The short version
- 01Select the intended speakers in Video and Audio, Audio Output.
- 02Check mute and volume on the TV or receiver receiving the sound.
- 03Compare a direct HDMI connection to the TV with the receiver setup.
- 04Choose an audio format supported by the connected equipment.
- 05Install the offered tvOS update when audio drops between programmes.
- 06Enable navigation sounds separately when movies already play normally.
Start here
Check the destination before changing the format
Open audio output settings and confirm which speakers should play. If HDMI audio is selected, compare a direct connection to the TV with the receiver setup. If only particular programmes are silent, investigate their audio format and update tvOS. Missing menu clicks alone do not establish a playback fault.
Applies to: Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD streaming boxes with picture but no sound. Atmos and some audio options depend on model, connected equipment and tvOS version; this is not a guide to the Apple TV app on a smart TV.
Which sound is missing?
Test a second programme and note whether silence affects everything, one app, or only transitions between programmes. Those comparisons guide the checks below; none alone proves hardware failure.
The TV speakers are silent
Is sound routed to another speaker?
Choose the destinationOnly some programmes are silent
Does a compatible audio format work?
Check format supportSound disappears between programmes
Is tvOS up to date?
Check the audio fixMovies play but menus are quiet
Are navigation sounds enabled?
Check menu settings1. Identify the selected speakers
Open Settings, Video and Audio, Audio Output. Choose the intended destination; HomePod home-theatre output can carry all sound away from the TV. For HDMI speakers, Apple's troubleshooting page specifies Apple TV as the output. Check mute and volume on the actual TV or receiver as well.
2. Bypass the receiver for one test
Connect the box directly to the television and select the TV speakers. Reseat both HDMI ends and compare another cable. If sound returns only with the receiver bypassed, investigate the receiver path. Restart the TV, Apple TV and receiver if the connection remains silent.
3. Match the format to the equipment
Under Video and Audio, open Audio Format and enable Change Format. For a stereo setup, Stereo sends two-channel PCM. Dolby Digital 5.1 is intended for equipment that cannot handle Atmos or multichannel PCM. Choose according to the receiver's capabilities, then retry the same programme.
Where available, try disabling Continuous Audio to test the Dolby MAT connection. A receiver displaying Atmos continuously does not necessarily mean every programme contains Atmos.
4. Update when transitions lose sound
Apple documents a tvOS 26.4 fix for sound problems when switching between formats such as Atmos and stereo. Install the software update offered for your device instead of assuming an intermittent transition failure requires a new cable.
Use Settings, System, Software Updates, Update Software. Leave power and networking connected until installation finishes, then replay the transition that failed.
6. Record the combination that fails
If needed, Apple's remaining compatibility checks include 16-bit Audio Mode and disabling TV or receiver volume processing. Tell support which output, audio format and direct-HDMI test worked. Name the app and programme when the problem is selective.
Frequently asked questions
Should I leave surround sound disabled?
Only if that matches your equipment or is an acceptable workaround. A working simpler format helps identify a compatibility problem; restore the supported format after resolving it.
What if sound plays but the remote volume buttons fail?
Use the Apple TV remote guide linked below. Volume control can fail while the box is still sending normal audio.
Sources and review notes
Checked on . Based on Apple support and the tvOS user guide. Menu availability varies; test comparisons are editorial diagnostic guidance. Glitchary is independent of Apple.