How do I fix the audio sync on Netflix?

Having Netflix audio go out of sync with video is a common issue that many viewers experience. This syncing problem occurs when there is a lag or delay between the audio and video tracks when streaming content on Netflix. There are several potential causes for the audio sync problem, including internet connectivity issues, problems with devices or apps, cable connections, and configuration settings.
This guide covers the top troubleshooting tips and solutions for fixing audio sync problems on Netflix across various devices. We will provide clear, step-by-step recommendations on how to check your internet speed, update apps and devices, adjust audio delay configurations, restart equipment, check physical cable connections, enable stereo audio, and adjust TV settings. By following these methods, you should be able to resolve Netflix’s audio sync issues and enjoy perfectly aligned audio and video.
Check Your Internet Connection
An unreliable or slow internet connection is often the culprit behind Netflix audio sync issues. When your bandwidth is constrained and can’t fully support streaming high quality video and audio, it can cause delays leading to the audio falling out of sync.
Try restarting your modem and router to refresh the connection. This can clear any network congestion that may be slowing things down. Also ensure you are connecting over a strong WiFi signal or wired Ethernet for the fastest speeds available.
If your connection is generally unreliable due to network congestion or limitations, consider upgrading your internet plan to boost bandwidth. A minimum internet download speed of 5 Mbps is recommended by Netflix for streaming in High Definition quality without sync issues.
If you are still experiencing audio delay even with a decent internet connection, continue troubleshooting with more advanced fixes to correct sync problems on device and app levels.
Update Your Netflix App
Keeping your Netflix app up-to-date is one of the most important steps for fixing audio sync issues. According to Netflix Support, older app versions may not be fully compatible with newer televisions, streaming devices, and audio systems. Updating to the latest version ensures you have the newest fixes for audio sync and video playback problems.
To update the Netflix app, simply go to the app store for your device and check for available updates. For instructions, refer to:
- Android phone or tablet – Go to the Play Store and press Update next to the Netflix app
- iOS device – Go to the App Store and press Update next to the Netflix app
- Game console or streaming device – Go to the app hub or settings and check for app updates
Once the newest Netflix version is installed, try playing content again to see if the audio sync issue is resolved.
Even if you do not notice audio problems on your end, updating to the latest app release is good practice to get the latest compatibility fixes https://help.netflix.com/en/node/100780. Keeping the app up-to-date can prevent issues down the line and also unlocks the newest Netflix features as they are released.
Adjust Audio Delay Settings
One of the easiest ways to fix audio sync issues on Netflix is to adjust the audio delay setting in the app or device settings. This allows you to add a slight delay to the audio track to match up with the video playback better. Here’s how to adjust it:
- Open the Netflix app on your device. In the app menu go to the settings and open the “Playback Settings” menu.
- In Playback Settings, look for an option labeled “Audio Delay” or “AV Sync”. This may be in an “Advanced” sub-menu on some devices.
- Use the slider or input field to adjust the audio delay. Start with small adjustments like 50-100 milliseconds.
- Test and preview the video playback. Continue adjusting until the audio properly syncs up.
Adjusting audio delay can resolve Netflix sync issues on most devices like smart TVs, mobile devices, streaming sticks, game consoles, etc. Just find the setting in the app or device playback settings. If you still have trouble, double check your device and TV audio settings as well.
As noted in this Netflix Help article, you can also fix Netflix audio sync issues by changing the Audio Format in your device’s settings. Trying a different format like Stereo or Dolby can improve syncing.
Restart Devices
One of the easiest troubleshooting steps to try is restarting your devices. Sometimes, power cycling the connected hardware can help reset any glitches in the audio synchronization. Try unplugging the power cables from the back of your TV, streaming box (like Roku or Fire TV), and any AV receivers or soundbars for at least one minute before plugging them back in.Netflix audio is out of sync
Allow the devices to fully boot back up, then reload the Netflix app and test if the audio sync issue has resolved. Completely restarting equipment forces the hardware to re-establish the HDMI handshake and connection protocols which can clear up Netflix streaming problems. If the audio is still out of sync after power cycling, move on to adjusting audio delay settings or checking your internet speeds.
Check Cables and Connections
One common cause of audio sync issues with Netflix is loose or faulty cables connecting your streaming device to your TV. Over time, cables can become loose from repeated plugging/unplugging or bending, causing signal issues.
As advised in one source https://help.netflix.com/en/node/100780, you should inspect any HDMI or optical audio cables going from your streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, or Gaming Console to your TV. Try unplugging cables at both ends, check for damage, blow out dust, and firmly plug them pack in.
Loose connections or bent/damaged cables can disrupt the audio signal timing causing it to get out of sync with the video. Reseating cables may help create a clean connection and resync things. You can also try swapping cables or using a different input on your TV if issues persist on one input. Confirm all related settings like CEC control are enabled on the TV input/source as well.
Enable Stereo Audio
One way to potentially fix the out of sync audio on Netflix is to enable stereo audio instead of surround sound. According to this source from Netflix, selecting stereo audio instead of surround sound may correct the audio sync issue on some devices. To do this on Netflix:
- Scroll down to the Audio section in Settings
- Select “Audio Format”
- Choose “Change Format”
- Select “New Format” and choose “Dolby Digital 5.1” or stereo depending on your device’s capabilities
Switching from surround sound to stereo audio can significantly improve syncing issues since surround sound requires more complex audio processing that can sometimes cause lag between the video and audio tracks. Stereo’s simpler left-right audio channels have less trouble staying in sync.
If switching to stereo audio fixes your Netflix sync issues, you may want to leave it on stereo permanently going forward. While surround may sound more immersive in theory, the out of sync audio can ruin the viewing experience. Consistent synchronized stereo audio leads to better overall quality.
Adjust TV Settings
This section will explain relevant TV audio settings like delay that could impact sync between video and audio on Netflix.
Many smart TVs have settings to adjust audio delay or sync. According to Netflix, you can go to your TV settings menu, select Video and Audio, then scroll down to any options related to adjusting audio delay or sync. This setting allows you to add a slight delay to the audio which may resolve out of sync issues with Netflix. Most TV brands call this an “audio offset” or “AV sync” setting.
Additionally, some TV models have a setting called Audio Out Format or Digital Audio Out that allows you to choose between Dolby Digital, LPCM, or Pass Through. According to Wondershare, switching to a stereo audio output format like LPCM or Pass Through may also help fix audio sync issues with Netflix streaming.
So in summary, look for audio delay/offset and Audio Out Format settings on your TV and adjust them to try and re-sync Netflix video and audio.
Contact Netflix Support
If the audio sync issue persists after trying the troubleshooting steps above, reach out to the Netflix Help Center for additional support:
Go to https://help.netflix.com/en/contactus to contact Netflix by chat, phone, self-help widget, email and more. Select “Audio and Video Support” as the topic, then describe the specific audio sync issues you are experiencing.
The support team can help troubleshoot further, escalate technical issues if needed, or provide tips tailored to your specific device setup. They may ask for additional details like your Netflix app version, device model, OS version, and more to resolve the issue.
Netflix aims to provide quality streaming across devices, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help getting video and audio properly in sync. The customer support team is available 24/7 to get your Netflix experience back on track.
Summary
If you’re experiencing audio sync issues when streaming Netflix, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to try and resolve the problem. Here’s a recap of the key steps we covered:
- Check your internet connection speed and stability.
- Update to the latest version of the Netflix app.
- Adjust the audio sync delay settings in the app.
- Restart your streaming devices and router/modem.
- Inspect cables and connections from devices to TV.
- Enable stereo audio instead of surround sound.
- Adjust audio delay settings on TV.
- Contact Netflix customer support if the issue persists.
Following this troubleshooting guide should help determine the cause of and fix any Netflix audio sync issues you may experience. With the steps above, you can isolate the problem and get your audio and video back in sync.