How to Fix HandBrake No Audio Problem?

HandBrake is a fantastic free tool for video lovers. Whether you're converting videos, compressing large files, or ripping DVDs, it's a go-to choice for many. But sometimes, things don't go as planned. One common issue is that there is no audio after video or DVD conversions.

But don't panic! This guide will explain why this happens and how to fix it, step by step. Plus, we'll share an awesome alternative tool if you need a backup plan. Ready? Let's get started!

📌 HandBrake no audio issues can arise from incorrect audio track selection, format incompatibility, source file problems, player issues, or software bugs.

📌 Steps to fix include checking audio tracks, ensuring format compatibility, verifying source files, updating HandBrake, and trying different settings.

📌 If problems persist, use WonderFox DVD Video Converter as an alternative for reliable audio and video conversion, including DVDs, ISO files, and VIDEO_TS folders.

📌 Explore some frequently asked questions you may run into.

Knowing the "why" makes the "how to fix" part easier. First, let's understand why the audio goes missing. Here are the top reasons:

👉 a. Incorrect Audio Track Selection

HandBrake doesn't always auto-select audio tracks. If your source file has multiple tracks (e.g., commentary, foreign languages), the converter might ignore the default one.

👉 b. Incompatible Audio Format

Videos need the right combo of container format and video/audio codecs. The audio format doesn't support passthru or is incompatible with the output container, leading to no audio.

👉 c. Source File Problems

Sometimes, the problem lies with the source file itself. It could be corrupted, missing audio, or even encrypted (for DVDs/Blu-rays). If HandBrake cannot properly read the audio track, you won't hear anything in the output.

👉 d. Output File Compatibility

In some cases, HandBrake converts the video with sound, but the output file's audio format may not be compatible with the player or device you are using. For instance, certain devices may not support DTS, TrueHD, or other niche audio formats.

👉 e. Software Glitches

Even great tools like HandBrake can have bugs. An old version, a random glitch, or a compatibility conflict with other applications could result in no audio issue.

Now that we've got the culprits, let’s move on to the fixes!

Ensure you're using the latest version of HandBrake. You know, the updates always fix known bugs and come with new improvements.

• Go to "Help" > "Check for Updates".
• If it's old, grab the latest from HandBrake's official website.

Always get HandBrake from the official site. Random downloads might be buggy or unsafe.

Before blaming your HandBrake, make sure your source file has audio:

• Open your source video in a player like VLC Media Player to hear if there's sound.
• For DVDs, ensure they're not encrypted, as HandBrake can't read encrypted ones. It always relies on libdvdcss, which cannot handle all copy protections.
• Use MediaInfo (download here) to analyze the source file, checking for audio tracks.
• Test on another device if you can. This rules out computer-specific problems.

If audio is actually working, the issue is most likely due to the HandBrake's settings.

Your output format and preset need to play nice with your audio choices.

• Check your output format. It's set under the "Summary" tab. MP4 and MKV are the most common.
• Match the audio codec to the format. For MP4, use AAC. For MKV, it can hold all kinds of audio formats but may involve compatibility issues.
• Look at your preset (on the right side). Presets like "Fast 1080p30" usually include audio.
• Stick to default presets if you're new to HandBrake because they're designed to work out of the box.
• If you made a custom preset, double-check that the audio wasn't turned off.
• Save your settings and test the output file afterward.

HandBrake gives you control, but you need to use it wisely. Here's how to set up audio properly.

• Open HandBrake and load your video file or DVD.
• Head to the "Audio" tab. It’s near the top, below the main toolbar.
• Look at the audio tracks list. If it's empty or nothing is checked, that's your problem! Click the drop-down menu and select at least one audio track.
• If converting a multilingual DVD, ensure the preferred language track is selected to avoid no audio issues.
• Choose an audio codec. You can try different audio encoders and adjust other settings. This trial-and-error approach can resolve format-specific issues.
• For most people, "AAC" is a safe bet—it works with MP4 and sounds great.
• Set the bitrate to 160 kbps for good quality. "Stereo" always works if your device doesn't support 5.1 or 7.1 channel output.
• If you see "Passthru" options (like AC3 Passthru), use them carefully. Passthru copies the audio as-is, but it only works if your output format supports it. For MP4, stick to AAC or MP3. For MKV, you've got more options.

• After conversion, see if the output file has audio.
• Use MediaInfo to confirm an audio track is present.
• It's surprising that even if your file has audio, some players might not play it due to format support.
• Always try VLC if you're unsure, it can handle most formats.

If HandBrake's fixes don't work or you just want something simpler, give WonderFox DVD Video Converter another try. It's a paid tool with a free trial, and as its name implies, it's awesome for video and DVD conversions.

Why it's a great choice:

• 🎯 It supports a wider range of input formats, such as DTS, AC3, EAC3, TrueHD, and other uncommon codecs.
• 🎯 It automatically finds and keeps all audio tracks within the source video for free choice.
• 🎯 It supports tons of output formats, from MP4 to MKV and more than 600 one-click presets.
• 🎯 It's perfect for ripping DVDs, ISOs, or old Video_TS folders, even ones HandBrake can't touch (like copy-protected discs).
• 🎯 It offers a super simple interface. Just load, pick, and convert.

Grab this application and below is how to use it easily.

Download for Free

Download for Free

• DownloadDownload and install WonderFox DVD Video Converter from its official website to your PC.
• Launch it, click "Add Files" or drag and drop your source video into the window.
• Click "Load DVD" to select your DVD drive to add your DVD content.
• If it's an ISO image file or a VIDEO_TS folder, click the "inverted triangle" icon next to the button to choose the corresponding option.

• Click on the Format image on the right side to open the full list of 600+ presets.
• For compatibility and versatility, it is recommended that you go to the "Video" category and choose either "MP4" or "MKV".

If the source video has multiple audio tracks, you can:

• Go to the audio track section and choose your desired tracks.
• This can copy the audio bit-for-bit from the source to your MP4 or MKV without re-encoding.

If you want to convert the audio track to a more compatible format like AAC, you can:

• Click on the "Settings" button to open a new dialog window.
• Navigate to the "Audio" section and select "AAC" from the "Encoder" drop-down menu.
• If your device doesn't support surround sound 7.1 tracks, downmix it to 5.1ch or stereo.
• Plus, you're also allowed to change the audio bit rate and sample rate as you wish.
• Then click "OK" to save the settings.

• When everything is ready, click "..." at the bottom to choose an output folder.
• At last, hit "Run" to initiate the video or DVD conversion without any audio issues.

HandBrake's audio issues often stem from the source video itself, DVD copy-protection, codec limitations, misconfigured tracks, or outdated software. While our fixes should resolve most problems, the WonderFox DVD Video Converter works as a stress-free alternative.

With its advanced features and ability to handle encrypted files, it provides a smoother experience for video and audio conversion. Download here, give it a try, and enjoy hassle-free conversions!

A: HandBrake may fail to automatically select the correct audio track if the video has multiple tracks or if the file is in an unsupported format. Always check the "Audio" tab and select the right track manually.

A: HandBrake often downgrades surround sound to stereo. You can go to the "Audio" tab, set "Mixdown" to 5.1 Channels. Alternatively, choose a passthru option from the codec drop-down menu.

A: This happens if the source audio has low volume or HandBrake's "Gain" setting is misconfigured. Go to the Audio tab and adjust the "Gain" option. The value ranges from -20 to 20. Experiment a few times to find the option that works best for you.

A: HandBrake only converts one track unless manually added. To fix it, in the "Audio" tab, click "Tracks" and choose "Add All Remaining Tracks".

A: No, passthrough is limited to a limited number of popular source formats: AC3, E-AC3, DTS, DTS-HD, TrueHD, Opus, Vorbis, MP3, MP2, AAC, FLAC or ALAC (Passthru); others require encoding.

A: AAC is generally the most compatible audio codec for videos in MP4 format. It works across most devices and platforms, ensuring your audio is always available.

A: Yes, but only for unprotected DVDs. Load the DVD, pick an audio track in the "Audio" tab, and start encoding. For protected DVDs, try WonderFox DVD Video Converter instead.