TV audio stops or skips

This article provides common fixes for TV audio interruptions while using Sonos home theater speakers. See our article about Sonos home theater products not outputting sound if you’re not hearing any TV audio from your Sonos home theater.


1. Reboot the TV and audio source

Unplug the power cable from your TV and any connected audio source (such as a cable box or video game console). Wait 10 seconds before reinserting the cable and testing TV audio.


2. Check the cable connection

Inspect the optical or HDMI cable to ensure it’s not bent or kinked and check to see that it’s fully inserted into both devices.

If using an optical cable, keep the TV audio source powered on and remove the end of the cable connected to your Sonos player. With one end of the optical cable connected to the TV, confirm that you can see a red light coming through the other end. If available, test another cable between the devices to see if the issue continues.


3. Update the TV’s software

Check the user manual for specific instructions on how to update the TV’s software and firmware.


4. Adjust the audio format

You can adjust most TV settings to output a different audio format. We recommend testing Stereo/PCM to see if the issue improves. If audio interruptions only occur when set to Dolby Digital, the TV may not be passing an audio signal correctly. We suggest reaching out to the TV manufacturer for further help.


5. Test without the Sonos product connected

Disconnect the Sonos product to see if the dropouts happen on the TV speakers. If so, your TV may have an issue and may require separate troubleshooting.

Still need help?

Our technicians can help over the phone or with a live chat. You can also ask questions and find answers with other Sonos owners in our Sonos Community.