YouTube Audio Not Working Fix is needed when videos play but there is no sound, audio cuts out, or sound comes from the wrong device.
This issue can happen in a browser or the YouTube app and is usually caused by muted settings, wrong audio output, browser sound settings, app glitches, cache problems, or outdated software.
Quick Fix
Check the speaker icon on the YouTube video, then increase your device volume and make sure the correct audio output device is selected.
Try This First
• Video plays but has no sound → check YouTube and device volume
• Sound works in other apps → check browser or YouTube app settings
• Audio plays through wrong device → change audio output
If the issue continues, follow the fixes below.
Why Is YouTube Audio Not Working?
YouTube audio may stop working when the video player, browser, app, or device cannot send sound to the correct audio output.
This can appear as no sound, sound cutting out, muted video, browser-only audio problems, or audio playing through headphones, speakers, or Bluetooth by mistake.
What Causes YouTube Audio Not Working?
The most common causes include:
• Muted YouTube video
• Low device volume
• Browser muted in the sound mixer
• Wrong audio output device
• Bluetooth or headphone connection problems
• YouTube app cache issues
• Outdated browser or app
This issue can come from YouTube settings, your browser, your app, your device sound settings, or the audio device you are using.
How to Fix YouTube Audio Not Working
Follow these steps until YouTube sound works normally again.
Check Volume and Mute Settings
- Open the YouTube video
- Click or tap the speaker icon on the video player
- Make sure the video is not muted
- Drag the YouTube volume slider to the right
- Press the Volume Up button on your device several times
- Make sure your phone, tablet, or computer is not in silent mode
- Try playing the video again
Muted YouTube volume or low device volume is the most common reason videos play without sound.
Check System Sound Mixer on Windows
- Right-click the Volume icon in the bottom-right corner of Windows
- Select Open Volume Mixer
- Find your browser, such as Chrome, Edge, or Firefox
- Make sure the browser is not muted
- Move the browser volume slider up
- Return to YouTube and play the video again
Sometimes only the browser is muted, even when the rest of the computer sound works normally.
Restart the YouTube App or Browser
- Close the YouTube app completely
- If using a browser, close the browser window
- Wait a few seconds
- Open YouTube again
- Play the same video
- Check if sound works
Restarting reloads the app or browser and can fix temporary sound glitches.
Check Audio Output Device
- Click the sound icon on your computer or open sound settings on your device
- Look for the selected output device
- Choose the correct device, such as Speakers, Headphones, or Bluetooth headphones
- If using wired headphones, unplug them and plug them back in firmly
- If using Bluetooth, turn Bluetooth OFF and ON again
- Reconnect the Bluetooth device
- Play the YouTube video again
If the wrong output device is selected, YouTube audio may play through another speaker or headset that you are not using.
Refresh YouTube
- Open the YouTube video
- Click the Refresh button near the address bar
- Wait for the page to reload fully
- Click Play again
- If using the app, close and reopen YouTube instead
Refreshing reloads the video player and can fix temporary audio loading problems.
Clear YouTube App Cache or Browser Cache
- If using Android, open Settings
- Go to Apps → YouTube → Storage
- Tap Clear Cache
- If using a browser, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows or Command + Shift + Delete on Mac
- Select Cached images and files
- Clear the cache
- Reopen YouTube and test the audio
If YouTube has broader loading or playback problems, follow this guide: YouTube Not Working Fix
Clearing cache removes temporary files that may stop YouTube sound or playback from working correctly.
Update the YouTube App or Browser
- If using the app, open Google Play Store or App Store
- Search for YouTube
- Tap Update if available
- If using a browser, open the browser menu
- Go to Help → About if using Chrome or Edge
- Install any available update
- Restart the app or browser
- Play a YouTube video again
Updating fixes bugs that may affect video, audio, and playback features.
Restart Your Device
- Close YouTube and other open apps
- Save anything important
- Press and hold the Power button
- Select Restart or Reboot
- Wait for the device to turn back on
- Open YouTube again
- Play a video and check the sound
Restarting clears temporary system problems that can affect sound output.
Check Bluetooth or Headphones
- Disconnect headphones or Bluetooth speakers
- Play the YouTube video through the built-in speakers
- If sound works, reconnect your headphones or Bluetooth device
- Make sure the device is charged and connected properly
- Try another pair of headphones if available
If audio works without headphones, the issue is likely with the headphone, Bluetooth device, or connection.
Check YouTube Server Status
- Open a browser on your phone or computer
- Search for YouTube outage or YouTube server status
- Check if many users are reporting YouTube problems
- Try opening YouTube on another device
- Wait and try again later if YouTube is down
If YouTube has a service problem, audio or playback features may not work until YouTube fixes the issue.
How to Prevent This Issue
• Keep YouTube and your browser updated
• Check volume before changing advanced settings
• Keep Bluetooth devices charged
• Avoid switching audio devices during playback
• Restart your device when sound problems appear
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does YouTube have video but no sound?
This usually happens because YouTube is muted, device volume is low, the browser is muted, or the wrong audio output device is selected.
Why is YouTube audio playing through the wrong device?
YouTube may use the audio device selected by your phone, computer, or browser. Check your output settings and choose the correct speaker or headphones.
Can cache problems cause YouTube audio issues?
Yes, corrupted app or browser cache can sometimes cause YouTube sound, loading, or playback problems..
You may also want to check our guides on YouTube Videos Not Playing Fix, YouTube Buffering Fix and YouTube Playback Error Fix for related YouTube playback issues.