This article explains the detailed troubleshooting techniques used to fix the audio delay issue on your Roku.
Quick Fixes for Audio Delay Problem on Roku
If the video and audio on your Roku device are not in sync, you will experience a frustrating delay while streaming. This lip sync error can disrupt your streaming experience whether you watch movies, TV shows, or live TV. The major culprits for audio delay are software glitches, incorrect audio settings, and compatibility issues. The following section explains tips and tricks to rectify audio delay issues on devices powered by Roku OS.
- Check the Internet Connection
The unstable internet connection is the major drawback of witnessing the lip sync issue. So, better check whether your network strength is good or not. If there is a slight decline in the network speed, there is a definite chance for the audio to be delayed. Disconnect your Roku from WiFi and wait for a few minutes. Then, reconnect it with your Roku to check if the network speed is back on track.
- Quick Restart Roku
Restarting your Roku will clear any prevailing bugs on the TV. So, you will be able to use your device with the free flow without any interruption. This also prevents your device from experiencing audio delay. Turn off your Roku and wait for a few minutes. Then you can try to restart your Roku TV and rectify the issue.
- Clear the Cache on Roku
Availability of an excessive amount of the cache will stop your Roku from working properly. You’ll also be directly subjected to streaming problems and other issues like audio delay on your device. A better option to fix the issue is to clear the excessive cache files on Roku.
- Alter Audio and HDMI Mode
Resetting your audio and picture settings will help you resolve the audio delay issue. This will turn your device to the default mode. Also, it sorts out the HDMI problem, and you will get the audio clearly. To do this, press the Home button on your remote and choose the Settings option. Click on the Audio option and choose Audio Mode. Then, set it to the Stereo option. Select the HDMI Mode and hit on the PCM-Stereo. This can solve the audio issue. If your Roku has an optical port, set the HDMI and S/PDIF to PCM-Stereo mode to avoid getting this error.
- Power Cycle Roku TV
Power cycling your Roku TV is also part of the restart process, this includes replenishing power cables too. So, turn off your Roku TV using the remote and disconnect the power cables from the TV. Wait for at least 10-20 minutes and then turn on your Roku TV again and see if the issue is sorted out or not.
- Change Audio Output
Sometimes, if the audio output that you are receiving might be in trouble, you might witness this problem. Sort this out by altering the audio output of the Roku TV. To do this, you need to visit Settings and choose the Audio and Digital output format. In this, you have to change the audio output format to either the Passthrough or the Stereo mode. By altering this, you will be free from the audio delay issue on your Roku TV.
- Check and Replace HDMI Cables
If there are slight cuts or errors on the cables that are connected to the Roku TV, you must notice that and fix them as soon as possible. This type of error is very common, and replacing the cables sooner will prevent your Roku TV from any damaged parts from the audio delay issue.
- Turn Off Volume Mode and Audio Leveling
On older Roku devices, there will be volume mode and audio leveling options. Audio may be out of sync on Roku if these settings are turned on. You can disable those options and check if the audio properly syncs with the video. While playing media content, press the Star (*) key on the Roku remote. Select Volume Mode and choose Off. Go back and select Audio Leveling, and turn it Off.
- Adjust Audio Delay in the Roku App
You can make use of the audio delay feature on the Roku app to avoid getting this error. Owing to this, you can open the Roku app on your smartphone (App Store | Play Store) and hit on the Remote icon. Choose the headphone icon to activate and use private listening. Hit on the gear icon and choose the Controls Menu. From there, you must select the Adjust Audio Delay option and hit the Get Started button. After completing the on-screen instructions, click on Advanced Adjustment to activate the fine-tune synchronization.
- Reset Audio and Picture Settings
Rather than only altering the HDMI Mode, you can completely reset the audio and the video settings to avoid this error. To proceed with that, visit the Settings option and choose System. Hit on the Advanced System Settings button and choose the Factory Reset button. Upon choosing the Reset TV audio/picture settings, press the Play/Pause button 3 times to reset the audio and the video settings.
- Turn Off Night Listening Mode
Roku is built with Night Listening Mode, which helps regulate the sound based on the scenes in films or TV shows. If the Night Listening Mode on your Roku is turned ON, we suggest turning it off to avoid this problem. Tap the Home button on the remote and choose the Settings and Audio option. By selecting the Night Listening Mode, you can try to disable them to fix the audio delay problem.
- Choose Lower Bitrate for Videos
Sometimes, the audio might get delayed on Roku due to a higher bitrate. You can simply reduce the bitrate to a lower level to rectify the issue. To do so, press the Home key 5 times → Tap the Rewind key 3 times → Click the Fast Forward button 2 times → Select Manual Selection → Set a lower bitrate. Now, check if the TV plays audio with the right sync.
- Update Roku TV
If all of the alterations didn’t help, the only way to resolve this is to update the firmware of the Roku TV to the latest version. Because using an outdated version will slow down the device’s work functionality. So, to avoid this, update the Roku TV and sort out the audio delay problem.
- Factory Reset Roku TV
As a final option, you can factory reset your Roku TV to avoid this error. This turns your device to the default mode and then deletes all of the stored data on your device. However, there is a high chance that the TV will get fixed with the audio delay problem.
FAQ
It happens due to an unstable network, incorrect audio settings, damaged HDMI cable, or an issue with the Hulu app. To fix it, connect Roku to a different WiFi, change the cable, and uninstall and reinstall the Hulu app.