How to Fix Sound Issues on an Apple TV

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

This guide will walk you through troubleshooting audio problems you may have with your Apple TV.

2. TV input channel or source

Use your TV's remote to make sure that your TV input channel or source is set to the correct HDMI port.

3. Restart

Your Apple TV does not have a power button. There are three methods for restarting it.

Restart by using settings

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select System.
2. Select Restart.
   

Restart using a remote

1. Hold down the TV and Menu buttons.
   

1. Let go when the light on your device flashes.

Restart using the power cable

1. Unplug the power from the Apple TV.
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Plug the power back in to the Apple TV.

4. Check Cable

1. Make sure the HDMI cable is plugged firmly into the back of your Apple TV, and the television. It's best to disconnect, then reconnect the cable to be sure it's connected properly.
   

1. 
   
2. On Apple TV 4K, make sure that you’re using an HDMI 2.0 or later cable. Or, if you use a receiver or HDMI switchbox, use an HDMI cable to plug your Apple TV directly into your receiver or switchbox. If you’re connecting a Apple TV 4K to a receiver, make sure that it also supports HDMI 2.0 or later. Then use a second HDMI cable to connect the receiver or switchbox to your television.

5. Disable Dolby Digital

1. Push and hold the Menu button to return to your Apple TV home screen.
   

1.  
2. Select Settings > Audio & Video.
   

1. Set Dolby Digital to Off.
   

6. Set Audio Output to 16-bit

1. Push and hold the Menu button to return to your Apple TV home screen.
   

1. Select Settings > Audio & Video.
   

1. Set Audio Output to 16-bit.
   

7. What's next?

8. Check Cable

1. Make sure the HDMI cable is plugged firmly into the back of your Apple TV, and the television. It's best to disconnect, then reconnect the cable to be sure it's connected properly.
   

1. 
   
2. On Apple TV 4K, make sure that you’re using an HDMI 2.0 or later cable. Or, if you use a receiver or HDMI switchbox, use an HDMI cable to plug your Apple TV directly into your receiver or switchbox. If you’re connecting a Apple TV 4K to a receiver, make sure that it also supports HDMI 2.0 or later. Then use a second HDMI cable to connect the receiver or switchbox to your television.

9. Restart

Your Apple TV does not have a power button. There are three methods for restarting it.

Restart by using settings

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select System.
2. Select Restart.
   

Restart using a remote

1. Hold down the TV and Menu buttons.
   

1. Let go when the light on your device flashes.

Restart using the power cable

1. Unplug the power from the Apple TV.
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Plug the power back in to the Apple TV.

10. Disable Dolby Digital

1. Push and hold the Menu button to return to your Apple TV home screen.
   

1.  
2. Select Settings > Audio & Video.
   

1. Set Dolby Digital to Off.
   

11. Set Audio Output to 16-bit

1. Push and hold the Menu button to return to your Apple TV home screen.
   

1. Select Settings > Audio & Video.
   

1. Set Audio Output to 16-bit.
   

12. What's next?