When your Roku Streaming Stick 4K has video but no audio, it's usually a quick setting or connection issue. The problem could be on the Roku itself, your TV, or any connected sound system. Let's get your sound back.
Check Your Volume and Mute
First, grab your Roku remote and press the volume up button a few times. Make sure the mute button hasn't been pressed by accident. If you're using your TV's remote or a soundbar remote, check those volumes too, as they can control different things.
Sometimes the audio is just set extremely low. I'd start with the Roku remote, as it's the most direct control for the streaming stick's output level.
Restart Your Roku Stick
This is the most reliable fix for random glitches. Go to Settings > System > System restart on your Roku home screen. Select "Restart" and let the device reboot.
If you can't navigate the menu because you have no picture either, you can perform a physical restart. Unplug the power cable from your Roku stick or from the wall outlet, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in.
Check the Roku Audio Settings
On your Roku, head to Settings > Audio. Here, you'll find a few key options. First, ensure "Audio mode" is not set to "Off." It should typically be on "Auto" or "Stereo."
Next, look at the "HDMI" and "S/PDIF" audio format settings. If you're having issues, try changing this from "Auto" to Dolby Digital, DTS, or Stereo. Some older TVs or soundbars don't handle the "Auto" setting well and need a manual format.
Test a Different App or Channel
Open a different streaming app, like YouTube or The Roku Channel. If you get sound there, the issue is specific to the first app you were using.
In that case, try force-closing the problematic app. Press the Home button twice to bring up the app switcher, navigate to the app, and press the Asterisk (*) button on your remote to bring up the options menu. Select "Remove channel" and then add it back from the Roku Channel Store.
Check Your TV's Audio Output
Your TV's own settings can override the Roku's audio. Using your TV remote, go into the sound or audio settings. Make sure the output is set correctly.
If you're using your TV's built-in speakers, the output should be set to "TV Speakers" or "Internal Speakers." If you have a soundbar or receiver, ensure it's set to the correct output like "HDMI ARC" or "Optical."
Inspect Your HDMI Connection
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K plugs directly into an HDMI port. If it's loose, you can lose both video and audio. Firmly reseat the stick in the HDMI port.
If your stick feels hot or you have intermittent issues, use the short HDMI extender cable that came in the box. It helps with overheating and can improve the Wi-Fi signal, which sometimes relates to audio streaming problems.
Adjust Your TV's Audio Format
Within your TV's sound settings, look for an option like "Digital Sound Out," "Audio Format," or "HDMI Input Audio Format." The setting for the HDMI port your Roku uses might be incorrect.
Try switching this setting from "Bitstream" to PCM, or vice versa. PCM is a simpler, universal format that almost always produces sound if there's a compatibility hiccup.
Update Your Roku Software
Outdated software can cause audio bugs. On your Roku, go to Settings > System > System update. Select "Check now" to see if an update is available.
If an update is found, let it install completely. Your Roku will restart. It's a good habit to keep automatic updates on in the System update menu to avoid these issues.
Try a Different HDMI Port and Cable
If you're using the HDMI extender cable, try plugging the stick directly into a different HDMI port on your TV. This tests if one specific port is faulty.
For other Roku models that use a separate HDMI cable, try a different cable altogether. A damaged cable can fail to carry the audio signal even if the video gets through.
Perform a Factory Reset
If all else fails, a factory reset will return your Roku to its original settings. You can do this through the menu at Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset.
Alternatively, there's a small physical reset button on the side of the Streaming Stick 4K itself. You'll need a paperclip. Press and hold the button for about 10 seconds until the status light on the stick begins flashing. This will initiate the reset process.
