Can't get 5.1 surround sound

You can watch titles in 5.1 surround sound if your streaming device supports it, and if the TV show or movie you're watching is available in surround sound.

If you aren't getting 5.1 surround sound and think you should be, follow these steps.

Make sure your device supports 5.1 surround sound

5.1 surround sound is not supported while watching downloaded titles or while using a web browser.

Most TVs, streaming media players, and the Netflix app for Windows support 5.1 surround sound. To test if your device supports 5.1 audio:

  1. Start playing any Netflix original TV show or movie

  2. Select the Audio & Subtitles audio and subtitles button menu.

  3. If you don't see "5.1" next to any of the audio options, it likely means surround sound isn't supported on your device or that it isn't turned on.

For help checking if your device supports 5.1 surround sound, contact the company that made your device.

Check your device's audio settings

If your device's audio output settings are set to stereo or Linear PCM, you'll need to select a 5.1 compatible option instead.

For help changing these settings, contact the company that made your device.

Check if the TV show or movie has 5.1 available

TV shows and movies available in 5.1 surround sound will show a 5.1 5.1 icon or a Dolby Digital Plus icon on their description page.

If your device supports 5.1 audio and you don't see one of these labels, it means the TV show or movie isn't available in surround sound.

If you do see one of these labels, start playing the TV show or movie and make sure a 5.1 option is selected from the Audio & Subtitles audio and subtitles button menu.

TV shows and movies may not have 5.1 surround sound available for every language.

Troubleshoot your device connections

  • Make sure that all sound equipment and speakers are properly connected.

  • Make sure your HDMI or optical cable connecting your device to your sound equipment is properly connected.

    Note:
    For help with these steps, you may need to contact the company that made your device or sound equipment.

If your devices are properly connected, try swapping the ends of the cable or trying an alternate cable to fix the problem.

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