I've seen several questions about this, but never an answer. On several streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Paramount, etc, I was getting a black screen with no video and could only hear the audio. I use Chrome, but checked Safari and was also getting the issue. I followed all of the troubleshooting steps on Netflix's website; still nothing. However, I found a fix so I wanted to share:
Unfortunately, this doesn't help my issue at all. I have been struggling with this ever since I bought a MacBook Pro. This issues happens with Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, etc. I can't rely on my Mac to stream video. I have to get my iPad Pro for that ?. I tried Safari, Chrome, and Edge and issue is the same every time. I think this is a Mac related issue rather than a browser issue. I am going to contact apple support on this and will update here.
I have been struggling with this forever and couldn't figure out why it was so intermittent. I finally figured out why on my system it was happening. I use multiple screens and will stream while I work. While working I sometimes need to create a video of my screen so I'll pause the streaming, and open up Camtasia to record my screen. If any screen recording software is open all the streaming services will only show black screen with audio. Make sure you have any software that records your screen is closed out. For me that is Snagit, Camtasia, Vidyard, ect.
I had similar problem. I have macbook2023 connected to monitors through dell d6000 universal docking station. Since dell uses DisplayLink technology.. as soon as I connect MacBook to docking station .. currently running Netflix video turns blank with audio streaming on...
I have also been struggling with this forever too. It started again this morning and thankfully found this post. I had my iPad plugged in as a monitor and it turns out this was the cause! Can't believe I'd never noticed this correlation either. Thanks for solving this mystery!
So it was a crashed background process which led to the black screen issue. The Mac even said "Your screen is being observed" at the user login. That may could happen with similar recording software / screen recordings as well.
Just talked to thew Apple Tech support and got a resolution. This is happening due to an interference from one of the "Login items" load during the startup and running in the background. In my case, it was the DisplayLink drive I have installed to support multiple monitors. When I disable the DisplayLink, the issue was resolved immediately. If you don't use DisplayLink, you can troubleshoot the issue by starting Mac in the Safe Mode. Please follow steps below.
Please stream videos in the SafeMode and see if the issue exists. If you can watch videos in the Safe Mode, then issues is with one of the login items and/or extension you have installed. Please restart the Mac. After that, start disabling login items one-by-one to find the defective item.
oh man, but this doesn't help much if you don't use chrome at all and you are still getting the black screen. this is such a puzzle and I am really really surprised no one has found causes and fixes for this yet. like its happening at least twice a month for me now on any streaming that isn't Netflix and I ONLY use safari.(but I still checked the others and they all have same prob too) I have done so much troubleshooting, restarting, turning off any ad blockers and pop up blockers, clearing cache (pain the the rear too that one), and logging in and out of everything all the way to restarting the internet and computer for a full restart cycle. I just wanted to watch some wheel of time on my day off. surely, someone out there knows why this is happening? (MacBook Pro with M1 and Ventura)
Same issue. Was able to make the changes in Chrome and am able to have both sound and video when screen mirroring to TV. Still black screen when trying to screen mirror movie purchased from Apple TV from Mac to TV. Works perfectly when using iPad. Odd.
Was trying to Chromecast Screen or Apple Mirroring The Matrix on Max.com and filter it via ClearPlay but the video was not showing up only the audio... Tried updating/upgrading chrome, ClearPlay extension and nothing... Came across this amazing apple community post and BAM... was able to Chromecast Screen or Apple Mirroring with video and audio... Thanks for taking the time to post.
THANK YOU for this comment!!!! This is what solved my problem! I checked all my apps that records screens and they were not running. I have been trying to figure this one out for so long. Why on earth does iPad sidecar cause this? That is so crazy!
Everything worked well for months. Suddenly, when we put Netflix on, no sound. There IS sound for a Netflix trailer, but not for an actual show. All other apps (Disney +, CW, Amazon Prime) are working fine. In another room, with another Roku, Netflix is working fine. What happened, and what needs to be done?
My son was able to fix it. I believe he went into Roku settings and then audio. And change the setting to stereo. Rather than the other one that was selected. And the hdmi setting was at auto. Restarted netflix and it was back to normal. Not sure why it started (never changed the setting to begin with) but it's worked fine since. Hope this helps!
Can you please provide more information about the issue you are experiencing? Is the issue you are experiencing only happen on the Netflix channel or does the loss of audio happen on all channels? What troubleshooting steps have you taken so far to try to resolve the issue? How long has the issue been occurring?
As a first step, could you try to remove any channel you observe this issue on from the Roku home screen? Then, restart your device. Once it loads up again, add the channel back once more and try playing content again.
You sit on your sofa to watch a good TV show or movie on Netflix, only to discover that there is no audio coming from it. Before you start wondering if something is wrong with the show, movie, or television, you should know that Netflix does not output audio for various reasons.
Before checking for the possible causes affecting audio on Netflix, try restarting your TV to see if it fixes the issue. You might want to restart any external audio device like soundbars, speakers, or home theater systems.
If everything is fine on the hardware end, try restarting the Netflix app a couple of times to ensure everything is fine on Netflix's end. Additionally, try out a different movie or TV series to see if the problem exists on a particular title.
Also, you can visit the dedicated Netflix Help Center page to see if Netflix is down in your area. Alternatively, you can visit websites like Downdetector or IsItDownRightNow to find out if you're not the only one with audio issues.
If you're not having any problems with the video but aren't getting any audio, the problem is most likely with the device. It may sound strange, but try turning up the volume on your device. You may have previously turned your volume down and forgotten about it.
If you're using Netflix in a Mac or Windows browser, you should close all tabs or applications that may interfere with Netflix's audio. Also, if you use antivirus or malware software on your computer, try disabling it to see if it works. Furthermore, check for possible DRM issues on Netflix caused by Chrome Components.
Initially, restarting the Netflix app on your device may resolve the issue. If you're using an iOS device, you can reset the Netflix apps by going to Settings > Netflix and toggling the Reset option.
If the sound is choppy or stuttering, it's either due to a faulty device output or a flaw in the show or movie you're watching. You may encounter this issue on an Apple TV, Roku, or Smart TV, as well as a PC or smartphone.
If you can't hear the voice of the actors or the entire sound, it's probably because there's something wrong with one of your devices' audio settings. Try turning up the volume first to see if it solves the problem.
A Dolby Atmos or Surround Sound-enabled device may work if your internet is working fine; if not, the audio will sound distorted until the video and audio load in their complete quality. If you're new, you'll need to learn how Dolby Atmos works before setting it up in your home.
Furthermore, if you're using a headset or something similar, you may have to adjust its audio options to Linear PCM or Stereo. Look for any issues with the HDMI cable, and replace it if necessary. Also, look at your speaker's settings and adjust them accordingly if you find anything odd.
This problem is common on Windows PCs that rely on audio drivers to output audio. For the same reason, ensure your Windows PC has the proper audio drivers installed. If not, obtain the appropriate audio driver for your CPU configuration.
Check and fix the corrupt driver on Windows that's responsible for audio if you have the correct driver. To resolve this issue, simply update your audio driver on Windows. You may also need to update the IDT High Definition Audio Codec if necessary.
If you're having trouble with this on Roku, see if your receiving device supports Dolby Digital Plus to play audio in Dolby Surround. If it doesn't, go to Netflix and watch a TV show or movie, then go to Audio & Subtitles and check non 5.1 under Audio. It should resolve your problem.
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