No sound on ChromeOS
No sound on ChromeOS is usually the wrong output device, a muted volume, or audio routed to the wrong speakers/headphones. Work through these, then play the channel test.
Step-by-step fix
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Open Settings → Audio (and the 🔒 site permission in Chrome) and select the correct output device (laptop speakers, headphones, HDMI/monitor, etc.).
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Check the volume isn't muted or at zero — system volume and any app volume.
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Unplug and replug headphones; if using Bluetooth, reconnect the device.
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Run the CheckMyMic speaker test — play the left, right and both-channel tones.
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Still silent? Update the audio driver and restart ChromeOS.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there no sound on ChromeOS even though volume is up?
Audio is likely routed to the wrong output. Open Settings → Audio (and the 🔒 site permission in Chrome) and switch the output device, then run the speaker test.
Only one speaker works — how do I fix the balance on ChromeOS?
Open the speaker test and play Left then Right. If one side is silent, check the balance/pan setting in Settings → Audio (and the 🔒 site permission in Chrome).
Still silent after all of that on ChromeOS — what now?
Plug in wired headphones and play the CheckMyMic speaker test tones. If the headphones play, the audio path works and the fault is the speakers or their connection. If even headphones are silent, it's ChromeOS's audio stack — reinstall the audio driver and recheck Settings → Audio (and the 🔒 site permission in Chrome). Sound missing in only one app? See our Zoom, Teams, Meet, Discord and Chrome sound guides.
Sound comes out of the wrong place on my Chromebook (HDMI vs speakers).
Click the clock, then the arrow next to the volume slider — ChromeOS lists every output there: internal speakers, the HDMI monitor, Bluetooth devices. Pick the one you want; ChromeOS remembers the choice per device, so it won't fight you next time you plug the monitor in.