How To Fix Sound Delay On TV? – Complete Guide

How to fix sound delay on TV is a frequently asked question that we’ve decided to solve in a quick 5-minute guide.

Here we’ll unwrap the audio delay also known as “lipsync”, and learn a quick way to identify and solve the issue so let’s learn the most important first!

To fix a TV sound delay, start by checking the audio settings and verifying that the correct audio format is selected.

The next step is to update the system firmware and inspect the WiFi connection before ultimately, performing a factory reset on the TV.

Sound Delay “Lipsync” – Explained 

When the audio/video of your TV is falling behind, it indicates a problem either with the cables or the audio settings in your setup.

When you’ve got playback devices connected to your TV the suspects increase as we’ve two sides of audio settings and a cable connection.

Here’s what could ultimately cause sync issues on a TV/monitor:

1. Improper audio settings
2. Incorrect audio format
3. Audio/video cable issues
4. Power issues with the TV
5. Outdated TV firmware
6. Fault with the TV software

Before You Start!

Sometimes the audio delay on the TV could be caused by connected speakers, so use the TV remote to select a default output audio device.

The option is located in the TV audio settings and you need to make certain that the TV’s speakers are outputting the sound before you start.

How to Fix Sound Delay On LG TV?

• Check LG Audio Delay Settings.

One of the main reasons that the LG TV’s audio or video is falling behind is the audio delay settings.

There’s an AV Sync Adjustment setting that’ll allow you to operate with the audio and video sync of your TV and adjust as per your preference.

1. Go to Settings on the LG TV.
2. Navigate to “All Settings”.
3. Tap on “Sound”.
4. Scroll down to “AV Sync Adjustment”.
5. Use the arrow keys to regulate the slider.
6. Test the audio/video by playing any media.

Note: Keep testing the adjustments you’ve made until the audio/video is synced.

• Adjust the LG TV Audio Format

Here’s how to regulate the audio format on the LG TV:

1. Go to Settings on the TV.
2. Navigate to “All Settings”.
3. Tap on “Sound”.
4. Choose “Sound Out”.
5. Select “LG Sound Sync/Bluetooth” or “Audio Out/Optical/HDMI ARC”.
6. Set the audio format to either “PCM” or “Auto”.

The best selection you could make in terms of audio format, regardless of the LG TV model, is to set it to “Auto”.

Some LG TVs may experience audio/video sync issues when the format is set to “PCM”.

How to Fix Sound Delay On Roku TV?

• Enable S/PDIF and ARC/eARC

From the home screen of your Roku, go into Settings and reach into the Audio configuration tab.

Then select both S/PDIF and ARC/eARC and ensure to checkmark the box next to the PCM Stereo, hence enabled.

• Disable Roku Volume Modes!

You can reach the Volume modes from Settings > Audio on your Roku and for no audio interference, you need to disable them all.

• Optimise Roku TV/Streaming Stick

Here’s more ways to deal with the audio delay on your Roku TV/streaming stick:

1. Strengthen your internet connection speed (Mbps).
2. Reinstall the Roku application or operating system.
3. Clear the Roku TV/stick or app cache data.

Tip: Also try changing the Roku audio setting to “Stereo” to check whether this will help!

How to Fix Sound Delay On Samsung TV?

• Reset Samsung TV Audio Settings

The easiest solution against audio delay on Samsung TV is to reset all audio settings from Settings > All Settings > Sound settings.

Then you only need to go into the Expert Settings tab and from there reset the audio settings by selecting “Reset Sound”.

• Manual Synchronization (Soundbar)

When you’re using a Samsung Soundbar with the Samsung TV, and audio/video are out of sync, the easiest solution is to manually adjust the synchronization.

1. Tap Sound Control, located on the soundbar remote.
2. Then use the Right/Left buttons to regulate the sync.
3. In the control panel set the “SYNC” between 0 – 300.
4. Restart your Samsung TV and Samsung Soundbar.

How To Fix Sound Delay on TV (Universal Guide)

1. Power Cycle Your Television!

The simplest method to refresh both the audio and the video of your television is to perform a power circulation. This method does not erase anything from your TV only resets the power.

• To power cycle, your TV, unplug the adapter from the power for 5 minutes!

Tip: Test whether the sound delay appears on multiple media, apps, or streaming sources.

2. Update Your TV’s Firmware

An outdated firmware could cause disruption in the quality of the video/audio as well as impact the sound synchronization.

Updating the firmware is a process that requires a reliable WiFi/wired internet connection and usually takes around 2-3 minutes.

Here’s how to universally update almost any smart TV:

1. From the home screen go to Settings.
2. Select the tab “System” or “Firmware”.
3. Tap on “System Update” or “Check for Update”.
4. Start the process by selecting “Update”.

Note: On different brands of TVs, the menus and settings might be labeled differently!

3. Inspect Your TVs Audio Settings

Improper audio cables in your TV’s installation may interfere with the audio and cause it to fall behind.

To settle this, you must verify that the audio cables (if your TV has any) are properly installed and in good condition.

• Thoroughly inspect your HDMI / RCA / Component Cable!

If you’re using an HDMI ARC, check the ends of the cable and determine if it goes securely into the port on the TV.

Inspect and try to notice any rips, cuts, and other general cable damages that could give away the problem.

4. Use an HDMI Cable (Best-Working)

HDMI cables are popular for their delivery of high-quality audio/video signals.

To resolve any sync issues, it’s strongly recommended to install an HDMI cable in your TV setup, if you stream from third-party devices, such as cable boxes, consoles, or streaming sticks.

HDMI-type cables are accessible from all technical stores and can be acquired at a good price.

The only requirement comes with 4K streaming where the HDMI cable shouldn’t be longer than 32 feet to prevent audio synchronization (delay) issues. 

Top HDMI Recommendation:

We recommend getting PowerBear 4K HDMI 10 ft (High-Speed HDMI), for flawless video and no sound delays from your connected devices. Using this cable, you can’t go wrong!

5. Factory Reset Your Television!

The best course of action in response to the audio delay problem is the factory reset process.

If your TV doesn’t have the option to reset the audio settings only, flushing all network, audio, and system settings will help with any disruptions in the sync of the audio/video.

Here’s how to universally factory reset a smart TV:

1. Go to Settings on the television.
2. Tap on “System” or “Advanced”.
3. Locate the “Factory Reset” or “System Reset”
4. Press on “Factory Reset Everything”.

Note: When the reset is over, you’ll need to carry out the initial TV setup and connect to WiFi.

6. Disconnect Playout Devices!

When your TV’s sound is falling behind, you should test the raw audio from the television’s speakers without connected devices.

This is why you first need to disconnect all speakers from your TV and then select your television speakers as “default audio output devices”.

For better orientation, apply the following steps:

1. Disconnect the HDMI / AUX / RCA from your TV.
2. Go to Settings and find the Audio Settings tab.
3. Select your TV speakers as “Default Output Device”.

On some TVs, there are no such settings in the menu and the audio output can be managed while adjusting the volume.

You can switch between the AUX and TV speakers with the arrows on the remote so check whether the audio delay will be there on your standalone TV.

Still Here?

If you’re still here, we strongly recommend checking whether the audio and video will be out of sync on another channel, app, or streaming source.

If that’s the case you can consult with your TV supplier and try to claim your warranty in case you’ve been shipped a faulty television.

Quick Recap:

Now we know how to fix sound delay on TV and we’ve learned that we should always start with a power circulation on the TV and inspection of the audio setting.

Moreover, the cable connections must be verified and all playout devices disconnected from the TV.