No sound on Linux
No sound on Linux 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 your PulseAudio/PipeWire sound settings 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 Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there no sound on Linux even though volume is up?
Audio is likely routed to the wrong output. Open your PulseAudio/PipeWire sound settings and switch the output device, then run the speaker test.
Only one speaker works — how do I fix the balance on Linux?
Open the speaker test and play Left then Right. If one side is silent, check the balance/pan setting in your PulseAudio/PipeWire sound settings.
Still silent after all of that on Linux — 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 Linux's audio stack — reinstall the audio driver and recheck your PulseAudio/PipeWire sound settings. Sound missing in only one app? See our Zoom, Teams, Meet, Discord and Chrome sound guides.
Why does Linux send audio to HDMI instead of my speakers?
The card profile decides. Open pavucontrol → Configuration and select an "Analog Stereo Output" profile (or the specific HDMI one you actually want), then on the Output Devices tab set the default device and check the Port setting — Speakers vs Line Out vs Headphones are separate ports on the same card.