Monitors usually don't have speakers, or they're turned off

Most monitors sold today have no speakers built in at all. Even the ones that do have them often ship with the audio turned off by default. If you plugged your computer into a monitor and expected to hear sound, the monitor itself is probably not the problem — your audio is routing to a device that doesn't exist or isn't turned on.

The confusion happens because a monitor cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C) can carry both video and audio data. Your computer is sending sound through that cable, but if the monitor has no speakers or they're disabled, the sound goes nowhere and you hear nothing.

Key Takeaways

  • Most monitors have no speakers at all, so sound will not come out of them no matter what you do.
  • If your monitor does have speakers, check the monitor's physical buttons or menu to turn the volume up and make sure audio input is enabled.
  • Your computer's sound settings may be sending audio to the monitor instead of to your actual speakers or headphones.
  • The simplest fix is to plug speakers or headphones directly into your computer, not into the monitor.
  • HDMI and DisplayPort cables carry audio, but USB-C monitors may require a separate audio connection depending on the model.

Check whether your monitor has speakers at all

Look at the back and sides of your monitor for small speaker grilles or holes. If you see none, your monitor has no speakers and cannot produce sound. Check your monitor's manual or the manufacturer's website by searching for your exact model number — you can usually find this on a sticker on the back of the monitor or in your computer's display settings.

Even if you find a model number, the manual may not clearly state whether speakers are included. Search "[your monitor model] speakers" or "[your monitor model] audio" to find user forums or reviews that confirm whether that specific model shipped with audio hardware.

Turn on the monitor's speakers if it has them

If your monitor does have speakers, they may be muted or turned off. Look for a physical volume button or menu button on the monitor's frame — usually on the bottom edge or the right side. Press the menu button and look for an audio or sound option. Some monitors have a dedicated mute button that looks like a speaker with a line through it.

Once you find the audio menu, check that the volume is not set to zero and that audio input is set to the correct source. If your monitor is connected via HDMI, the audio input should be set to HDMI. If it's connected via DisplayPort, set it to DisplayPort. Save the changes and test whether you hear sound.

If the monitor has a headphone jack on the back, make sure nothing is plugged into it — a headphone jack will disable the built-in speakers automatically, even if nothing is actually connected.

Check your computer's audio output settings

Your computer may be sending sound to the monitor even though the monitor has no speakers or they're off. Open your computer's sound settings and look at which device is selected as the default audio output.

On Windows, right-click the speaker icon in the bottom right corner of your screen and select "Open Volume mixer" or "Sound settings". Look for a section that says "Output" or "Playback devices". You should see a list of devices — your monitor may appear as "HDMI" or "DisplayPort" or by the monitor's brand name. If one of these is selected as the default, click on your actual speakers or headphones instead and set that as the default.

On Mac, open System Settings, click Sound, and look at the "Output" tab. If your monitor appears in the list and is selected, click on your speakers or headphones instead.

Plug speakers or headphones directly into your computer

The fastest way to get sound working is to bypass the monitor entirely. Plug your speakers or headphones into the audio jack on your computer (usually a 3.5mm jack on the side or back), or use a USB connection if your speakers are USB-powered.

Once they're connected, go back to your computer's sound settings and make sure the speakers or headphones are selected as the default output device. Test the audio by playing a video or opening a sound file. If sound comes through, your setup is working — the monitor was never the issue.

Understand what cable type you're using

HDMI and DisplayPort cables both carry audio and video in a single connection. If your monitor is connected via one of these cables and has speakers, the audio should theoretically work once you turn the speakers on and set the correct input in the monitor's menu.

USB-C monitors are less predictable. Some USB-C monitors carry audio through the USB-C cable itself, but others require a separate 3.5mm audio cable plugged into the monitor's audio input jack. Check your monitor's manual to see whether the USB-C connection includes audio or whether you need a separate cable.

If you're using a DisplayPort cable with a monitor that has no audio output, you may need to use a separate audio cable or switch to HDMI, which is more likely to carry audio by default on older equipment.

What to do if nothing works

If you've turned on the monitor's speakers, set them as the default audio device, and still hear nothing, the speakers may be broken or the audio hardware inside the monitor may have failed. Test by plugging headphones into the monitor's headphone jack (if it has one) — if you hear sound through the headphones, the speakers are broken but the audio input is working.

The most reliable solution is to use external speakers or headphones connected directly to your computer. This removes the monitor from the audio chain entirely and works with any monitor, whether it has speakers or not. A basic USB speaker costs between $15 and $50 and will outlast most monitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add speakers to a monitor that doesn't have them?

Yes. You can plug external speakers or headphones into your computer's audio jack, or use USB speakers that draw power from a USB port. You cannot add speakers to the monitor itself, but you can add them to your setup.

Why does my monitor have a headphone jack if it has no speakers?

Some monitors include a headphone jack for audio input even though they have no built-in speakers. This lets you plug headphones directly into the monitor if the monitor receives audio through HDMI or DisplayPort. Check your monitor's manual to confirm whether the jack is for input or output.

Will switching from HDMI to DisplayPort fix my audio?

It might, depending on your monitor and computer. HDMI is more likely to carry audio by default on older monitors. If you have both cables available, try switching and then checking your computer's sound settings to see if a new audio device appears. If it does, set it as the default and test.

Do I need to buy a new monitor to get sound?

No. External speakers or headphones plugged into your computer will work with any monitor. You only need a new monitor if you specifically want built-in speakers and your current monitor has none.

What if my monitor menu doesn't have an audio option?

Your monitor probably has no speakers. Look for a physical volume button on the monitor's frame, or assume audio is not supported and use external speakers instead.