How to Get Sound from Fire Stick to Projector: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve got your Amazon Fire TV Stick all set up, streaming your favorite movies and shows, but there’s a crucial element missing – the immersive audio experience delivered through your projector. Many users find themselves in this exact situation: their Fire Stick is projecting a beautiful picture, but the sound is either silent or coming from the Fire Stick’s internal speaker, which is likely nowhere near powerful enough for a cinematic feel. This guide will walk you through every step, troubleshooting tip, and potential solution to ensure your Fire Stick’s audio seamlessly integrates with your projector setup, transforming your living room into a personal theater.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Connection: Fire Stick, Projector, and Audio

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand how audio typically travels from a Fire Stick to a display device and then to speakers. The Amazon Fire TV Stick connects to your projector primarily via HDMI. This HDMI connection is designed to carry both the video signal and the audio signal simultaneously. However, not all projectors are created equal when it comes to audio output.

The HDMI Audio Path

The standard and most direct way to get sound from your Fire Stick to your projector is through the HDMI cable. Your Fire Stick outputs audio alongside its video signal. Your projector receives this combined signal through its HDMI input port. The crucial question then becomes: what does your projector do with that audio signal?

Projector Audio Capabilities

Projectors generally fall into a few categories regarding audio handling:

Projectors with built-in speakers: Some projectors have integrated speakers. In these cases, if your Fire Stick is connected via HDMI and the projector’s audio settings are configured correctly, the sound should automatically play through the projector’s speakers. These speakers are often adequate for casual viewing but rarely provide a truly immersive audio experience.
Projectors with audio output ports: Many projectors offer audio output ports, such as a 3.5mm headphone jack, RCA audio out (red and white jacks), or even an optical audio out port. These are designed to pass the audio signal from the projector to external sound systems like soundbars, AV receivers, or standalone speakers. This is where most users looking for better sound will find their solutions.
Projectors that pass audio through HDMI only: Some projectors, particularly older or more basic models, might only be capable of displaying the video signal. They might not have built-in speakers or dedicated audio output ports. In such scenarios, the audio signal from the Fire Stick is received by the projector but not relayed externally. This is a common reason for a lack of sound.

Troubleshooting Common Sound Issues

When you connect your Fire Stick to your projector via HDMI and don’t hear any sound, several factors could be at play. Let’s systematically address the most frequent culprits.

Initial Checks: The Basics of Connectivity

Before delving into complex settings, ensure the foundational elements are in place:

HDMI Cable Integrity: A damaged or faulty HDMI cable can disrupt both video and audio signals. Try using a different, known-good HDMI cable. Ensure the cable is securely plugged into both the Fire Stick and the projector.
HDMI Port Functionality: Test the HDMI port on your projector with a different device (like a laptop or Blu-ray player) to confirm it’s working correctly and transmitting audio. Similarly, try a different HDMI port on the projector if available.
Fire Stick Power: While less likely to cause sound issues specifically, ensure your Fire Stick is properly powered and functioning.

Fire Stick Audio Settings

Your Fire Stick itself has audio settings that can impact how it outputs sound. Accessing these is straightforward:

Navigate to the Fire Stick’s Home screen.
Go to Settings.
Select “Display & Sounds.”
Choose “Audio.”

Within the Audio menu, you’ll find several options:

Surround Sound: This setting dictates how your Fire Stick processes and outputs audio. The options typically include “Best Available,” “Dolby Digital Plus,” “Dolby Digital,” and “Stereo.”
- For a projector with basic stereo speakers or an external stereo system, “Stereo” is often the most reliable setting.
- If you have a sophisticated soundbar or AV receiver that supports advanced audio formats, “Best Available” or the specific Dolby formats might be appropriate, but start with “Stereo” if you’re experiencing no sound.
AV Sync: This feature helps synchronize audio and video, though it’s usually not the primary cause of a complete lack of sound.

Try switching the Surround Sound setting to “Stereo” and see if that resolves the issue. This is a common fix for projectors that don’t support advanced audio codecs.

Projector Audio Settings

Your projector also has its own audio settings that need to be configured to output sound correctly. The exact location and terminology will vary depending on your projector’s brand and model. Consult your projector’s user manual for specific instructions, but generally, you’ll look for:

Audio Input Selection: Some projectors allow you to choose which audio source is active. Ensure the HDMI input your Fire Stick is connected to is selected as the audio source.
Volume Levels: A simple, yet often overlooked, check is to ensure the projector’s volume is turned up and not muted.
Audio Output Configuration: If your projector has audio output ports (like a headphone jack or RCA out), there might be a setting to enable or disable these outputs, or to select whether they output the internal speaker’s sound or a separate audio stream.

Connecting to External Audio Systems: The Key to Immersive Sound

If your projector has limited or no built-in audio capabilities, or if you simply desire a superior sound experience, connecting to an external audio system is the way to go. This involves routing the audio signal from your Fire Stick or your projector to your chosen sound system.

Method 1: Audio Through Your Projector’s Output Ports

This is the most common and recommended method if your projector has audio output options.

Connect Fire Stick to Projector via HDMI: Ensure your Fire Stick is connected to one of your projector’s HDMI input ports.
Identify Projector Audio Output: Locate your projector’s audio output port. This could be a 3.5mm headphone jack, RCA stereo jacks (red and white), or an optical (Toslink) audio out port.
Connect Audio Cable to Projector:
- For 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Use a 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable. Plug one end into the projector’s headphone jack and the other end into the AUX input of your soundbar, AV receiver, or powered speakers.
- For RCA Stereo Jacks: Use an RCA stereo audio cable (red and white plugs on both ends). Connect the red plug to the red RCA output on the projector and the white plug to the white RCA output. Then, connect the other ends to the corresponding red and white RCA inputs on your sound system.
- For Optical Audio Out: Use an optical audio cable (Toslink cable). Connect one end to the projector’s optical out port and the other end to the optical in port of your sound system. You might need to ensure your projector is set to output digital audio in its settings.
Configure Projector Audio Output: In your projector’s settings, make sure the audio output is enabled for the port you are using. For example, if using the headphone jack, ensure the projector is set to output audio through the headphone port.
Configure Sound System Input: On your soundbar, AV receiver, or speakers, select the correct input source that matches where you plugged in the audio cable (e.g., AUX, RCA, Optical).
Adjust Volume: Control the volume primarily through your external sound system.

This method leverages your projector’s ability to extract and pass on the audio signal received from the Fire Stick.

Method 2: Direct Audio Connection from Fire Stick (When Projector Lacks Audio Output)

In rare cases, your projector might not have any audio output ports, and its built-in speakers (if any) are insufficient or non-existent. If your Fire Stick has any audio output options besides HDMI (which is highly unlikely for modern Fire Sticks), this method would apply. However, Fire Sticks exclusively use HDMI for audio output. Therefore, this method is generally not applicable for getting sound directly to an external audio system if the projector doesn’t facilitate it.

The practical reality for users needing to bypass their projector’s audio limitations is often to utilize an HDMI audio extractor.

Utilizing an HDMI Audio Extractor

An HDMI audio extractor is a small device that sits between your Fire Stick and your projector. It takes the HDMI signal, separates the video and audio, and allows you to output the audio through separate ports (usually optical, RCA, or 3.5mm).

Here’s how to use an HDMI audio extractor:

Connect Fire Stick to Extractor: Plug your Fire Stick’s HDMI output into the HDMI input port of the audio extractor.
Connect Extractor to Projector: Use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI output port of the audio extractor to your projector’s HDMI input port.
Connect Extractor to Audio System:
- Identify the audio output ports on the HDMI audio extractor (e.g., Optical Out, RCA Out, 3.5mm Out).
- Use the appropriate audio cable (optical, RCA, or 3.5mm) to connect the extractor’s audio output to your external sound system’s input.
Power the Extractor: Most HDMI audio extractors require external power, usually via a USB cable and power adapter.
**Configure Extractor Settings (if any): Some extractors have switches to select the audio format (e.g., Stereo, Surround). Set this according to your audio system’s capabilities.
Configure Fire Stick and Projector: Ensure your Fire Stick is set to output audio (preferably stereo initially) and your projector is set to display video. The audio will now be routed through the extractor to your sound system.

This method is invaluable when your projector acts purely as a display and doesn’t handle audio routing itself.

Advanced Audio Setups and Considerations

For those seeking a truly cinematic experience, integrating your Fire Stick’s audio with a more robust home theater system is the ultimate goal.

Connecting to an AV Receiver

An Audio/Video (AV) receiver is the central hub of a home theater system, managing all your audio and video sources and distributing them to your speakers and display.

HDMI Connection: The most straightforward method is to connect your Fire Stick directly to an HDMI input on your AV receiver.
Receiver to Projector: Connect an HDMI cable from the HDMI output (often labeled “Monitor Out” or “ARC/eARC”) of your AV receiver to the HDMI input on your projector.
Speaker Connections: Connect your surround sound speakers to the corresponding speaker terminals on your AV receiver.
Configure Receiver: Select the Fire Stick’s input on your AV receiver. The receiver will then process the audio and video, sending the video to the projector and the audio to your speakers.

This setup provides the most flexibility and the highest quality audio output, especially if your AV receiver supports advanced surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.

Soundbar Integration

Soundbars offer a more convenient and space-saving alternative to traditional AV receiver setups.

HDMI ARC/eARC: If your projector and soundbar both support HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), this is the most elegant solution.
- Connect your Fire Stick to an HDMI input on your projector.
- Use an HDMI cable to connect the projector’s HDMI ARC/eARC output to the soundbar’s HDMI ARC/eARC input.
- Ensure ARC/eARC is enabled in both the projector’s and soundbar’s settings.
- The audio signal will travel from the Fire Stick to the projector, then be sent back to the soundbar via the ARC/eARC connection.
Optical or 3.5mm Connection (if ARC/eARC is unavailable): If ARC/eARC isn’t an option, you’ll need to use the audio output ports on your projector, as described in Method 1 earlier, to connect to your soundbar’s appropriate input (optical, RCA, or 3.5mm).

Optimizing Your Audio Experience

Once you have sound flowing, you can fine-tune your setup for the best possible listening experience.

Speaker Placement

For surround sound systems, proper speaker placement is critical. Consult guides specific to your speaker setup (e.g., 5.1, 7.1) to ensure optimal immersion. Even with stereo soundbars, positioning them directly in front of you at ear level can make a significant difference.

Audio Format Compatibility

Be aware of the audio formats your Fire Stick supports (e.g., Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos) and ensure your external audio system is compatible with these formats if you wish to take advantage of them. Your Fire Stick’s “Best Available” setting will attempt to negotiate the highest quality audio that your connected devices can support.

By systematically working through these steps, from basic connectivity checks to advanced system integrations, you can successfully achieve rich, immersive sound from your Fire Stick to your projector, completing your home entertainment experience.

Why am I not getting any sound from my Fire Stick to my projector?

There are several common reasons why you might not be getting sound. First, ensure that your Fire Stick is properly connected to your projector via HDMI. Check that the HDMI cable is securely plugged into both devices and that the correct HDMI input is selected on your projector. Verify that the volume on both the Fire Stick itself (using the Fire TV remote’s volume buttons) and the projector is turned up and not muted.

Another frequent cause is audio output settings on the Fire Stick. Navigate to Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio on your Fire Stick and check the audio output format. Sometimes, a specific format might not be supported by your projector. Try switching to a different format, such as Dolby Digital Plus or Stereo, to see if that resolves the issue. Also, ensure that any external audio devices, like soundbars or receivers connected between the Fire Stick and projector, are also properly configured and unmuted.

Can I connect my Fire Stick directly to my projector with a USB cable for sound?

No, you cannot get sound from your Fire Stick to your projector using a USB cable. USB ports on projectors are typically used for media playback from USB drives or for firmware updates, not for audio or video signal transmission from streaming devices. The Fire Stick relies on HDMI for both audio and video output.

The HDMI connection carries both the audio and video signals in a digital format. If you’re trying to connect your Fire Stick to a projector that lacks an HDMI port, you would need an adapter that converts the HDMI signal to a compatible input on your projector, such as VGA or component video. However, such adapters may not always support audio transmission, requiring a separate audio connection.

What audio settings should I check on my Fire Stick for optimal projector sound?

On your Fire Stick, go to Settings, then select Display & Sounds, and finally choose Audio. Here, you’ll find an option for “Audio Output.” It’s recommended to try the “Best Available” setting first, as this allows the Fire Stick to automatically detect and use the most advanced audio format supported by your projector and any connected audio equipment.

If “Best Available” doesn’t work, experiment with other formats like “Dolby Digital Plus,” “Dolby Digital,” or “Stereo.” Some older projectors or audio systems might not be compatible with more advanced surround sound formats. If you’re still experiencing issues, ensure that the “AV Sync” setting, if available, is adjusted correctly to prevent audio and video delays, although this setting is more about synchronization than total absence of sound.

How do I ensure my projector is set up to receive audio from the Fire Stick?

First, confirm that your projector is powered on and that you have selected the correct HDMI input source that your Fire Stick is connected to. Many projectors have multiple HDMI ports, so it’s crucial to match the input selection with the physical port your Fire Stick is plugged into. Also, check your projector’s own audio settings, typically found within its main menu or settings interface.

Within the projector’s audio settings, ensure that the volume is not muted and that the volume level is set appropriately. Some projectors also have audio output settings for external speakers or audio processing modes. If your projector is designed to only output audio through its internal speakers when using a specific input, or if it has an option to pass audio through to an external sound system, make sure those settings are configured correctly for your setup.

Can a faulty HDMI cable cause sound issues between my Fire Stick and projector?

Yes, a faulty or low-quality HDMI cable can absolutely cause sound (and video) issues. HDMI cables are responsible for transmitting both audio and video signals. If the internal wiring of the cable is damaged, or if it’s not certified for the bandwidth required by the Fire Stick’s output, it can lead to dropouts, distorted sound, or a complete lack of audio.

It’s advisable to try a different, known-good HDMI cable, preferably a certified High-Speed HDMI cable, to rule out the cable as the source of the problem. Ensure the cable is securely seated in both the Fire Stick and the projector’s HDMI ports. If the issue persists with a new cable, then the problem likely lies with the Fire Stick, the projector, or their respective settings.

What if my projector doesn’t have an audio output for external speakers, but I want to use a soundbar?

If your projector lacks an audio output port (like an audio-out jack or optical audio out), but you want to use a soundbar or external speakers, you’ll need to connect your soundbar or audio system directly to the Fire Stick. This is usually done by using an HDMI audio extractor device.

An HDMI audio extractor splits the audio signal from the HDMI cable before it reaches the projector. The audio signal is then sent to your soundbar or audio receiver via a separate connection (like RCA or optical audio), while the video signal continues through another HDMI cable to your projector. This ensures your soundbar receives the audio directly from the Fire Stick, bypassing the projector’s limited audio output capabilities.

Is it possible to get surround sound from my Fire Stick to my projector?

Yes, it is possible to get surround sound from your Fire Stick to your projector, provided both the Fire Stick, your projector, and any connected audio equipment (like a soundbar or AV receiver) support surround sound formats like Dolby Digital Plus or Dolby Atmos. The Fire Stick’s audio output settings will determine the type of surround sound that can be transmitted.

To achieve surround sound, ensure your Fire Stick is set to output the appropriate surround sound format in its audio settings (usually found under Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio > Advanced Audio). Your projector then needs to be able to pass through this surround sound signal to your sound system, or you may need to connect your Fire Stick directly to a surround sound-capable AV receiver or soundbar that can decode the audio signal. Make sure all connections are made with HDMI cables capable of handling high bandwidth audio.