Yes, HDMI sends both audio and video through a single cable

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) carries audio and video together in one cable. You do not need a separate audio cable when you use HDMI. The audio signal travels alongside the video signal through the same connector, which is why HDMI is simpler than older setups that required separate cables for picture and sound.

This works for most devices you own right now: televisions, soundbars, gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and computers all send audio through HDMI by default. When you plug an HDMI cable into your TV and a device like a Blu-ray player or PlayStation, both the picture and the sound come through that single connection.

Key Takeaways

  • HDMI carries audio and video together, so you do not need a separate audio cable for sound to reach your TV or receiver.
  • The device sending the signal (like a streaming box or game console) automatically sends audio through HDMI unless you change the settings.
  • Some devices let you choose whether audio goes through HDMI or through a different connection, which is useful if your TV has no speakers.
  • Older HDMI versions (1.3 and earlier) had limits on the types of audio they could send, but modern HDMI handles all common audio formats.

What audio formats HDMI actually supports

HDMI can send stereo audio (two channels: left and right) without any trouble. It also handles surround sound formats like Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Plus, which are common on streaming services and broadcast television. If you have a soundbar or home theater receiver connected via HDMI, these formats pass through automatically.

Newer HDMI versions (2.0 and later) support advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos, which adds height channels for overhead sound effects. However, the device sending the signal has to support the format first — your streaming box or game console must be capable of producing Dolby Atmos before your TV or soundbar can receive it.

When audio does not come through HDMI

Sometimes you plug in an HDMI cable and hear nothing, even though the picture works fine. This usually happens because the device sending the signal has audio output disabled in its settings. A streaming box, computer, or game console might be set to send audio somewhere else — through a different port, through Bluetooth, or to an external speaker.

Check the settings on the device itself first. Look for audio output or sound settings and make sure HDMI is selected as the destination. On a computer, this might be under Sound settings; on a streaming box, it is usually in Audio or Output settings. If HDMI is already selected there, check your TV or receiver to make sure it is set to receive audio from that HDMI port.

HDMI versus optical audio cables

Some devices have both HDMI and a separate optical audio port (a small square connector that carries digital sound). You only need one of these — you do not use both at the same time. HDMI is simpler because it handles everything in one cable, but optical audio is useful if your TV or receiver has a broken HDMI port or if you are connecting an older device that does not support HDMI audio.

If you have a choice, HDMI is the better option because it eliminates an extra cable and works with all modern devices. Optical audio is a backup when HDMI is not available or not working.

How to check if your HDMI is sending audio

The easiest way to test is to play something with sound — a movie, a show, or a game — and listen. If you hear audio through your TV speakers or soundbar, HDMI is working. If you hear nothing, the problem is usually in the settings, not the cable itself.

On your TV, check the input source to make sure you are watching the correct HDMI port. Then check the volume — it sounds obvious, but the TV volume might be muted or turned all the way down. If the picture is there but the sound is not, go into your TV's audio settings and confirm that the HDMI input is selected as the audio source. On the device sending the signal (your streaming box, console, or computer), open its audio settings and make sure HDMI output is enabled.

HDMI audio with soundbars and receivers

When you connect a soundbar or home theater receiver to your TV via HDMI, the TV acts as a middleman. The streaming box or game console sends audio and video to the TV through HDMI, and then the TV sends the audio to the soundbar through a separate connection — either another HDMI cable, an optical cable, or a 3.5mm jack.

This setup works well as long as your TV supports audio output to the soundbar. Most modern TVs do, but some budget models do not. If your TV cannot send audio to the soundbar, you can connect the soundbar directly to your streaming box or game console instead, bypassing the TV for audio.

HDMI cables and audio quality

All HDMI cables carry audio the same way — there is no such thing as a "better" HDMI cable for sound. An expensive HDMI cable and a cheap one will both send the same audio signal. The cable either works or it does not. If you are having audio problems, the issue is almost never the cable itself; it is almost always a setting on the device or TV.

The only exception is if the cable is physically damaged — bent connectors, frayed wires, or a loose connection can interrupt the signal. If you suspect a bad cable, try a different one to test. But for normal use, any HDMI cable rated for your HDMI version (2.0 or later for modern devices) will work fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special HDMI cable to send audio?

No. Any standard HDMI cable sends audio and video together. There is no separate audio HDMI cable. If audio is not working, the problem is in your device settings or TV settings, not the cable.

Can I use HDMI for video only and send audio somewhere else?

Yes. Most devices let you choose where audio goes in their settings. You could send video through HDMI to your TV and audio through Bluetooth to a speaker, or through an optical cable to a receiver. Check your device's audio output settings to see your options.

What if my TV has no speakers — how do I hear the sound?

Connect a soundbar or receiver to your TV using HDMI, optical audio, or a 3.5mm cable. The TV will receive audio through HDMI from your streaming box or game console and pass it to the soundbar. Some TVs also support Bluetooth speakers if you prefer wireless audio.

Does a longer HDMI cable affect audio quality?

No. HDMI sends digital signals, so a 6-foot cable and a 25-foot cable carry the same audio quality. The signal either gets through or it does not. Very long cables (over 50 feet) can sometimes have connection issues, but this is rare with modern cables.

Why does my soundbar say "no signal" when I connect it via HDMI?

Check that your TV is set to send audio to the soundbar. On your TV, go to Sound or Audio settings and look for an option like "Audio Out" or "Speaker Output." Select the port where your soundbar is connected (HDMI, optical, or 3.5mm). If the soundbar is connected directly to your streaming device instead of your TV, make sure that device has HDMI audio output enabled.