Disney Plus is an all-time favorite streaming platform for watching old classics and the latest hits, but sometimes the content playing on it sounds tinny on some streaming devices.
If Disney Plus sounds tinny, this happens when your streaming device cannot handle and downmix the Dolby Digital Plus audio format supported by the app. To fix this, configure the audio format from Dolby Digital Plus to Dolby Digital or Dolby. If this doesn’t help, try changing the HDMI cable with a new one for better audio and video signal transmission.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain why Disney Plus audio sounds tinny on your streaming device. We’ll also discuss step-by-step fixes to improve the audio quality and enjoy a richer sound experience on the platform.
Why does my Disney Plus audio sound weird?
Below are some of the reasons why Disney Plus audio sounds tinny on your Smart TV, PC, or streaming Player:
- The device does not support Disney+ default higher-resolution streaming.
- Dolby Digital Plus settings are enabled on the streaming device.
- Corrupt Disney Plus cache data.
- Outdated Disney Plus app.
- Faulty HDMI cable.
- Outdated PC sound drivers.
What to do when Disney Plus sounds tinny?
If Disney Plus sounds tinny, here are some quick and easy solutions to help you improve the streaming audio quality.
Configure Audio Format on Streaming Device
Disney Plus supports surround sound (Dolby Digital Plus) and Dolby Digital audio formats to give you a theater-like experience.
However, Android TV, Firestick, PC, or a gaming console sometimes sounds tinny while playing a video because they cannot handle and downmix the Disney Plus DDP format to stereo.
Therefore, configure the audio format on these streaming devices in the following way:
Android TV:
- Access “Settings.”
- Select “Sound” > “Advanced Settings.”
- Choose “Digital Audio Out.”
- Set to “Dolby Digital” instead of “Dolby Digital Plus.”
Fire TV or Firestick:
- Unmute the TV.
- Open “Settings.”
- Go to “Display & Sounds” > “Audio.”
- Select “Dolby Digital Output.”
- Set “Dolby Digital Plus” to “Off,” and this will enable Dolby Digital automatically.
PS4 / PS5:
- Access “Settings.”
- Choose “Sound.”
- Select “Audio Output.”
- Change the Audio Format (Priority) from “Linear PCM” to “Bitstream (Dolby).”
If you are watching Disney Plus on your PC, turn off the Spatial sound settings with the given steps:
- Go to PC “Settings.”
- Head to “System” > “Sound.”
- Select “Related Settings.”
- Select “Sound Control Panel.”
- Choose the output device and click “Properties.”
- Go to “Spatial” and set it to “Off.”
- Click “OK.”
Use an ARC to Optical Audio Splitter
Some users report that using the ARC to Optical Audio splitter for connecting the TV to the soundbar also resolves the Disney plus tinny or hollow sound output.
For this, connect your soundbar through ARC HDMI to your TV and do the following steps:
- Go to TV “Settings.”
- Select “Sound.”
- Select “Speaker.”
- Choose “ARC,” and that’s about it.
Lower Down Video Resolution
Your streaming device might be incompatible with the higher-resolution programs available on Disney Plus, resulting in a tinny or hollow sound.
To fix this, launch “Disney Plus” on your streaming device, choose a title you want to watch, select “Quality,” and set it to “Low.”
Another way to lower the video quality on the app is to select a title and go to “Details” / “App Settings.” Now, choose “Moderate” or “Save Data” and select “Save” to apply the changes.
Afterward, watch a movie or show on Disney Plus and see if the audio still sounds tinny.
Replace HDMI Cable
Sometimes, the HDMI cable connecting your TV to the soundbar is the culprit behind the tinny sound on Disney Plus. This is because you might be using a low-quality or faulty cable that cannot transmit the audio signals properly.
Therefore, check the HDMI cable/connector for any visible damage and replace it with a 48 Gbps speed (the latest 2.1 standards) new cable, which should be no more than 6 feet in length.
Clear Disney Plus Cache Data
Disney Plus stores cache data on your mobile or streaming device to improve the app’s performance and reduce load time. However, this data sometimes corrupts and cause the app to stop working or sound tinny while streaming content.
So, try clearing the Disney Plus cache on your streaming device with the steps given below:
Android:
- Open “Settings.”
- Go to “Apps” > “All Apps.”
- Select “Disney Plus.”
- Open “Storage.”
- Tap “Clear Cache.”
- Tap “Clear Data.”
iOS:
- Open “Settings.”
- Go to “General” > “iPhone Storage” / “iPad Storage.”
- Select “Disney Plus.”
- Tap “Offload App.”
- Tap “Offload App” again.
TV:
- Go to “Settings.”
- Choose “Apps.”
- Choose “Disney Plus.”
- Select “Clear Cache.”
- Choose “OK” to confirm.
Fire TV / Firestick:
- Access “Settings” > “Applications.”
- Go to “Manage Installed Applications.”
- Choose “Disney Plus.”
- Select “Clear Cache.”
- Select “Clear Data.”
PS4 / PS5:
- Open “Settings.”
- Choose “Storage” > “System Storage.”
- Select “Saved Data.”
- Select “Disney Plus.”
- Press “Options” on Controller.
- Choose “Delete.”
Once you clear the cache data, open the Disney Plus app on your device, play some content, and verify the audio is working fine.
Update Disney Plus App
There might be a problem with the Disney Plus app version installed on your mobile device, PC, or Smart TV. If outdated, you may experience various audio problems, including tinny sounds.
To fix this, update the Disney Plus app with these simple instructions:
Android / iOS:
- Open “Play Store” or “App Store.”
- Find “Disney Plus.”
- Tap “Update.”
Computer:
- Open “Microsoft Store.”
- Go to “Library” > “Get Updates.”
- Wait for the store to update Disney Plus and the other installed apps automatically.
Smart TV:
To update the Dinsey Plus app on your Smart TV, update the firmware in the following way:
- Press the “Menu” or “Home” button on the remote and head to “Support” or “Software Update” option.
- Select “Update Now.”
- Wait for the TV to restart after updating the firmware, which will update the Disney Plus app as well.
NOTE: Android TVs come with a built-in Play Store app, and update the Disney Plus app the same way on your Android device.
Update PC Sound Drivers
While using the Disney Plus app on a PC, you can troubleshoot the audio issue by updating the system sound card drivers. Here’s how:
- Open “Device Manager”
- Click “Audio Inputs and Outputs.”
- Right-click the default output audio driver and select “Update Driver.”
- Click “Search Automatically For Drivers.”
- Follow the on-screen prompts to update the driver and see if the problem persists.
Cast Disney Plus From Mobile Device or PC
If Disney Plus sounds tinny on your Smart TV or streaming devices like Roku, or Firestick, a quick workaround here is to cast the app from your mobile device or PC. To do this:
Android / iOS:
- Set up your Chromecast.
- Open “Disney Plus” on your Android / iOS device.
- Tap the “Cast” icon.
- Select your Chromecast device from the search list and play any program in the app to start watching it on your TV.
Computer:
- Open Chrome and head to the Disney+ web platform.
- Log into your Disney Plus account using the credentials.
- Click the three dots.
- Click “Cast.”
- Select your Chromecast device to start casting Disney Plus on your TV.
IMPORTANT: Ensure the PC or mobile is connected to the same internet connection accessed by Chromecast.
Conclusion
This guide discussed why Disney Plus sounds tinny on your streaming device and explored 8 solutions to resolve the problem quickly.
Hopefully, this article has helped you find a working fix, and you can now enjoy your favorite Disney content with crystal-clear, immersive sound. If the problem still bothers you, contact Disney Support for assistance and further troubleshooting steps.