Fire Stick Error AUDIO_ERR_2 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Fire Stick error AUDIO_ERR_2 means the device cannot output audio through the connected audio device or HDMI port. You see video but hear nothing — or the error prevents playback entirely. This is usually an audio format mismatch between what the Fire Stick is sending and what your TV or sound system can decode. Changing the audio output format in Fire Stick settings fixes most cases.

Affected Models

Fire TV Stick Lite
Fire TV Stick 4K
Fire TV Stick 4K Max
Fire TV Cube
Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen)

Common Causes

The audio output format is set to Dolby Atmos or DTS:X but your TV or soundbar cannot decode those formats
The HDMI cable is damaged or does not support the audio channel configuration being sent
The TV or soundbar's HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) has a compatibility issue with the Fire Stick
A streaming app is sending an audio format that is not supported by the connected audio hardware
A Fire Stick software update changed the default audio settings to an incompatible format

How to Fix It

Change the audio output format on the Fire Stick. Go to Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio > Dolby Digital Output. Change this setting from 'Dolby Digital Plus' or 'Auto' to 'Dolby Digital' or 'Stereo.' Stereo works with every TV and soundbar, so this is the most reliable setting to test.

Many TVs and soundbars advertise surround sound support but have compatibility issues with specific Fire Stick audio formats. Setting to Stereo first confirms audio works, then you can try higher formats one at a time.
Unplug and replug the HDMI connection. Unplug the Fire Stick's HDMI from the TV, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in firmly. Also try a different HDMI port on the TV. Some TVs have HDMI-ARC on one port only — try both ARC and non-ARC ports.

HDMI connections carry both video and audio. A loose connection or a port that does not fully support the audio channel specification can cause audio dropouts and AUDIO_ERR_2.
Try a different HDMI cable. If the current cable is old, very thin, or came free with another device, it may not reliably carry multi-channel audio. Replace it with an HDMI 2.0 cable (clearly labeled) which supports all current audio formats.

Cheap or old HDMI cables often drop audio channels even when video looks fine. A quality HDMI 2.0 cable costs $8 to $15 and can immediately resolve audio format errors.
Restart both the Fire Stick and the TV or soundbar. Turn off the TV and unplug the soundbar or AV receiver from power for 60 seconds. Restart the Fire Stick via Settings > My Fire TV > Restart. Then power on the TV and soundbar. This re-negotiates the HDMI audio handshake.

HDMI carries a digital handshake (called EDID) that tells the Fire Stick what audio formats your TV supports. A full restart forces both devices to redo this handshake with fresh information.
Check the TV's audio output settings. On the TV, go to Sound or Audio settings and look for the HDMI audio setting. Some TVs default to PCM output instead of passing through the audio format — change it to Bitstream or Passthrough if you want surround sound to reach your soundbar.

This setting is different on every TV brand — look in Audio > Advanced or Audio > HDMI settings. Consulting your TV's manual or a quick internet search for '[your TV brand] HDMI audio passthrough' will find the right setting.

When to Call a Professional

If audio fails on all HDMI ports and all audio format settings, there may be a hardware fault in the Fire Stick's HDMI output stage. Contact Amazon support for a replacement if the device is under warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dolby Digital Plus and does my TV support it?

Dolby Digital Plus (also called DD+) is a surround sound format that delivers 5.1 or 7.1 channel audio. Most smart TVs made after 2015 support Dolby Digital, but not all support Dolby Digital Plus. For Dolby Atmos (the most advanced format), you need a specific Atmos-compatible TV or soundbar. The safest way to find out what your TV supports is to check its specifications in the manual or the manufacturer's website. Setting the Fire Stick to 'Stereo' always works — it is the universal fallback.

I have a soundbar connected through HDMI ARC. Why is there no audio?

HDMI ARC is a specific feature that lets audio travel back from the TV to the soundbar through the same HDMI cable. For ARC to work, both the TV and the soundbar must have ARC enabled in their settings. On most TVs, you need to enable CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and ARC in the sound settings. Also make sure you are using the HDMI port specifically labeled 'ARC' on both the TV and the soundbar. Using a non-ARC port or having CEC disabled on either device prevents audio from reaching the soundbar.

Audio works on the home screen but not in apps. What is going on?

This suggests the app is sending an audio format that your TV cannot handle, while the home screen uses a simpler audio format that works. Go into the specific app's audio settings (usually in playback settings or accessibility settings within the app itself) and set the audio to Stereo. Netflix, for example, has its own audio quality setting separate from the Fire Stick system setting. Setting the app to stereo output while the system setting also handles the format often resolves this discrepancy.