Do you want to enjoy your favorite movie, music or stream on the big screen, but the sound remains in the laptop speakers? Connecting audio to a TV is a simpler task than it seems, but users often encounter typical problems: no sound via HDMI, wireless transmission delay or incompatibility of connectors. In this article we will look at all current methods audio transmission - from wired to wireless - and also provide solutions to common errors.

It doesn't matter what kind of TV you have - Samsung QLED, LG OLED or budget model Xiaomi, — and what laptop: MacBook Pro, ASUS ROG or Lenovo ThinkPad. The main thing is to choose the right connection method depending on your devices and tasks. For example, for games it is critical minimum latency, and for music - sound quality. Let's start with the most reliable option.

1. Connection via HDMI: a universal and high-quality method

Cable HDMI - the most common and reliable method of transmission both video and sound at the same time. Modern laptops and TVs support this standard, but there are some nuances: not all HDMI ports are the same. For example, HDMI 2.1 allows you to transmit sound in format Dolby Atmos, and HDMI 1.4 may be limited to stereo.

To connect:

  • 🔌 Connect your laptop and TV with an HDMI cable (preferably the 2.0 or higher).
  • 📺 On the TV remote control, select the signal source - usually the button SOURCE or INPUT.
  • 💻 On a laptop, click Win + P (Windows) or open System Settings → Monitors (macOS) to duplicate or extend the screen.
  • 🔊 Check the sound: right click on Sound in the tray (Windows) or open Sound settings (macOS) and select TV as the output device.

If there is no sound, the reasons may be as follows:

  • ⚠️ Wrong HDMI port: Some TVs (eg Sony Bravia) have ports marked ARC/eARC - they are intended for sound systems, not for input.
  • ⚠️ Outdated drivers: On Windows, update your sound card drivers via Device Manager.
  • ⚠️ Incorrect TV settings: In the TV menu, check the option Digital audio (sometimes it is disabled by default).
📊 Which cable do you use most often for connection?
  • HDMI
  • Bluetooth
  • Wi-Fi (Miracast/AirPlay)
  • AUX (3.5 mm)
  • I don't connect

2. Bluetooth wireless audio: wireless freedom

If wires annoy you, Bluetooth - a great alternative. Almost all modern TVs (since 2016 release) and laptops support this protocol. However, there are disadvantages: it is possible audio delay (up to 200 ms), which is critical for games or videos.

Instructions for Windows:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on your TV (usually Settings → Connections → Bluetooth).
  2. On your laptop, open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and press Add device.
  3. Select your TV from the list (may appear as LE-55UX750V or similar).
  4. After connecting to Sound settings select TV as output device.

For macOS:

  • Open System Settings → Bluetooth.
  • Find your TV in the list and connect.
  • B Sound settings (Apple Menu → System Preferences → Sound) select TV as the output device.
⚠️ Attention: On some TVs Samsung And LG Sound via Bluetooth can only be transmitted to mono mode (one column). To enable stereo, check your TV's Bluetooth profile settings.

If the sound is interrupted or delayed:

  • 📶 Reduce the distance between devices (maximum 10 meters without obstacles).
  • 🔄 Reconnect devices.
  • 🔋 Check your laptop's battery level - if it's low, Windows may automatically reduce transmission quality.
💡

If your TV does not support Bluetooth, use an external Bluetooth transmitter (For example, 1Mii B06 or Avantek). It connects to the port 3.5 mm or optical output TV and adds support for wireless headphones or speakers.

3. Audio transmission over Wi-Fi: Miracast, AirPlay and DLNA

If you have Smart TV with support Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast (Windows), or AirPlay (Apple TV or TVs with Apple TV set-top box), you can transmit sound wirelessly and with minimal delay. This method is suitable for streaming music or video, but requires a stable network connection.

For Windows (Miracast):

  1. Make sure your TV and laptop are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Click Win + K and select your TV from the list of devices to transfer.
  3. B Sound settings select TV as output device.

For macOS (AirPlay):

  • Open Control Center (icon in the upper right corner).
  • Click Screen mirror and select Apple TV or compatible TV.
  • B Sound settings select device Apple TV.

For Android/Windows (DLNA):

If your TV supports DLNA (For example, Sony or Philips), you can use programs like VLC or BubbleUPnP for audio streaming:

  • 📱 Install on your laptop VLC Media Player.
  • 🔍 On the menu Playback → Renderer select your TV.
  • 🎵 Launch the audio file - the sound will be transmitted to the TV.
⚠️ Attention: When using Miracast on laptops with Intel HD Graphics older 2018 There may be a delay in sound up to 500 ms. In this case it is better to use HDMI or Bluetooth.
Connection method Audio delay Max. quality Internet required
HDMI 0 ms Dolby Atmos, DTS:X No
Bluetooth 50–200 ms SBC, AAC (16-bit/44.1 kHz) No
Wi-Fi (Miracast/AirPlay) 20–100 ms Lossless (24-bit/96 kHz) Yes (one network)
AUX (3.5 mm) 0 ms Stereo (16-bit/44.1 kHz) No

4. Connection via AUX (3.5 mm): simple but outdated method

If your TV and laptop are equipped with a connector 3.5 mm (mini-jack), you can transmit sound through audio cable. This method is suitable for older TV models or if other options are not available. The main disadvantage is only stereo sound (no surround sound) and the need to buy a cable.

How to connect:

  1. Buy a cable 3.5 mm - 3.5 mm or 3.5 mm - RCA (if there are only “tulips” on TV).
  2. Connect one end to the output on your laptop (usually indicated by a headphone icon).
  3. Insert the other end into the entrance AUX IN or AUDIO IN on TV.
  4. On the TV remote control, select the audio source AUX or PC.

If there is no sound:

  • 🔊 Check the volume level on your laptop and TV.
  • 🔄 Switch input to TV - sometimes AUX need to be selected manually.
  • 🛠️ If an adapter is used 3.5 mm → RCA, make sure that it is working properly (contacts often break).
What to do if your laptop does not have a 3.5 mm output?

If your laptop (eg. MacBook Pro 2021 or Dell XPS 13) does not have a connector 3.5 mm, use USB-C hub with audio output or Bluetooth transmitter. The hub must support analog sound (not all cheap models can do this).

If your TV and laptop support optical output (TOSLINK), this is one of the best ways to transfer multi-channel audio (For example, 5.1 or 7.1). The optical cable is resistant to interference and provides no losses audio transmission.

How to connect:

  • 🔍 Check if your laptop has an optical output (usually next to HDMI or 3.5 mm, marked as Digital Audio Out).
  • 🛒 Buy a cable TOSLINK (with connectors EIAJ).
  • 🔌 Connect one end to the laptop, the other to the input Optical IN on your TV or soundbar.
  • 🎛️ In Windows sound settings, select Digital Audio (S/PDIF) as default device.

Important:

  • An optical cable does not transmit video - only sound. For the picture you will need a separate HDMI.
  • Not all laptops have optical outputs. Most often it is on desktop PCs or gaming laptops (For example, ASUS ROG or MSI).

6. Solving problems: no sound, delay, interference

Even after proper connection, problems may occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem 1: There is sound on the laptop, but not on the TV

  • 🔍 Check if the TV is selected as the audio output device in the laptop settings.
  • 🔄 Reboot both devices.
  • 🔧 Update your sound card drivers (on Windows via Device Manager).

Problem 2: Audio delay (lip sync)

  • 📶 If you use Bluetooth, try the codec aptX Low Latency (needs support on both TV and laptop).
  • 🖥️ In Windows sound settings, open Device properties → Advanced and turn off Allow apps exclusive control.
  • 📺 On your TV, turn off audio processing (for example, Dolby Processing in the menu Samsung).

Problem 3: Interference or crackling

  • 🔌 If you use 3.5 mm or RCA, check the cable for damage.
  • 🔇Reduce the volume on your laptop to 70% — sometimes distortion occurs at maximum volume.
  • 🔄 Switch the sample rate in the audio settings to 48 kHz (sometimes 44.1 kHz causes interference).
💡

If none of the methods work, check whether the sound is disabled at the laptop BIOS level. On some models Lenovo And HP HDMI audio output is blocked in settings BIOS → Configuration → Graphics Device (you need to select Discrete Graphics).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting sound to a TV

Is it possible to connect audio from a laptop to a TV without HDMI?

Yes, there are several alternatives:

  • 📶 Bluetooth - Suitable for music, but there may be a delay.
  • 📡 Wi-Fi (Miracast/AirPlay) - minimal latency, but requires Smart TV.
  • 🎧 AUX (3.5 mm) - simple, but only stereo sound.
  • 💡 Optical cable - best quality, but not all laptops have a connector.
Why does sound only come through the laptop speakers and not the TV?

The most common reasons:

  • ❌ The TV is not selected as an output device in the sound settings.
  • ❌ Outdated sound card drivers (update via Device Manager).
  • ❌ Disabled on TV HDMI-CEC or ARC (enable in TV settings).
  • ❌ The wrong HDMI port is being used (for example, ARC instead of HDMI IN).
How to reduce audio delay when connected via Bluetooth?

Latency (lip sync) is a common problem in wireless transmission. Try:

  • 🔄 Use codec aptX Low Latency (if supported).
  • 📱 On Android laptops (for example, Samsung Galaxy Book) turn on the mode Game sound in Bluetooth settings.
  • 📺 Turn off sound processing on your TV (Dolby Digital Plus, Surround Sound).
  • 🔗 Reduce the distance between devices to 1–2 meters.

If latency is critical (for example, for games), it is better to use HDMI or optical cable.

Is it possible to connect sound to the TV if the HDMI on the laptop is broken?

Yes, there are workarounds:

  • 🔌 Use USB-C/Thunderbolt → HDMI adapter (for example, for MacBook or Dell XPS).
  • 📶 Connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (if TV supports).
  • 🎧 If the TV has an input 3.5 mm or RCA, use an audio cable.
  • 💻 Suitable for old laptops VGA + separate audio cable (but don't expect quality).
What cable is needed for optical connection?

For optical connection (TOSLINK) you will need:

  • 🔌 Cable with EIAJ connectors (square) - standard for household appliances.
  • 🔍 Check if your laptop has an optical output (usually marked as Digital Audio Out or S/PDIF).
  • 📺 The TV must have an input Optical IN (sometimes hidden under a lid).

If your laptop does not have an optical output, you can use USB-C/Thunderbolt → Optical adapter (For example, Creative Sound Blaster X4).