Watching Netflix should be fun, but when the sound doesn’t match the picture, it’s annoying, right? It’s like the characters’ mouths and the words just don’t line up. While this problem is more common than we’d like, the good news is there are several tricks you can try to fix it.
Also see: How to Fix Audio Out of Sync Issue on TV with YouTube
These tips might not work every time, but they’ve helped a lot of people. Whether it’s changing a setting in the app or tweaking your TV or computer, there’s hope.
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1. Fixing Netflix audio out-of-sync by changing the audio track to original language
Ever noticed how dubbing doesn’t always line up? That could be why your show’s out of sync. Here’s how to switch back to the original language on Netflix:
- Play the show or movie with the sync issue.
- Pause it and look for “Audio & Subtitles” on the screen. This is usually under the “Dialogue” icon or a button on your remote.
- Click on “Audio & Subtitles” to see the languages available.
- Pick the original language, often labeled as [Original] next to the language name.
- Switching to the original audio might fix the lip-sync issue.
Look for other audio options too, as some shows have more than one dubbed version. And if you need English but the original isn’t in English, try the “English [Original]” track instead of “English 5.1,” though this might change the sound quality a bit.
If switching languages doesn’t help, there are more things to try next.
Pro tip: How to Add Custom Subtitles to Netflix
2. Manually sync audio and video on your TV or streaming device
If changing the audio track didn’t work, your device might have an audio sync feature. Here’s a basic guide:
- Go to your device’s settings, which could be under “Settings,” “Audio Settings,” “Sound Options,” or similar.
- Find “Audio Sync,” “Sound Sync,” “Lip Sync,” “Audio Delay,” or something like that. It might be in “Advanced Settings.”
- Adjust the timing with a slider or other option until it looks right. You might need to play around with it.
- Save your changes and check if it’s better.
If you have external speakers or a soundbar, especially with Bluetooth, they might add their own delay. Check their sync settings too.
And if Netflix is the only app acting up, you might need a special setting just for Netflix.
Try watching a video on Netflix after tweaking these settings to see if it fixes the issue. If not, there are more steps to try.
Might be useful: How to Watch Netflix with Dual Subtitles
3. Restart and update your streaming device
Sometimes, turning your device off and on again can fix sync issues. Here’s how:
Power cycle your device
- Turn off your streaming device and TV.
- Unplug them from the power source.
- Wait about 1 minute to clear out any temporary glitches.
- Plug everything back in and turn it on.
Check for updates
After restarting, look for any updates for your device or the Netflix app. Updates can fix known issues.
- Go to “Settings” or “System” on your device.
- Find “System Update” or “Software Update.”
- Update if there’s an option. This could help fix the problem.
Update Netflix app
Make sure the Netflix app itself is up-to-date:
- Go to the app store on your device.
- Search for Netflix and see if there is an “Update” button available.
- If there is, select it to install the latest version of the Netflix app.
Keep everything updated for the best performance.
Related resource: Can I Change or Delete the Main Profile on Netflix?
4. Alter audio format settings
If you’re still having trouble, changing the audio format might help, especially with surround sound. Here’s what to do:
Steps to change audio stream on Netflix:
- Play the problematic title on Netflix.
- Pause and go to “Audio and subtitles.”
- Choose a different audio track, like “English” or “Stereo” instead of “English 5.1.”
Why this might work:
- The stereo track might sync better than the surround sound track.
- Trying a different language can sometimes fix the original audio sync by accident.
Audio equipment and device settings:
If you use a soundbar or external receiver, surround sound processing might add delay. Switching to stereo can test if that’s the problem.
Also, check your device’s sound settings. If it’s set to output Dolby Digital 5.1, try changing it to PCM or Stereo.
Linked issue: How to Fix Netflix HTTP Error 503, 502 and 403
5. Check your network speed and streaming device
Rarely, sync issues can come from slow internet or your device’s limits. Here’s how to check:
- Test your internet speed to make sure it’s fast enough for HD or Ultra HD on Netflix. Netflix recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps for Ultra HD.
- Restart your router and modem to clear any connection problems.
- Close other apps and devices using the network to give Netflix more bandwidth.
- If you’re on WiFi, moving closer to your router or using a wired connection might help.
- Update your device’s firmware or OS if there’s an update.
- Lowering Netflix’s streaming quality or getting a newer device might also help. To change the streaming quality:
- Visit your Account page in a web browser.
- Click on “Playback settings” under your profile.
- Choose a lower quality option to use less data.
- Save your changes.
- Check other apps on your Smart TV to see if the problem is just with Netflix.
My thoughts
Some problems might be out of your hands and need Netflix’s help. Every device is different, so what works for one might not work for another. Explore your device’s settings, check forums for advice, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re stuck. Keep experimenting until you find what works for you.
