Video and audio technology have come a long way since they first emerged. Pictures and colors are more vibrant and life-like. Music and dialogues sound crisper and more accurate.
Still, there are instances when technology fails to deliver on its promise of high-quality results. Take, for example, the Apple TV.
Users praise the Apple TV for its look and interface that’s similar to other iOS devices. With the Apple TV, you can watch a dozen of Apple Originals on top of Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime content.
But while the Apple TV is a perfectly capable streaming device, when it comes to sound quality, there tend to be a few drawbacks.
Many streamers experience an issue with the volume on their Apple TVs in that some applications seem to have a lower volume compared to others. If you’re one of those people asking, “why is the volume so low on Apple TV?” then you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s take a look at what could be causing this issue on your Apple TV.
Quick Navigation
What Causes Audio Problems in Devices?
- An improper connection
- Defecting cables and wires
- Installing incorrect drivers
- Resource conflicts
When audio problems appear even though you haven’t made any changes on your device, it may be due to operator mistakes or unresolved cable problems.
On the other hand, issues that surface after installing, say, a new audio adapter to your device, are often because of resource conflicts or driver problems.
Why Is the Volume So Low on Apple TV?
Many users have encountered a bug in the tvOS 13.4.6 update, which altered volume loudness. When you open certain apps like Netflix or HBO Max, the volume would be significantly quieter. Some found a fix by updating their tvOS to the latest versions. However, others didn’t have as much luck.
Below are a few solutions you can try if your Apple TV volume loudness is also acting up:
Inspect the Cable Connections
Before you go snooping around your Apple TV’s settings, check if all your cables and connectors are in place. This is one of the most overlooked issues of every Apple TV user. Make sure connectors are firmly inserted into their appropriate ports.
Additionally, ensure that none of the wirings are awkwardly intertwined or tangled. Inspect cables to see any tears or bends that need addressing.
If you suspect that the issue might be one of your cables, try replacing them and see if the results improve.
Check HDMI Connection
The latest Apple TV 4K doesn’t have an optical audio port. However, it does have an HDMI 2.1 interface that can accommodate a high-speed HDMI cable for better picture and sound. If you have the latest Apple TV model and have trouble with your sound, it may be wise to check your HDMI interface.
See if the cable has been properly inserted into the port. You can troubleshoot by taking the following steps:
- Turn off your Apple TV and unplug the HDMI cable on both ends
- Switch ends so that the end that used to go to the TV will now go to your Apple TV device and vice versa
- Restart your Apple TV and check for results
Adjust the Volume
Frequently, when users experience low volume on the Apple TV, it’s due to an operator error that hasn’t been corrected. For instance, you may have brought the volume down way too low, which is why your shows are sounding a little too quiet for your tastes.
To fix this, adjust your volume settings using your Siri Remote.
Change the Audio Format
All Apple TVs choose the best possible format available depending on the type of content you’re watching. However, sometimes this automatic choice can result in unappealing changes. To quickly change the audio format on your Apple TV, here’s what you can do:
- Select “Menu” on your Apple TV
- Go to “Settings” then click on “Audio and Video”
- This should bring you to a tab that says “Audio Format”
- Choose “Change Format”
- Cycle through the given choices, which should be Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 5.1, or Stereo
See which of the available audio formats fit you best.
Consider a Reboot
Apple TVs come with a limited amount of memory. Once it gets filled up, sound and video quality can be affected. This can result in low volume, video lags, and even screen freezing.
This is why rebooting your devices now and then is recommended.
Rebooting your Apple TV flushes its memory and frees up the RAM to attend to other functions. To reboot your Apple TV, take your Siri Remote and press down the “Menu” button as well as the “TV” button for six (6) seconds.
A pop-up to put your device on “Sleep” will appear — ignore this prompt and keep pressing down on both buttons. After a while, your TV and your Apple TV light should start blinking, signaling the start of the reboot process.
Check for System Updates
As we mentioned earlier, the Apple TV tvOS version 13.4.6 contains a bug in volume quality, making it sound too quiet. If your Apple TV is still running on this outdated system, it may be time to update.
To check for updates:
- Got to “Menu” on your Apple TV
- Select “Settings” then click on “Software Updates”
- On the next tab, click on “Update Software”
- A dialog box should appear on your screen, showing you the available updates
- Download and install
Remember not to disconnect your Apple TV from the internet while it updates. Furthermore, don’t unplug or turn it off; otherwise, the process will get interrupted.
Final Thoughts
The above mentioned solutions should help you with your Apple TV volume issues.
If you’ve tried everything on this list and nothing changes, it may be time to call an Apple technician to check and see what’s wrong.
You may also want to consider buying a new Apple TV.
Vance is a dad, former software engineer, and tech lover. Knowing how a computer works becomes handy when he builds Pointer Clicker. His quest is to make tech more accessible for non-techie users. When not working with his team, you can find him caring for his son and gaming.