Quick Answer
No sound on an ASUS Chromebook is usually a settings issue, not a hardware failure. Check the volume slider isn’t muted, confirm the correct output device is selected, then try a hard reset if the problem persists.
Causes
- Volume muted or set to zero.
- Wrong audio output device selected — a previously paired Bluetooth speaker or an HDMI display can silently steal audio routing.
- A specific app or website losing audio permissions or having its own mute.
- A ChromeOS audio driver glitch after an update or sleep.
- Dust or debris blocking the speaker grilles — common on ASUS Chromebooks with bottom-firing speakers.
- A failed internal speaker, usually affecting only one side.
How to Fix It
1. Check volume and mute status
Click the clock in the bottom-right corner and check the volume slider. Also check the physical mute key (usually top-row) isn’t engaged.
2. Confirm the correct output device is selected
Click the volume icon, then the arrow next to it, and select the built-in ASUS Chromebook Speakers as output — this fixes the majority of “no sound” reports where a Bluetooth or HDMI device is still selected.
3. Test with different apps and sites
Play audio from a different site and app. If sound works in one but not another, the problem is app-specific, not system-wide.
4. Force a hard reset
Hold Refresh + Power for 10 seconds. This reloads the audio driver stack and fixes most glitches that appear after sleep or an update.
5. Unpair and reconnect Bluetooth audio
If you use Bluetooth headphones or speakers, forget the device in Settings > Bluetooth and pair it again — stale audio profiles are a common cause of routing issues.
6. Check the speaker grilles
Inspect the speaker openings, usually on the bottom, for dust or debris and clean gently with compressed air.
7. Test in Guest Mode
If sound works in Guest Mode but not your profile, a corrupted setting or extension in your account is the cause.
Still Not Fixed?
If sound fails everywhere, including Guest Mode and after a hard reset, and only one speaker is silent while the other works, the internal speaker itself has likely failed. This is a relatively low-cost repair on most ASUS Chromebook models. If the sound issue started around the same time the device wouldn’t turn on properly, also check our ASUS won’t turn on guide.
FAQ
Why does my ASUS Chromebook show sound is playing but I hear nothing?
This almost always means the wrong output device is selected, most often a Bluetooth device still paired but out of range. Check the output dropdown next to the volume slider.
Can a ChromeOS update break audio on ASUS Chromebooks?
Rarely, yes. Audio driver regressions are uncommon but do happen occasionally and are typically fixed within one or two subsequent updates.
Is it worth repairing an ASUS Chromebook speaker?
For most models, yes — speaker replacement is a relatively low-cost repair compared to screen or motherboard work. A Bluetooth speaker is a fine workaround in the meantime.
