TV Sound Out of Sync? How to Fix Lip Sync Delay

When the voice arrives a moment after the lips move, it is hard to watch anything. Audio delay usually comes from processing in the TV, the soundbar or Bluetooth headphones. Most TVs have a setting that fixes it in seconds.

Quick answer

Find AV Sync, Audio Delay or Lip Sync in your TV or soundbar sound settings and adjust it until speech matches the lips. If you use Bluetooth headphones, try the TV’s own Bluetooth delay setting or a wired connection.

Step by step

1. Check if it happens everywhere

Try a different app and a TV channel. If only one app is out of sync, restart or update that app. Some apps have their own audio delay setting.

2. Turn off extra processing

Picture modes with motion smoothing add video delay. Sound modes with virtual surround add audio delay. Switch to standard modes and test again.

3. Use the TV’s AV sync setting

Most Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL and Hisense TVs have an audio delay or lip sync slider. Move it in small steps while watching someone talk.

4. Soundbar or receiver

Connect with HDMI ARC or eARC rather than optical if you can. Turn on HDMI-CEC on both devices. Many soundbars also have their own AV sync setting.

5. Bluetooth headphones

Bluetooth adds the most delay, often 100 to 200 ms. Measure yours with our Bluetooth Delay Test, then read our guide to fixing Bluetooth audio delay.

6. Game mode

Game mode lowers video delay. That is great for games, but if the audio path stays slow, sound can now be behind. Adjust AV sync while game mode is on.

Causes and fixes

Common questions

Why is the sound ahead of the picture?

This happens when the picture is processed more slowly than the sound. Turn off motion smoothing or use game mode.

Can a firmware update fix lip sync?

Often, yes. Update both the TV and the soundbar.