. SD channels typically use AAC or MP3 which work everywhere.