How to Fix No Sound on Linux Mint – Complete Audio Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting

2. 2. Check Volume and Mute Settings

   Ensure that all system and application volumes are turned up and not muted. Also check physical mute buttons or function keys like:

   Fn + F1

3. 3. Check External Audio Connections

   Verify that your headphones or speakers are correctly plugged in. Test different audio ports and confirm if the issue affects only speakers or headphones.

4. 4. Select Correct Audio Output Device

   Launch the Sound Settings for your desktop:

   • Cinnamon: Menu → Sound → Output
   • MATE: Menu → Sound Preferences → Hardware/Output
   • Xfce: Menu → PulseAudio Volume Control (`pavucontrol`)

   Select your active sound device and use the Test button if available.

5. 5. Check ALSA Mixer Configuration

   Run alsamixer to check and adjust audio levels:

   alsamixer

   Use arrow keys to change volume, press:

   M

   to unmute. Look for “OO” (unmuted) and “MM” (muted). Exit with:

   Esc

6. 6. Reload PulseAudio and ALSA

   Resetting audio services can resolve common sound issues:

   sudo alsa force-reload

   pulseaudio -k

   pulseaudio --start

7. 7. Reinstall PulseAudio and ALSA

   If audio is broken, reinstall PulseAudio and ALSA:

   sudo apt remove --purge alsa-base pulseaudio

   sudo apt install alsa-base pulseaudio

   sudo alsa force-reload

   Then reboot your system.

8. 8. Fix Dummy Output in Linux Mint

   If you see only Dummy Output in Sound Settings, run:

   aplay -l

   If no audio devices appear, reload the driver:

   sudo modprobe snd-hda-intel

   sudo alsa force-reload

9. 9. Test Sound on Linux Mint Live USB

   Boot with a Linux Mint Live USB and test the audio. If it works there, the issue is likely software-related in your installed environment.