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quadgnim's avatar
quadgnim
Reel Rookie
2 years ago
Solved

Roku volume is suddently very low on every app

I have 2 new roku ultra devices purchased direct from roku 12/2023.  They are connected via HDMI high quality 8k rated cables on two different TV's.  Neither TV uses a soundbar or external devices.

Until 2-4 weeks ago everything has been fine, but something seems to have changed.  I went from needing my volume at 20-25% to now needing it at 75-90% to hear it the same.  I thought at first the TV was failing but its happening on two different TV's.

Then I tried local apps on the one TV that is internet ready, and the native apps work fine with the volume back to 20-25%.  But as soon as I go to Roku I need the volume back at 80%+  The quality is fine, but I have to really crank the TV.  This was NOT the case a few weeks ago, and nothing physical has changed.

I tried rebooting both the Roku and TV as described in other posts, and even pulled the power for 30 minutes, but still hasn't resolved the issue.

If I connect the earbuds to the remote, the volume is quite comfortable back at 20-25%

This is on two different TV's, and the issue started around the same time, within the last 2-4 weeks. 

The Roku reports the last software update was in Jan, and performing a manual "update now" doesn't find any updates to apply

This is VERY frustrating

app playback
  • RokuJechealR's avatar
    RokuJechealR
    11 months ago

    Hi Prill,

    Thanks for the first post to the Roku Community!

    We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the audio issues on your Roku device. Also, we appreciate the steps you took to resolve the issue.

    In the meantime, we suggest resetting your audio settings by navigating to your Home screen. Scroll up and down to select Settings > System > Advance system settings > Reset TV audio/picture settings. This picture and audio settings are to their original default values.

    This procedure will reset all TV picture and audio settings to their original default values. Please note that this will not affect your Roku account and installed channels.

    Please keep us posted, and we'll continue assisting you from there.

    All the best,
    Chel

22 Replies

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  • nabokovfan87's avatar
    nabokovfan87
    Reel Rookie
    11 months ago

    Please also see thread: "Major audio issues with roku ultra" as this is very much the exact same issue.

    I have a background in computer engineering and I know enough about circuit design to have a brief understanding about what's going on.

    Imagine a battery, the longer that the battery is on, the lower the power, the lower your sound.  Eventually it will stop working entirely and go mute or just make a horrific audio noise as the signals are no longer working properly.  This is what's going on in the roku ultra audio circuit and I will express, vehemently, about how horrific the sound quality and functionality is across the board on these devices.  I have a soundbar and it was a game changer because I could hear words!

    So... I have experience on this issue over the past ~5+ years on multiple devices and most recently this issue is prevalent. 

    In order to "reset" the sound circuit, turn the volume on the TV down to very low... go into the roku home screen, system, restart the roku.  This will force the roku to add a little charge and the sound might function a little better for the next hour or so.  It's something to the point where I have to do this several times a day and it is such an issue with the sound quality in general that I am seriously considering no longer using roku as a product. 

    I am not biased into any other product, because I believe roku does an amazing job, but I think this issue of poor audio design has been sitting around the devices for so long that it's basically unacceptable.  They haven't changed it much or at all since the roku 2 days.

  • Gigigi's avatar
    Gigigi
    Channel Surfer
    10 months ago

    Still not working.  No volume, low volume loud.  Apps up to 100 volume still not clear.  Fix this please, years now, since 2023.  Roku tv btw.

  • RokuJechealR's avatar
    RokuJechealR
    Retired Moderator
    2 years ago

    Hi quadgnim,

    A warm welcome to the Roku Community!

    We understand that you are facing an issue with the volume in every app using your Roku Ultra, and we appreciate the troubleshooting steps you've taken to try to resolve this issue. If you are experiencing audio issues with your Roku Ultra across all channels, here are a few things you can try:

    • Check Audio Settings: Check the audio settings on your Roku Ultra to make sure they are set up correctly. You can do this by going to Settings > Audio. Ensure that the audio output is set to your desired device (TV, soundbar, etc.) and that the audio mode is set to "Auto" or the recommended audio format for your setup.
    • Check Device Connection: If you are using an external audio device, such as a soundbar or receiver, make sure it is properly connected to your Roku Ultra. Check all cables and ensure they are securely plugged in. Try swapping out cables or testing with another audio device to isolate the issue.
    • Restart Roku Ultra: Restarting your Roku Ultra may resolve any audio issues you are experiencing. You can do this by going to Settings > System > System Restart.
    • Check Channel-Specific Audio Settings: Some channels may have their own audio settings that could be affecting the audio output on your Roku Ultra. Check the audio settings within each channel to ensure they are configured correctly.
    • Check for Software Updates: Ensure that your Roku Ultra is running the latest software updates. You can check for updates by going to Settings > System > System Update.

    We hope it helps. We look forward to hearing from you and looking closely into this issue.

    All the best,
    Chel

    • gsargent51's avatar
      gsargent51
      Channel Surfer
      2 years ago

      I am having the same problem with low audio volume, having to increase volume to almost Maximum on my TV.  And I also get audio skipping, sound drops every couple of minutes for a second or two.

       

    • immsbhaven's avatar
      immsbhaven
      Binge Watcher
      2 years ago

      Just so you know, I’ve tried all these “fixes” and still have the same sound issues. I have to restart Roku several times a day now. There is obviously a bug of some sort and restarting the system does not fix it!! 

      • gsargent51's avatar
        gsargent51
        Channel Surfer
        2 years ago

        The last update on my Roku Utra was on 1/17/2024.  It is now May 10th.  Almost 4 months.  Apparently Roku doesn't seem to care to identify the problem and get a fix downloaded.  Also, they have a very rude person on Chat called March.  She gave me a few things to try and then just disconnected from the Chat without even giving me a chance to respond back.  Very Unprofessional!

         

    • quadgnim's avatar
      quadgnim
      Reel Rookie
      2 years ago

      Yes, it's all been and still at factory defaults.  There's no soundbar. it's just hdmi from roku to tv, that's it. Everything is factory default