How to Make Netflix Play Through Surround Sound? (Netflix Audio Settings)

Wondering how to make Netflix play through surround sound? Discover how you can watch Netflix with surround sound in this blog post. Find out why Netflix is not playing through your surround sound.

Netflix is the largest and most popular video streaming service in the world. The platform offers an extensive and ever-expanding library of content, ranging from Netflix originals and TV shows to movies and documentaries.

While you can watch all this content in the comfort of your own home, you definitely want to get the best audio quality possible. But can Netflix play through surround sound? If yes, how can you make it play through surround sound?

Keep reading to find out how to watch Netflix with surround sound.

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Table Of Contents

Can Netflix Play Through Surround Sound?  

Yes, Netflix can play through surround sound. If you want to feel like you are at the movie theater, you just need to change the Netflix audio setting from the "Audio and Subtitles" menu to 5.1. You can also change the settings of your AV receiver.

However, don't be surprised if you come across a movie or TV show that is not compatible with surround sound. While many blockbuster movies and big-budget TV shows are available in high-quality audio formats, not every title will play through surround sound.

To know whether a specific title supports surround sound, you need to check out if the title has the "5.1" icon or the "Dolby Digital Plus" logo.

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What Do I Need To Make Netflix Play Through Surround Sound?

There are various things you need to have for you to watch Netflix with surround sound. Here are some of them:

I. The Correct Home Theater Equipment

For Netflix to play through surround sound, you need a 5.1-channel surround sound system. A 5.1-channel system typically consists of 5 main speakers and one subwoofer.

Your speakers should support Codec, as Netflix uses this format. Don't forget a HDMI cable version 1.3 or later.

  II. A Good Internet Connection

To stream content with surround sound, ensure your internet connection speed is at least 3 Mbps. Netflix requires an excellent internet connection to stream HD content.

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How to Make Netflix Play through Surround Sound

If you've already set up your surround sound system, you probably want to know how to watch Netflix with surround sound. Honestly, the process of enabling surround sound is actually very easy and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Start by turning on your surround sound system

Step 2: Next, head over to the Netflix website or app and log in to your account

Step 3: Browse through the movies and shows available or search for the specific content you're interested in watching.

Step 4: Once you find one, check whether it's compatible with surround sound. If it is compatible, you'll see the Dolby logo in the movie description.

Step 5: Now that you have a compatible movie or TV show, the next step should be to play it.

Step 6: Once the movie/TV show starts playing, pause it immediately.

Step 7: Look for the "Audio and Subtitles" menu. It is located at the top or bottom of your screen.

Step 8: On the "Audio and Subtitles" menu, select "Audio."

Step 9: Click the "Dolby Digital Plus 5.1" option.

Step 10: Finally, resume playing your film or TV show.

Changing the Settings of your AV receiver

Another way to make your Netflix play through surround sound is by changing the settings of your receiver. In fact, this is the best method as the settings will be automatically saved, and you won't have to set it every time you play any compatible content on Netflix.

However, it is important to note that the receiver must support Dolby Digital Plus. You also need a connection speed of at least 3 Mbps.

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Why Is Netflix Not Playing Through My Surround Sound?

Sometimes, you can follow the steps we've outlined above, but your Netflix won't play through the surround sound. When this happens, you may find yourself wondering what you did wrong. Here are some possible reasons why Netflix may not play through your surround sound:

1. Your Surround Sound System is Poorly Connected

If Netflix is not playing through surround sound, your system is probably not connected properly.

Before you start panicking, ensure that the cable connecting your TV or any other device to the surround sound system is not loose. Check whether all the cords and ports are tightly plugged. If they are not, watching Netflix through surround sound may not be possible.

The best way to ensure this doesn't happen is to double-check your connections before trying to make Netflix play through surround sound. If everything is fine, but Netflix still won't play via surround sound, try reversing the ports at the two ends of the HDMI or optical cable.

2. Your Title Doesn't Support 5.1 Audio

Have you confirmed whether your title supports surround sound? If not, you need to head over to the movie description page right away. Once you're there, check if the title displays a “Dolby Digital Plus” or “5.1” icon.

If it doesn't, then that's the reason why Netflix is not playing through your surround sound.

3. Your Audio Settings Are Set To Linear PCM or Stereo

Netflix won't play through surround sound if your device's audio setting is set to linear PCM or stereo. So, you need to choose a 5.1-compatible option.

To change your device's audio settings, check the manual the device came with. You should be able to see which audio output is compatible with 5.1. You can also contact the manufacturer for further assistance.

4. The Language You Prefer Does Not Support 5.1

In some cases, a 5.1 audio option may be available on a title that you want. But it may not be available for every language. To fix this, you need to change the language of the video.

If you've selected the right language, the 5.1 icon will appear. You should then be able to play your content via surround sound.

5. You Did Not Turn On the 5.1 in the Netflix Audio Setting

You cannot change the Netflix audio settings permanently. So, every time you stream a movie, you'll have to turn on the 5.1 audio in the settings.

6. You're Watching Downloaded Titles

Currently, downloaded titles do not support 5.1 audio. If you want to watch the latest movie or series with surround sound, you need to stream it online.

7. Your Device Does Not Support 5.1 Audio

If your device does not support 5.1 audio, you may not be able to make Netflix play via surround sound. This is mostly common on devices that use older plugins.

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How to Change the Audio Output on Netflix

If you are using Windows, here's how you can change the audio output on Netflix:

Step 1: Open Netflix.

Step 2: Select the content that you want to watch.

Step 3: While the movie or show is playing, move the mouse over your screen and click the Dialog icon.

Step 4: Change the 5.1 surround sound to a non-5.1 option.

Step 5: Try to make Netflix play via surround sound again.

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Bottom Line

Streaming films and TV shows on Netflix with surround sound is very possible. However, it's important to remember that not all content on Netflix has surround sound enabled. So, you'll have to scroll through the shows and movies until you find one with a “Dolby Digital Plus” logo or a “5.1” icon.

When you get a title that's compatible with surround sound, follow the steps we've mentioned above to make Netflix play the content via surround sound.

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