Symptoms
- No sound plays from videos or music
- Volume icon shows muted
- Sound works with headphones but not speakers
- Sound worked before an update
Likely causes
- CommonVolume muted or turned all the way downThis is easy to trigger accidentally with volume keys.
- CommonWrong audio output device selectedThe system may still be routed to headphones or a Bluetooth device that's disconnected.
- PossibleApp-specific volume or mute settingSome sites and apps have their own separate mute control.
- PossibleSoftware glitch after an updateA restart usually clears this.
What to do
- Check the volume level and mute status in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Unplug any headphones and disconnect Bluetooth speakers/headphones that might be capturing audio output.
- Check the specific website or app's own volume/mute control, separate from system volume.
- Restart the Chromebook to clear any stuck audio process.
- Test sound in a different app or website to see if the issue is isolated to one source.
- Check Settings > About ChromeOS for updates and install any pending ones.
When to call a pro
If sound still doesn't work through internal speakers after these steps but works via headphones, the speaker hardware may need repair.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.