Tablets

Tablet speaker has no sound

No sound from the speakers is usually a volume, mute, or Bluetooth-connection issue before it's an actual hardware failure.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
15–20 minutes
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
$40–$120

Symptoms

  • No sound plays from videos, music, or notifications
  • Volume buttons don't seem to change anything audible
  • Sound works through headphones but not speakers

Likely causes

  • CommonVolume turned down or mutedPhysical mute switches or a low media volume are the most common causes.
  • CommonTablet still connected to a Bluetooth speaker or headphonesAudio routes to the last connected Bluetooth device even if it's out of range or off.
  • PossibleSpeaker grille blocked by a case or debrisA case covering the speaker holes can muffle or block sound entirely.
  • PossibleDo Not Disturb or a specific volume channel mutedMedia volume and ringer/notification volume are often separate settings.

What to do

  1. Check the volume level and any physical mute switch, and turn media volume up.
  2. Go into Bluetooth settings and disconnect or forget any paired speaker or headphones.
  3. Remove the case and check that nothing is covering the speaker grilles.
  4. Test sound with headphones plugged in to confirm whether the issue is speaker-specific or system-wide.
  5. Restart the tablet to rule out an audio service glitch.
  6. If headphones work but speakers stay silent after all this, the speaker hardware itself may have failed.

Tools and parts

Replacement speaker componentSearch: “speaker replacement for your tablet model”

When to call a pro

If headphones work fine but the speakers stay silent after ruling out Bluetooth and volume settings, a repair shop can test and replace the speaker component.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.