While Roku never fails to deliver users when it comes to video streaming, if you are having audio issues, you are not alone, as many users have reported audio delay or out-of-sync issues.
Today we will walk you through some of the best troubleshooting ways to fix Roku Audio Delay issues aka the out-of-sync issues with video streaming.
Roku is an American company that produces streaming devices and smart TVs. It has a large number of channels and streaming services to watch. Many users have complained on Reddit and other social sites that the audio is coming out of sync with the video or that they are having audio delay issues that result in laggy playback.
Read on to check out the methods to fix the problem.
Reasons Behind Roku Audio Delay Issues
When you face Roku audio delay issues, it can be annoying, especially when you are watching your favorite TV shows or movies. There are several reasons why there is an out-of-sync issue, which include the following:
- Faulty Connection.
- Settings are configured incorrectly.
- Outdated Software.
- Bug with Night listening mode.
- Volume mode is turned on.
- Amongst others.
How to Fix Roku Audio Delay Issues
Now that you know the reason behind the issue, you might be wondering how you can fix it. Worry not; read on to find out the troubleshooting ways to resolve the Roku audio delay issues.
Reboot Roku
The first thing you can try to fix the Roku audio delay issue is to reboot your Roku device. Rebooting your device helps users clear the cache, which results in increased performance. Here’s how you can reboot your Roku:
Step 1: On the Roku remote control, press the Home button.
Step 2: Wait for a few seconds, then press the Home button five times.
Step 3: Next, press the Up button 1 time > Rewind button 2 times > Fast Forward button 2 times.
Step 4: Now, your device should reboot itself.
Alternatively, you can also reboot your device by navigating to Settings > System > System Restart.
Power Cycle Roku
Another thing you should try if rebooting does not work is power-cycling your Roku device. Here’s how you can power cycle your device:
Step 1: Turn off the TV and Roku devices, then unplug them from the power outlet. If you have a Roku TV, just turn it off and unplug the TV.
Step 2: Press the Power button for about 30 seconds.
Step 3: After that, plug everything back into the power outlet.
Once you do, your issue should be fixed.
Check the Cables
Another quick thing you need to do is check all the cables that connect your Roku device to a TV or external speaker.
Inspect all the cords and ensure that they are not damaged. If there is any sign of damage, it might be the reason for the issue. Hence, we suggest you change it, and your issue should be fixed.
Change Audio and HDMI Mode
You can also try resetting the audio and picture settings of your Roku TV to the default ones, as they might be misconfigured. Here’s how you can do it:
Note: You might not see the option in some regions if your device is running on the latest version since this setting is available only on Roku older versions.
Step 1: On the Roku remote, press the Home button.
Step 2: Navigate to Settings > Audio.
Step 3: Choose Audio Mode and set it to Stereo.
Step 4: Now, set the HDMI Mode to PCM-Stereo.
If your Roku has an optical port, set the “HDMI and S/PDIF” to PCM-Stereo. Once you do, your issue should be fixed.
Disable Volume Mode and Audio Leveling on Roku
If the volume mode and audio leveling are turned on, that might be the reason for the issue. Here’s how you can turn them off:
Note: Just like audio and HDMI mode settings, you might also not see the option since it’s available on older Roku versions.
Step 1: Press the star (*) key on the remote while playing some content.
Step 2: Go to the Volume Mode option.
Step 3: Choose Off for Volume Mode.
Step 4: Now, go back and select the Audio Leveling option.
Step 5: Finally, select Off for the option too.
Once done, the issue should be fixed, as these features are also the cause of the audio delay issue. If the issue is not fixed, you can revert to the previous settings again.
Adjust the Audio Delay
If the audio does not match the picture on your TV when using Bluetooth headphones for mobile private listening, then you need to adjust the audio delay.
Step 1: Open the Roku mobile app. Ensure that you have the latest version of the app.
Step 2: Click the Remote icon from the bottom tab.
Step 3: Tap on the headphone icon to activate private listening.
Step 4: Next, click on the gear icon to open the Controls menu.
Step 5: Select Adjust Audio Delay, then tap Get Started.
Follow the on-screen instructions, then choose Advanced Adjustment to access a slider bar you can use to fine-tune synchronization.
Update Roku Software
If your Roku is not updated, it may cause issues like audio out of sync, audio delay, and others. You can try updating your Roku device to the latest version, as it can fix the issue. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Press the Home button on the remote control.
Step 2: Navigate to Settings > System > System Update.
Step 3: Choose Check Now, and the device will check for available updates.
Step 4: If there is an update available, follow the on-screen instructions to download it.
Disable Night Listening Mode
Roku has a Night Listening Mode that regulates sound across different scenes within a film or TV show. If the Night Listening Mode is enabled on your Roku device, then it might be the reason for the issue due to a bug in the setting. You can try disabling it, as many users were able to get rid of the issue after turning off the feature.
Step 1: Press the Home button on the remote control.
Step 2: Navigate to Settings > Audio.
Step 3: Choose Night Listening Mode and turn off the option.
Note: Since the feature is available on an older version, you might not see the setting in some regions if your device is running on newer versions.
Select Lower Video Bitrate
While it may sound odd to you, changing the video settings helps many users fix the audio delay issue. Usually, Roku devices pick the best bit rate that matches your internet to give you the best viewing experience, but there are instances when you need to adjust it manually as the device may struggle to keep up with a certain level of playback speed. Here’s how you can adjust it:
Step 1: Press the Home button 5 times.
Step 2: Tap the Rewind button 3 times then the Fast Forward button 2 times.
Step 3: Choose Manual Selection, then select a lower bitrate.
Once done, check if the issue has been resolved or not. If not, revert to the previous settings.
Factory Reset Roku
If none of the methods work for you, you must reset the Roku device to its factory settings. Before doing so, note that this will erase all the data and settings; hence, make sure to keep the necessary backup. To factory reset Roku, follow our dedicated guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How Do I Fix Audio and Video Out-of-Sync Issues on Roku?
There are several troubleshooting methods that you can try to fix the audio and video out-of-sync issue on Roku. Some are common, including restarting the Roku device, updating Roku, checking cables, etc.
Q. Does Roku Have a Subscription plan?
While Roku is a free-to-use service, once the device is bought, you will need to pay for the plan to watch third-party channels like Netflix, Prime Video, etc.
That’s the end of the article. I hope the article helped you fix the Roku audio delay issues. In addition to the above fixes, you can also try clearing the cache, resetting the audio settings, and switching to internal speakers. If nothing works, then try contacting the Roku support team for further assistance.
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