How to fix audio only working in some apps

This guide helps you troubleshoot audio that works in some PlayStation apps but not others. You'll learn to adjust app-specific settings, system audio output, and compatibility checks for your TV or audio device.

By following these steps, you should restore consistent audio across games, media apps, and system sounds.

Note: Steps can vary by console generation, system software, and region. This guide focuses on safe, general methods.

Quick Answer

Restart your PlayStation console.
Check the audio settings within the problematic app.
Go to System Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings.
Set Audio Format to Linear PCM as a test.
Ensure your HDMI or optical cable is firmly connected.
Try a different audio output port on your TV or receiver.
Rebuild the database in Safe Mode.

If this doesn't work, proceed to the Diagnostics section.

What you need

Before you start

Your PlayStation console (PS5 or PS4) turned on.
A TV or audio receiver with working speakers.
HDMI or optical audio cable connected securely.
Basic knowledge of navigating console settings.
Internet connection for app updates or troubleshooting.
The problematic app installed and updated.
A second audio source (e.g., another app) to compare.
Patience—audio issues can have multiple causes.

Good to know

Some apps have their own audio settings (e.g., Netflix, Spotify).
Audio formats like Linear PCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS may affect compatibility.
HDMI-CEC or ARC settings on your TV can influence audio routing.
Safe Mode options can fix system-level corruption without deleting data.
External soundbars or headsets might need specific configurations.
System software updates often include audio fixes.
Audio issues can sometimes be related to network streaming quality.
Keeping a log of when audio fails can help identify patterns.

Diagnose the issue in 2 minutes

Answer these quick checks to pinpoint the cause:

Is audio missing in all apps or only specific ones? If only specific, the app's settings or format might be the issue. What you should see: Audio in system menus and other apps works fine.
Does audio work through a different output? Try switching from HDMI to optical or vice versa. What you should see: Audio returns on the new output.
Have you recently changed audio settings? Check if Audio Format or Output Device was altered. What you should see: Settings match your device's capabilities.
Is the app updated to the latest version? Outdated apps can have bugs. What you should see: No pending updates in your library.
Does restarting the app fix it temporarily? Close and reopen the app. What you should see: Audio works briefly or not at all.
Are you using an external audio device? Ensure it supports the audio format the app is sending. What you should see: Device displays the correct format (e.g., PCM, Dolby).
Does the issue occur with both games and media apps? If only media apps, check streaming quality settings. What you should see: Games have audio, but Netflix doesn't, for example.
Have you tested with headphones? Plug in headphones to the controller. What you should see: Audio works through headphones, pointing to TV/receiver issues.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1 — Restart everything

A simple restart can clear temporary glitches in apps or the system.

Fully power down your PlayStation console (not rest mode).
Turn off your TV or audio receiver and unplug it for 30 seconds.
Restart your modem/router if using streaming apps.
Power everything back on and test the app with audio issues.

What you should see: System boots normally, and audio might return in the problematic app.

Step 2 — Check app-specific audio settings

Many media apps have internal audio or playback settings that override system defaults.

Open the app where audio isn't working (e.g., Netflix, Disney+).
Navigate to the app's settings or playback options menu.
Look for audio-related settings like "Audio Language", "Streaming Quality", or "Digital Output".
Reset to default or try different options, then restart the app.

What you should see: App settings reflect your preference, and audio may play correctly.

Step 3 — Verify system audio output settings

Ensure the console's audio output matches what your TV or receiver can handle.

Go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings.
Confirm the correct Output Device is selected (HDMI or Optical).
Set Audio Format to Linear PCM (this is widely compatible).
Adjust other settings like "Number of Channels" or "Bitstream Format" if needed.

PS5: Path is Settings > Sound > Audio Output. You can also adjust 3D Audio settings for headphones.

PS4: Path is Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings.

App/Web: Not applicable for system settings.

What you should see: Audio works in system sounds and possibly in the problematic app.

Step 4 — Test with different audio formats

Some apps output specific formats (like Bitstream) that your device may not support.

In Audio Output Settings, try switching between Linear PCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS.
For each format, test audio in the problematic app and a working app.
If using an AV receiver, ensure it's set to decode the format sent by the console.

What you should see: Audio returns with one format, indicating compatibility issues with others.

Step 5 — Inspect physical connections

Loose or damaged cables can cause intermittent audio, especially if moved recently.

Power off all devices and disconnect HDMI or optical cables.
Check for bent pins, dust, or debris in the ports and connectors.
Reconnect cables firmly, ensuring they click into place.
Try a different HDMI port on your TV or a different cable if available.

What you should see: Secure connections and no physical damage; audio may improve.

Step 6 — Update system software and apps

Outdated software can lead to audio bugs that are fixed in newer versions.

Go to Settings > System Software Update to check for console updates.
Navigate to your library and check for updates on the problematic app.
Enable automatic updates in Settings to prevent future issues.

What you should see: No pending updates, or updates install successfully.

Step 7 — Rebuild database in Safe Mode

This cleans up system data without deleting games or saves, often fixing app-specific issues.

Turn off your PlayStation completely.
Hold the power button until you hear two beeps (about 7 seconds) to enter Safe Mode.
Connect a controller via USB cable and select "Rebuild Database".
Wait for the process to complete, then restart and test audio.

What you should see: System reboots with optimized data; audio may work in all apps.

Common scenarios and fixes

Scenario

Audio works in games but not in streaming apps like Netflix.

Likely cause

Streaming app is outputting a bitstream format (Dolby Digital+) that your TV doesn't support.

Fast fix

In system audio settings, change Audio Format to Linear PCM, or adjust the app's streaming quality to "Standard".

When to escalate

If changing formats doesn't help, check for TV firmware updates or try the app on another device.

Scenario

Audio cuts out only when using a soundbar via HDMI ARC.

Likely cause

HDMI-CEC or ARC conflicts between console, TV, and soundbar.

Fast fix

Disable HDMI-CEC on the PlayStation and TV, then re-enable, or use optical audio instead.

When to escalate

If audio persists, consult your soundbar's manual or manufacturer support.

Scenario

Audio is fine in system menus but silent in a specific game.

Likely cause

Game has its own audio settings or a corrupted install.

Fast fix

Check the game's audio options for "Output Device" or "Mix", and reinstall the game if needed.

When to escalate

If reinstalling doesn't work, look for game patches or community forums for known issues.

Scenario

Audio works via headphones but not through TV speakers.

Likely cause

TV speakers are disabled or HDMI audio output is set to "Bitstream" unsupported by TV.

Fast fix

Set audio format to Linear PCM and ensure TV speakers are enabled in TV settings.

When to escalate

If TV speakers still don't work, test with another HDMI device to isolate the issue.

Scenario

Audio intermittently drops in all apps after a system update.

Likely cause

System update reset audio settings or introduced a bug.

Fast fix

Re-apply your preferred audio settings and restart. If persistent, rebuild database.

When to escalate

Wait for a patch from Sony, or revert to previous system version if possible.

Scenario

No audio in media apps but works in PS Store or web browser.

Likely cause

Media apps are using a different audio channel or codec that's blocked by network restrictions.

Fast fix

Check router settings for QoS or firewall rules, and ensure app data isn't corrupted.

When to escalate

If network tweaks don't help, contact your ISP for streaming-related issues.

Quick reference

Audio Format	Best For	Common Issues
Linear PCM	Direct TV speakers, basic setups; highest compatibility.	May not support surround sound in some apps.
Dolby Digital	AV receivers, soundbars with decoding support.	TV might not decode it, causing no audio.
DTS	Home theater systems with DTS compatibility.	Similar to Dolby; can be unsupported by some devices.
Bitstream (Dolby/DTS)	Pass-through to external decoders; used by Blu-rays and streaming.	If device can't decode, audio will be silent or garbled.

Setting Category	Safe Defaults
Audio Output	HDMI Output Device, Linear PCM format, Automatic number of channels.
System Updates	Enable automatic downloads and installs for system software.
App Management	Keep apps updated, clear cache occasionally, don't force close unnecessarily.
Network Streaming	Use wired connection if possible, or 5GHz Wi-Fi for reduced interference.
HDMI-CEC	Enable only if needed; can simplify control but cause audio handshake issues.

Mind map summary

Audio only in some apps?
    ├── Is it app-specific?
    │   ├── Yes → Check app settings & updates → Reinstall app → Test.
    │   └── No → Go to system settings.
    ├── System audio settings:
    │   ├── Output device correct? → Adjust.
    │   ├── Audio format compatible? → Try Linear PCM.
    │   └── Channels/bitstream match? → Change.
    ├── Physical connections:
    │   ├── Cables secure? → Re-seat or replace.
    │   └── Ports working? → Try different HDMI/optical.
    ├── Software state:
    │   ├── System updated? → Update.
    │   └── Database clean? → Rebuild in Safe Mode.
    └── External factors:
        ├── TV/receiver settings? → Adjust audio output mode.
        └── Network for streaming? → Check router/QoS.
    Recommended path: Start with app settings, then system audio, then physical, then software fixes.

Troubleshooting checklist

Console

Restarted console fully (not rest mode).
Checked Audio Output Settings format.
Updated system software to latest version.
Rebuilt database in Safe Mode.
Tested with different audio formats (PCM, Dolby, DTS).
Verified no physical damage to ports or cables.

Account/PSN

Confirmed app licenses are valid (for purchased media).
Checked if audio issues persist across different user accounts.
Ensured PSN subscription (e.g., PlayStation Plus) isn't affecting app access.
Reviewed privacy settings that might block audio sharing.

Network/Router (for streaming apps)

Restarted router/modem.
Tested internet speed and stability.
Disabled QoS or firewall rules temporarily.
Tried wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi.
Checked for ISP throttling on streaming services.

When to escalate

Contact TV/audio device manufacturer: If audio works on other consoles or devices but not PlayStation, your TV or receiver may need firmware updates or specific settings.
Try safe mode or reset: If rebuilding database doesn't help, consider "Initialize PS5/PS4" in Safe Mode (backs up data first) to reset system software. This is for persistent corruption.
Contact PlayStation support: If audio is consistently absent in paid apps or after all troubleshooting, there may be account or license issues. Also, if hardware defects are suspected (e.g., no audio from any port).

What to collect before escalating:

Exact error codes or messages (if any appear).
Timestamp of when audio issues started.
Network test results from the console.
Console model and system software version.
List of apps affected and any recent changes (new device, update, move).
Photos or videos of audio settings and connections.

FAQ

Why does audio work in games but not Netflix?

Netflix and other streaming apps often use Dolby Digital+ bitstream audio, which some TVs can't decode. Switch to Linear PCM in system settings or change Netflix audio to stereo in its app settings.

Does HDMI cable version affect audio?

Yes, older HDMI cables (pre-1.4) might not support high-bandwidth audio formats. Use a High-Speed HDMI cable for best compatibility.

Should I set Audio Format to Bitstream or PCM?

For most users, Linear PCM is safer as it's widely compatible. Use Bitstream only if your AV receiver or soundbar specifically requires it for surround sound.

Can PS5 3D Audio cause issues with some apps?

3D Audio is designed for headphones and may not apply to TV speakers. If enabled, try disabling it in Sound > Audio Output > 3D Audio for TV Speakers to see if it helps.

Why does audio cut out intermittently?

This is often due to HDMI handshake problems. Try disabling HDMI-CEC on both PlayStation and TV, or use a different HDMI port.

How do I know if my TV supports Dolby Digital?

Check your TV's manual or audio settings for "Digital Audio Output" options. If it only has PCM, stick to Linear PCM on PlayStation.

Does optical audio support all formats?

Optical audio supports up to 5.1 surround sound (Dolby Digital, DTS) but not newer formats like Dolby TrueHD. Ensure your format matches optical limitations.

Will rebuilding database delete my games?

No, rebuilding database only reorganizes data and fixes corruption. Games and saves are safe, but always backup if possible.

Can network speed affect audio in streaming apps?

Yes, slow or unstable networks can cause audio to drop or buffer. Test your connection and consider wired Ethernet for stability.

Why does audio work with headphones but not TV?

This points to an issue between the PlayStation and TV audio path. Check TV speaker settings, HDMI audio output, and try different audio formats.

Sources and references

Official PlayStation support documentation for PS5 and PS4 audio settings.
General audio format compatibility guides (Linear PCM vs. Bitstream).
HDMI specification documents and best practices for audio transmission.
TV and audio receiver manufacturer manuals for output capabilities.
Netflix and other streaming service help pages for app-specific audio.
Community forums for common PlayStation audio issues and workarounds.
Basic networking guides for streaming media quality troubleshooting.
Safe Mode operations from Sony's system recovery documentation.

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How to fix audio only working in some apps

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