How to Repair Basic Chromebook Sound Issues

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

How-To Troubleshoot Sound Issues on a Chromebook

Sound issues on a Chromebook can be frustrating, but they are often fixable with a few troubleshooting steps. This comprehensive guide will help you identify and resolve common sound problems on your Chromebook.

1. Basic Sound Troubleshooting:

Start by ensuring that the Chromebook's volume is turned up and not muted.

Check for any physical damage to the speakers or headphone jack.

2. Adjusting Sound Settings:

Click the clock in the bottom-right corner and then click the settings gear.

Select "Sound" and adjust the volume slider.

Ensure that the correct output device is selected.

3. Checking for Muted or Low-Volume Applications:

Open the system menu by clicking the clock.

Hover over each open application to check for muted or low-volume tabs.

Adjust individual tab volumes as needed.

4. Clearing Chrome Browser Cache:

Open Chrome and click the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner.

Go to "Settings," scroll down, and click "Advanced."

Under "Privacy and security," click "Clear browsing data."

Select "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files," then click "Clear data."

5. Updating Chrome OS:

Click the clock, select "Settings," and click "About Chrome OS."

Click "Check for Updates" and follow the on-screen instructions to install updates.

6. Testing External Audio Devices:

Connect headphones or external speakers to the Chromebook.

Check if sound works through these devices, which can help determine if the issue is with your built-in speakers.

7. Rebooting Your Chromebook:

Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve sound issues.

Click the clock, select the power icon, and choose "Restart."

8. Factory Reset (Powerwash):

If all else fails, consider a factory reset to restore your Chromebook to its default settings.

Click the clock, select "Settings," scroll down, and click "Advanced."

Under "Reset settings," choose "Powerwash" and follow the on-screen instructions. Be sure to back up your important data first.

Sound issues on a Chromebook can often be resolved through basic troubleshooting and adjustments to settings. By following the steps in this guide, you should be able to identify and fix common sound problems on your Chromebook. If problems persist, don't hesitate to seek professional assistance.

Contact Support.Com

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

1. Introduction: Chromebook: Repair Sound Issues

This guide will walk you through troubleshooting basic issues with the sound on your Chromebook.

2. Chromebook: Check Volume

1. Select the User menu by clicking your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
   

1. Look at the volume bar.
   

1. Make sure it is not Muted.
2. Make sure the volume bar is up to a reasonable amount.
3. Open the music or video you were playing. Make sure it is not muted, or the volume is turned down too far.

3. Chromebook: Restart

There are 2 main ways to restart your Chromebook. The first method is preferred.

Shut Down From Menus

1. Select the User menu by clicking your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
   

1. Select the Power symbol. Your Chromebook will turn off.
   

1. Wait 10 seconds.
2. Push the Power Button on your Chromebook to turn it back on.

Shut Down With Hardware

1. Push and hold the Power Button on your keyboard for 10 seconds.
2. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Push the Power Button on your Chromebook to turn it back on.

4. Chromebook: Remove HDMI Cable

If an HDMI cable is connected, disconnect it.

5. Chromebook: Disconnect Bluetooth

1. Select the User menu by clicking your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
   

1. Select Bluetooth.
   

1. Make sure you're not connected to any Bluetooth audio devices. If you're not sure, simply turn off Bluetooth by selecting the toggle switch at the top.
   

6. Chromebook: Remove Headset

If an audio headset is connected, disconnect it.

7. Chromebook: Update

Your Chromebook automatically checks for updates on startup. This step will walk you through checking manually.

1. Select the User menu by clicking your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
   

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select the Menu in the top-left.
   

1. Select About Chrome OS or About Chromium OS on the bottom left of the menu.
   

1. Select Check For Updates.
   

1. If your device is up-to-date, it will show that here.
   

1. If there is an update pending, you will be asked to reboot. Choose to reboot, and your device will reboot and update on its own.

8. Chromebook: Hard Reset

1. Select the User menu by clicking your profile picture in the bottom-right corner.
   

1. Select the Power symbol. Your Chromebook will turn off.
   

1. Wait 10 seconds.
2. Press and hold the Refresh key on your keyboard, then push Power. Release the Refresh key.