How To Use Roku Volume Control Settings

Is the audio from your Roku not sounding quite right? Volume modes can help you optimize your sound for a better listening experience.

Roku streaming devices allow you to enable helpful settings like Automatic Volume Leveling and Night Mode to make your audio more consistent and neighbor-friendly.

In this guide, we’ll cover: 

  • What volume modes are available on Roku
  • Which Roku devices support volume modes
  • How to enable volume modes during playback
  • Setting volume modes in the Roku audio settings menu
  • Adjusting other Roku sound settings

Use the links above to jump to a specific section, or read through for a full walkthrough on making the most of your Roku device’s volume capabilities.

Understanding Volume Modes

Roku streaming devices offer two key volume modes to enhance your audio:

Automatic Volume Leveling:

  • Maintains consistent volume across different content.
  • Minimizes jarring sound changes when switching channels or when commercials play

Night Mode:

  •  Reduces volume for loud noises like explosions
  •  Boosts quieter sounds like dialogue
  •  Ideal for late-night streaming without disturbing others

These modes work with most content, but some audio formats like Dolby Atmos are incompatible. Enabling volume modes may convert surround sound to stereo.

Note: If your Roku connects to an AVR or soundbar, you may need to disable volume modes to preserve surround sound.

Devices Compatible with Volume Modes

To check if your Roku model supports volume modes, go to Settings > System > About from your Roku’s home screen menu.

Compatible devices include: 

  • Roku Streambar and Streambar Pro
  • Roku Smart Soundbar
  • Roku Express and Express+
  • Roku Streaming Stick and Stick+
  • Roku Streaming Stick 4K and 4K+
  • Roku Premiere and Premiere+
  • Roku Ultra and Ultra LT
  • Roku TVs (only with Roku wireless speakers connected )

If your device is not listed, it unfortunately does not offer volume mode options.

Enabling Volume Modes During Playback

You can quickly toggle volume modes on or off while streaming by following these steps: 

  1. Start playing content in any streaming channel
  2. Press the Star button on your Roku remote
  3. Navigate to Sound Settings (may not appear on all devices)
  4. Use the remote’s directional pad to switch Volume Mode:
    •  Off: Disables all volume modes
    •  Leveling: Enables Automatic Volume Leveling
    •  Night: Activates Night Mode compression
  5. Press the Star button again to close the menu

Tip: You can access the Sound Settings shortcut menu from any stream except those that assign the Star button to a different function, like YouTube. To change modes on those, start playback from a different channel like The Roku Channel.

Configuring Volume Modes in the Settings Menu

On Roku audio devices like the Streambar and Smart Soundbar, you can enable volume modes anytime from the main Settings menu:

  1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote
  2. Navigate to Settings > Audio > Volume modes
  3. Choose your desired mode:
    • Off: Disables volume modes
    • Leveling: Enables consistent volume leveling
    • Night: Reduces loud sounds and enhances quiet audio

You can also access these settings while playing content from an external source connected to your Roku TV, such as a cable box or game console.

Adjusting Other Roku Audio Settings

Beyond volume modes, your Roku offers additional ways to customize your sound experience, such as:

  • Sound mode presets (on Roku TVs)
  • Dialog enhancement for clearer speech
  • Expanded stereo for a wider soundstage

To explore all the available audio options for your device, check out our full guide on Roku sound settings.

Troubleshooting Roku Volume Issues

If you’re having trouble getting volume modes to work or experiencing other audio problems, try these troubleshooting tips:

  • Check that your Roku is set to the correct audio output format (PCM, Auto Detect, etc.)
  • Disable Dolby audio codecs if using volume modes
  • Make sure your TV/sound system and Roku have matching audio settings
  • Factory reset your Roku device as a last resort

For more help, refer to our ultimate guide on fixing Roku sound issues.  With the advice in this walkthrough, you should be ready to utilize your Roku’s volume controls for an enhanced, tailor-made audio experience. Use Automatic Leveling to smooth out those loud commercials and Night Mode for marathon late-night sessions without waking the whole house.

Happy streaming!