Losing sound can be just as annoying as a broken remote and its a question we suprisingly get asked a lot. Usually, this is a software “glitch” or a handshake issue between the box and your TV.
Try these steps in order to get the audio back:
1. The “Quick Fix” (Try first)
Before diving into settings, try these two weirdly effective tricks:
- The Channel Swap: Change to a completely different channel (e.g., from HD to SD) or open the YouTube app on your Sky box and play a video. Sometimes this “forces” the audio driver to wake up.
- HDMI Swap: Unplug both ends of the HDMI cable, swap the ends (put the end that was in the TV into the Sky box and vice versa), and plug them back in firmly.
2. The Power Cycle (Most successful)
A simple standby restart often isn’t enough.
- Turn off your TV and your Sky box at the wall/mains.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Turn the TV back on first.
- Turn the Sky box back on. This forced “handshake” often restores the audio link.
3. Adjust Audio Settings
If you have a picture but no sound, the box might be sending an audio format your TV doesn’t understand (like Dolby Digital).
- Sky Q: Go to Settings > Setup > Audio Visual. Change “Digital Audio Output HDMI” to Normal (this switches it to basic Stereo).
- Sky Stream / Glass: Go to Settings > Picture & Sound > Sound. Change the “Digital Output Format” from “Auto” to PCM.
Still nothing?
Check if the sound is gone on everything (live TV, recordings, and Apps like Netflix).
- If it’s only certain channels: It’s likely an audio format issue (Step 3).
- If it’s everything: It’s likely a cable or hardware connection issue (Step 2).
Are you using a soundbar or just the TV speakers? We should be able to help remotely, just get in touch with our Technical Help Desk today.