Troubleshooting
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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
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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.
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4. Select Correct Audio Output Device
Launch the Sound Settings on Ubuntu:
gnome-control-center sound
In the Output tab, select your active sound device and click Test to verify audio output.
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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
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6. Reload PulseAudio and ALSA
Resetting Ubuntu audio services can resolve common sound issues:
sudo alsa force-reload
pulseaudio -k
pulseaudio --start
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7. Reinstall PulseAudio and ALSA
If audio is broken, reinstall PulseAudio and ALSA on Ubuntu:
sudo apt remove --purge alsa-base pulseaudio
sudo apt install alsa-base pulseaudio
sudo alsa force-reload
Then reboot your system.
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8. Fix Dummy Output in Ubuntu
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
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9. Test Sound on Ubuntu Live USB
Boot with a Ubuntu Live USB and test the audio. If it works, the issue is likely software-related in your installed environment.
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