How to Fix Sound Issues for Tablets

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Sound Issue

The most common issues with sound on a tablet is that either the sound is too quiet or there is no sound at all. This guide will help resolve tablet sound issues on Android, iOS, and Windows 10. First, we'll determine what type of tablet you have.

2. Audio Levels

If your device has its own built-in speakers, try its audio without using a headset first.

  1. Set the volume to maximum by using the volume button on the side of the device.
Tablet volume button.


  1. You can also set individual volume levels using the volume sliders. They will show on screen after you press the side volume button. Touch the drop-down button next to the slider to expand.
Volume slider with drop-down selected. Screenshot.


  1. The max level is when you put the slider to the far right.
Volume levels. Screenshot.

3. Restart

  1. Hold down the power button on your Android device.
    Depending on the manufacturer and model of Android device you have, the location of the power button will vary.
  2. A prompt will appear on-screen. Select Restart.
Power prompt with Restart highlighted.

If the menu does not pop up, continue to hold the power button, and your Android device will shut off.

  • If you had to shut down your Android device, wait 30 seconds before turning your device back on.

4. Insert Headset or External Speakers

  1. If your device or computer has a 3.5mm audio jack, get a pair of headphones and plug them in. This will help determine where the issue is coming from.
Earbuds with jack being shown connecting


  1. Go ahead and open an application that you know plays sound.
  2. If sound plays through the headphones or speakers, you may have a hardware issue with the internal speakers.

5. What's next?

6. Pair Bluetooth Devices

Some Bluetooth accessories are configured with a PIN or a passkey that is often listed in its manual. Check your Bluetooth accessory manual for the correct PIN or passkey.

Depending on what device (Smartphone or Tablet) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar to all Android devices and generations.

Use one of the following connection methods:

  • Method 1 - The Drop Down Menu
  • Method 2 - Settings

Drop down menu

  1. Swipe down from the top of the device screen if it's a phone or up from the bottom of the device screen if it's a tablet to access the menu.
  2. Locate the Bluetooth icon.
Bluetooth icon.
  1. Press and hold the Bluetooth icon.
  2. Swipe the switch to your right to set the Bluetooth accessory in pairing/discovery mode.
  3. A list of nearby devices and previously paired devices will be shown.
  4. In the list of Available Devices, choose the Bluetooth accessory you wish to pair with.
Android bluetooth menu showing the bluetooth switch in the on position and a list of bluetooth devices currently in range.


  1. If you are prompted for a passkey, put it in. If there is no passkey, then your Bluetooth accessory should be paired now.

Android menu settings

  1. Locate and tap the Apps Menu.
Android apps icon.
  1. Locate and tap the Settings icon.
Android Settings icon.
  1. Select the Bluetooth. You may need to select Connections first.
  2. Swipe the switch to your right to set the Bluetooth accessory in pairing/discovery mode.
  3. A list of nearby devices and previously paired devices will be shown.
  4. In the list of Available Devices, choose the Bluetooth accessory you wish to pair with.
Android bluetooth menu showing the bluetooth switch in the on position and a list of bluetooth devices currently in range.
  1. If you are prompted for a passkey, put it in. If there is no passkey, then your Bluetooth accessory should be paired now.

7. Audio Levels

  1. Opening the volume slider found near the time and date.
Windows 10 speaker icon


  1. Set the level of the audio by moving the slider.
Windows 10 speaker volume slider


  1. You can also set specific audio levels for each application:
  2. For touch-screen, long-press the volume icon.
  3. For mouse users, right-click on the volume icon.
Windows 10 speaker icon


  1. Select Open Volume Mixer.
Windows 10 open volume mixer


  1. You can set each application's audio level from here.
Windows 10 volume mixer

8. Restart Your PC

Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.

  • Using the Mouse
  • Select the Start menu.
Windows 10 Start button

  • By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
  • Select Power, then select Restart.
Start menu with Power and Restart highlighted.
  • Using the Keyboard
  • Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
Keyboard with Windows and X keys highlighted.
  • Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
Keyboard with Alt and F4 keys highlighted.
  • Select Restart, then OK.
Shut Down dialog with Restart and OK highlighted.

9. Insert Headset or External Speakers

  1. If your device or computer has a 3.5mm audio jack, get a pair of headphones and plug them in. This will help determine where the issue is coming from.
Earbuds with jack being shown connecting


  1. Go ahead and open an application that you know plays sound.
  2. If sound plays through the headphones or speakers, you may have a hardware issue with the internal speakers.

10. What's next?

11. Audio Levels

If your all the way down you will not be able to hear any audio. We will check to make sure your volume isn't muted.

  • Set the audio level by pressing the volume keys.
Volume buttons on side of iPod


  • You can also use the Control Center by swiping up from the home screen. Use the volume slider to set the audio level. Sliding to the far right sets the volume to maximum.
Control center with volume sliders highlighted

12. Restart

13. Insert Headset or External Speakers

  1. If your device or computer has a 3.5mm audio jack, get a pair of headphones and plug them in. This will help determine where the issue is coming from.
Earbuds with jack being shown connecting


  1. Go ahead and open an application that you know plays sound.
  2. If sound plays through the headphones or speakers, you may have a hardware issue with the internal speakers.

14. What's next?

15. Connect Bluetooth

  1. Tap the Bluetooth on/off switch.
iOS Bluetooth menu with Bluetooth ON. Screenshot.


  1. Place your accessory in discovery mode and wait for it to appear on your iPad.
  2. If you don't see it or aren't sure how to make it discoverable, check the instructions that came with your accessory.
  3. Wait for the Bluetooth device's name to appear in the My Devices list.
  4. Tap your accessory name in the list to connect. You may be asked to enter the PIN or passkey. If you aren't sure what your PIN or passkey is, check the accessory's manual.