USB video plays with no sound on a TV

Separate USB-file audio from the TV’s general sound path. If the TV has sound in menus, broadcast or another HDMI source but one USB video is silent, file compatibility is a strong lead. If every source is silent, check audio output, mute and connected speakers instead.

1. Play a second video from the same USB drive, then play the affected file on a computer or another supported player.

   If other TV sound works and only one file is silent, focus on that file’s audio track.

   If that does not help: If no TV source has sound, use the TV’s general no-sound diagnosis.

2. Check whether the video contains multiple audio tracks and whether the TV lets you choose a different one.

   A different supported track may produce audio.

   If that does not help: If the menu has no track selector or no track works, check the exact TV manual for supported formats.

3. Try the same video from another supported playback method only if available.

   If sound works elsewhere, the USB playback path or TV decoder is a stronger lead.

   If that does not help: If it is silent everywhere, the file may have no usable audio or may be damaged.

A file extension identifies a container, not its audio decoder requirements. LG’s USB troubleshooting explains that file and TV codec support must match. Compare the audio track, container and other playback limits with the exact TV manual; do not use a codec table from another model as a guarantee.

1. Find the file’s audio codec and sample rate using a trusted media-information tool on a computer, if you are comfortable doing so.

   You can compare the actual audio track with the TV’s documented supported formats.

   If that does not help: If you cannot identify it, provide the file details and TV model to the manufacturer’s support team.

2. Look up the TV model’s USB media specifications in its manual.

   This confirms the supported audio and container combinations for that device.

   If that does not help: If the manual is unclear, do not infer support from the file suffix; ask the manufacturer.

3. If the file is your own and you choose to make a compatible copy, preserve the original and use a format listed for the TV.

   A compatible copy may play while retaining the source file unchanged.

   If that does not help: Avoid downloading random converters or modifying protected content; if unsure, use a supported external player instead.

If all USB videos are silent, but the TV can otherwise play sound, check whether audio is routed to a soundbar, receiver, headphones or HDMI ARC output. The selected output can explain missing sound on multiple sources, while a single silent USB file points more strongly to its audio track.

1. Check the TV’s sound output selection and mute/volume for the TV and any connected audio device.

   The output should match the speaker you expect to hear.

   If that does not help: If the TV’s own sound test also fails, contact the manufacturer rather than repeatedly changing codec settings.

2. Run the TV’s sound self-test if its manual provides one.

   This helps separate TV speaker output from file playback.

   If that does not help: If the self-test is silent, follow the maker’s service guidance.

When asking for help, give the TV model, media-player name, video container, audio codec and sample rate if known, whether another USB file has sound, and whether other TV sources play audio. Do not claim the TV is defective from one incompatible file.

Confirm the TV supports the file’s audio codec before converting anything; USB playback limits are model-specific.

• TV has a picture but no sound
• Subtitles are missing or out of sync on TV
• TV cannot read a USB drive

• LG: USB video plays without sound on a TV monitor — checked 2026-10-29

Why does a USB video play with no sound on my TV?

The file may use an audio codec or sampling rate the TV does not support, even if it recognizes the video container. Check the exact model’s media specifications.

Does MP4 guarantee that the TV can play the audio?

No. MP4 is a container; the video and audio tracks can use different codecs. Check both tracks against the TV manual.

Should I change the TV’s sound output?

Only if other sources are also silent or sound is routed to another device. If one USB file is silent, first compare another file and check its audio format.