How to Fix Netflix Audio Out of Sync (Sound Delay on Any Device)

Is Netflix audio out of sync with the video? You may notice that dialogue doesn't match the characters' lip movements or that sound plays a few seconds too early or late. This issue can result from temporary playback glitches, audio output settings, or connected devices like soundbars and Bluetooth headphones. Fortunately, you can try several fixes to get the audio and video synchronized. This guide walks you through practical solutions for TVs, streaming devices, and computers.

Part 1. Quick Check: Is It Netflix, Your Device, or One Title?

Netflix mentions on its audio sync issue help page that this problem usually indicates an issue with your device or the title you're watching. To narrow down the cause, take a minute to complete these three diagnostic tests listed in the table.

Part 2. 7 Ways to Fix Netflix Audio and Video Out of Sync

If Netflix audio doesn't match the video, try the following fixes in order. Start with quick playback checks, then move on to your network, audio settings, and connected devices. Test Netflix after each change to see whether the problem is resolved.

Fix 1. Pause, Rewind, or Re-open the Title

Pause the video for 5 to 10 seconds, then press play. Alternatively, rewind 10 seconds, or exit the video back to the Netflix browse screen and play it again to force a quick stream resync.

Fix 2. Fully Restart the Netflix App and Reboot Your Device

Close Netflix completely, then reopen the app and play the video again. If that doesn't work, restart your TV, streaming device, computer, or phone.

On a TV or streaming device, make sure you perform a full restart rather than simply putting the device into sleep mode. If necessary, unplug it from power for about one minute before reconnecting it.

Fix 3. Check Internet Speed and Restart Your Routere

Open Fast.com on your phone or computer to test your internet speed. Check if the internet speed meets Netflix's recommended speeds:

If your connection is slower than recommended or frequently fluctuates, unplug your modem and router for 30 seconds, reconnect them, and wait for the connection to return.

Fix 4. Adjust Your TV or Sound System's Audio Settings

If your audio system receives a 5.1 surround sound signal it cannot process correctly, it causes noticeable audio lag.

Fix 5. Lower Netflix Playback Settings (Medium or Low)

Lowering your playback quality reduces bandwidth pressure on your network and CPU processing load on your device, stopping video frame drops.

1. 01

   Open a web browser on your phone or PC and log in to your Netflix account.

2. 02

   Click your profile avatar and select Account.

3. 03

   Scroll down and select the profile you want to change.

4. 04

   Scroll down to Playback Settings and click it.

5. 05

   Change the data usage from Auto or High to Medium or Low.

6. 06

   Click Save and restart the Netflix app on your device.

Fix 6. Check Your Bluetooth and HDMI Connections

Fix 7. Update or Reinstall the Netflix App and Device System

Go to your device's settings and install any system update. Then open the app store, find Netflix, and update it.

If it still drifts, uninstall Netflix, restart the device, and reinstall it. Sign in again afterward.

Part 3. How to Fix Netflix Audio Delay on Different Devices

If the basic fixes didn't work, the problem is probably in your device's own settings. Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, smart TVs, and computers each handle audio differently, so the fix that works on one may do nothing on another. Find your device below and try the steps in order.

3.1 Fix Netflix Audio Sync in Your Browser

If the problem is only in a browser, try these in order:

3.2 Fix Netflix Audio Sync on Your Phone

On iPhone, iPad, and Android, turn off Bluetooth and test with the built-in speaker. If the sync problem disappears, the earbuds or headphones are the cause, so re-pair them or update their firmware. If it still happens, force-close Netflix, update it in the App Store or Google Play, and reinstall it if needed. Restarting the phone also clears many temporary audio glitches.

3.3 Fix Netflix Audio Lag on Apple TV

If Netflix dialogue doesn't match the picture on your Apple TV, try changing the audio format first. If that doesn't help, test the frame-rate setting.

1. 01

   Go to Settings > Video and Audio > Audio > Audio Format and select Change Format.

2. 02

   Turn Change Format off, or switch from Dolby Digital 5.1 to Stereo.

3. 03

   If it's still out of sync, go to Settings > Video and Audio > Match Content, turn off Match Frame Rate, and test again.

4. 04

   Connected to a soundbar? Try plugging the soundbar straight into the Apple TV with an optical cable. If the delay disappears, the soundbar's audio processing is the cause.

3.4 Fix Netflix Audio Lag on Streaming Sticks (Firestick & Roku)

Streaming sticks plugged directly into HDMI ports can suffer from HDMI handshake issues or local decoder lag.

On Amazon Firestick:

1. 01

   Go to Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio > A/V Sync Tuning.


2. 02

   Watch the bouncing ball animation and listening tone.

3. 03

   Use your Fire TV remote to adjust the slider until the sound cue aligns perfectly with the visual flash, then tap Apply.

4. 04

   If still delayed, go to Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio > Surround Sound and change the setting from Best Available or Always Dolby Digital Plus to PCM.

On Roku Streaming Stick / Ultra:

3.5 Fix Netflix Audio Sync Issues on Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony)

1. 01

   Use a streaming device instead of the built-in app. If only the TV's own Netflix app is out of sync, plug in a Fire Stick, Roku, or Apple TV and watch through that.

2. 02

   Choose the original audio track. While a title is playing, open Audio & Subtitles and pick the track marked [Original]. Dubbed tracks are more likely to drift.

3. 03

   Adjust audio delay in small steps.

• Samsung: Go to Settings > All Settings > Sound > Expert Settings > Digital Output Audio Delay. Change the value by 20 to 50 ms at a time and check a dialogue scene after each change.

• LG: Go to Settings > Sound > Sound Out > AV Sync Adjustment. Use the same small steps.

• Sony: Go to Settings > Display & Sound > Audio Output > Set A/V Sync to Auto or On.
4. 04

   Don't compensate twice. If you use a soundbar, set the TV's audio delay to 0 and adjust only on the soundbar. When both devices add delay, the lag can get worse.

5. 05

   Update the TV firmware. Go to your TV's Support or About menu and check for a software update, then try Netflix again.

3.6 Fix Netflix Audio Delay on PC / Mac

On Windows PC:

1. 01

   Update your graphics driver. Open Device Manager. Expand Display adapters to identify your graphics hardware and right click on it to update the driver. If Windows can't find a newer driver, visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer, such as Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD, to check for a compatible update. Download and install the driver according to the manufacturer's instructions. Test Netflix again after updating.


2. 02

   Optimize for video quality. Go to Settings > Apps > Video playback and turn on Optimize for video quality. On a laptop, plug in the charger and set the power mode to Best performance.


3. 03

   Turn off audio enhancements. In Settings > System > Sound, open your output device and switch off Audio enhancements and Spatial sound.

Mac

1. 01

   Click the Apple menu > Shut Down, wait a few seconds, and turn the Mac back on. A full shutdown clears more than sleep or restart.

2. 02

   Quit other apps and close extra browser tabs, then disconnect any Bluetooth device and test with the built-in speakers.

Part 4. Ultimate Workaround: Download Netflix Videos to Avoid Audio Sync Issues

If Netflix audio keeps going out of sync while other streaming apps work fine, watching titles via a local media player may solve the issue. To do this, you'll need a dedicated downloader to save the videos from Netflix directly to your laptop or other devices.

VidiFab Streaming Video Downloader is a reliable desktop tool that allows you to save movies and TV shows from Netflix (and 7 other popular platforms) as local MP4 or MKV files. You browse Netflix in its built-in browser, pick a title, and download it with the audio track and subtitles you want. Once it's saved, you can play it in any media player.

How to Download Netflix Videos With VidiFab

Step 1. Open VidiFab Streaming Video Downloader and click the menu icon in the top-right corner. Select Preferences, choose MP4 or MKV as the output format, and pick a folder for your downloads. Go back to the main screen, click the Netflix icon, and sign in to your account in the built-in browser.

Step 2. Browse Netflix in the built-in browser and open the movie or show you want, or paste its URL into the address bar. VidiFab detects the video on its own. When the Download button appears, click it.

Step 3. Before you download, set these options:

Step 4. Click Download to start the process. You can monitor progress under the Downloading tab. Once completed, head to the History section and click the Folder icon next to your video to locate the saved MP4 file.

Now, simply double-click the video to play it seamlessly on VLC Media Player, or transfer it to a USB flash drive to plug directly into your Smart TV; guaranteeing 100% synchronized audio and video every time!

Part 5. FAQs About Netflix Audio Out of Sync

Conclusion

Netflix audio out of sync is usually fixable in minutes. Start with a pause and restart, then check your audio format, Bluetooth, and HDMI settings. If nothing works, download the video with VidiFab for smooth offline playback. And if you have no sound at all, see our guide on fixing Netflix no sound on TV.