Can't get 5.1 surround sound

You can watch Netflix shows and movies in 5.1 surround sound if your streaming device, audio equipment, and the show or movie support it.

5.1 surround sound is not supported while watching downloaded titles.

If you aren't getting 5.1, follow the steps for your device.

Follow these steps to fix issues getting 5.1 surround sound.

Most TVs and TV streaming devices support 5.1 surround sound.

To check your device:

  1. Start playing any Netflix original TV show or movie.

  2. Select the Audio & Subtitles menu.

  3. If you don't see "5.1" next to any options, either your device's surround sound isn't turned on, or it doesn't support it.

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

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.

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

Not all TV shows and movies are available in 5.1 surround sound in every language.

TV shows and movies available in 5.1 surround sound will show a 5.1 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 menu.

  • 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.

5.1 surround sound is supported only on Windows 10 or later computers through the Edge browser or the Netflix app.

Follow these steps to fix issues getting 5.1 surround sound.

To enable 5.1 surround sound, follow the steps for your version of Windows.

  1. Install the Dolby Access app from the Microsoft Store. If it's already installed, skip this step.

  2. In the lower right, right-click the Speakers icon in the taskbar.

  3. Click Open Sound settings.

  4. In the window that opens, click Device properties.

  5. Under Spatial sound format, select the option for Dolby Atmos for home theater or Dolby Atmos for Headphones.

  6. Restart Edge or the Netflix app, then try Netflix again.

  1. Install the Dolby Access app from the Microsoft Store. If it's already installed, skip this step.

  2. In the lower right, right-click the Speakers icon in the taskbar.

  3. Click Sound Settings.

  4. Under Output, click on your active audio output device (usually the first option).

  5. Next to Spatial sound, select the option for Dolby Atmos for home theater or Dolby Atmos for Headphones.

  6. Restart Edge or the Netflix app, then try Netflix again.

Not all TV shows and movies are available in 5.1 surround sound in every language.

TV shows and movies available in 5.1 surround sound will show a 5.1 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 menu.

  • 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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