Last updated on July 1st, 2021
There are a few different ways you can get sound to play through your projector, depending on the projector that you have. The first is to check whether the projector has any speakers themselves and is turned on and not muted.
Typically, a projector’s speakers aren’t the best quality. To check that your projector’s speakers are on and running as they should, consult the manual that came with it.
All projectors are different and run slightly differently; the manual will be the best place for you to find tailored information about this. If you can’t find the manual, search the brand and model of your projector online. These days, manuals tend to exist online as a pdf version! We recommend saving these always to have somewhere you can check back for any more advice you need.
If your projector doesn’t have speakers and uses external sound (laptop, speakers, soundbar, etc.), you will first need to check that the connection is secure. Ensure any HDMI or AUX leads aren’t damaged and run from the projector to your laptop or device with ease. If the cable is damaged or you can see some wire exposed, swap the cable out and see if that helps.
Check that the volume on your device (and a projector if it has speakers) are turned up. Often, this can resolve the problem and get your projector up and running again in no time!
If there is still no sound, it’s worth running the troubleshooter on your device. The following advice is geared towards Windows devices, but similar steps can be followed on Mac devices if you enter System Preferences and select Sound.
To open your troubleshooter on Windows devices, click on Start and select Settings. Next, click on System. Use the left pane to find the SOund tab and click on it. Under volume, click the troubleshoot button. Before doing so, check again that your sound is on and turned up loud.
Windows will search for any issues with sound devices and offer solutions. Follow their instructions on-screen to complete the necessary improvements. Once done, restart your computer and test the sound again.
If this doesn’t fix the issue, you might need to reset your device’s preferences. In short, your device might be synced to another sound device and therefore not playing the sound you want for your projector. To rectify this, click on start as we did earlier and then settings.
Next, click on system and select the sound tab from the left pane. You will want to click on Advanced sound options and find the app volume and device preferences section.
Once on here, scroll down to reset the Microsoft recommended defaults section and hit the reset button. You might need to restart your device again and check the audio on the projector for any improvements.
These options commonly fix any projector sound issues you are having. If your device is connected wirelessly to your projector, check the connection is secure and that your WiFi connection is secure. You will also want to check that your projector is on the same setting as your device, check that they are using the right input source to ensure nothing is blocking your chance at sound!
Why does Netflix have no sound on my projector?
Similar to what we just looked at, there are several reasons why you might not be getting any sound when playing Netflix on your projector. Your first check should ensure that no device is on mute and that the volume is turned up to an appropriate level. Next, check that any connecting wires or wireless connections are running smoothly.
Sometimes there can be dust in the ports blocking a connection, and gently blowing some air on them can relieve this issue. Check that there is no damage to any wires you are using and replace them if there is. If there is still no sound, check that the audio output you are using is in the right setting.
There are some settings that Netflix typically doesn’t work as well on and should be avoided. Whether you are using a soundbar or your device’s speakers, enter the audio settings as you usually would (usually accessed through settings) and change the setting.
On soundbars for TVs, these tend to be ‘TV,’ ‘Surround,’ ‘Night,’ etc. ideally; you want to avoid 5.1 Dolby Digital. Instead, try and use a non 5.1 audio selection and see if that helps. Typically, this provides a solution for most users.
If it still does not work, disconnect your internet for 30 seconds and reset it. Reset the device you are using to stream Netflix onto a projector (TV, laptop, tablet). Refreshing all your components can sometimes resolve the issue and allow you to hear the sound as well as an image of Netflix.
For those without success, open your projector settings and check the audio output on the right setting, for example, HDMI or AUX. If it isn’t, changing this should restore sound. If you are streaming to your projector through an Amazon firestick or Apple TV, select them in the audio setting. Again, ensure that the volume is turned up and that no device is on mute to ensure that sound can play.
If you are still having issues, we recommend that you check the settings on your streaming device again. You might find that there is an issue you have not yet identified. Run any troubleshooting programming your device has (we have steps for Windows users above) to diagnose any potential issues or problems.
Then, following the advice the troubleshooting suggests, restart your device and see if there is an improvement.
For those still struggling, check out Netflix’s help page. They have sections dedicated to sound issues for each device you could be using to stream Netflix to your projector screen. They will walk you through the process step-by-step and hopefully get you results. You can check their page out here.
