i get no sound from the built-in speakers on my tcl roku tv, but the audio works fine through headphones plugged into the remote.

Diagnosis

The primary cause of this issue on the TCL 43S446 is that the television has entered "Private Listening" mode. When headphones are plugged into the Roku remote, the system triggers a hardware-level override that diverts the audio stream from the internal 10W speakers to the remote's 3.5mm jack. Because the Roku OS treats this as a priority output, the internal speakers are electronically muted to prevent audio duplication. This problem persists even after unplugging the headphones if the software "handshake" fails to register the disconnection. In some cases, the TV's internal audio routing table becomes stuck in a state where it believes an external device is still active. You can confirm this by checking the on-screen display (OSD) while adjusting the volume; if you see a headphone icon next to the volume bar instead of a speaker icon, the TV is still routing audio to the remote rather than the chassis speakers.

How to Fix It

To restore audio to the built-in speakers, you must manually override the output routing via the Roku interface. Follow these exact steps:

1. Ensure no headphones are currently plugged into the remote control.
2. Press the Star (*) button on your Roku remote to open the Quick Settings menu.
3. Scroll down to Private Listening. If it is highlighted or checked, select it to toggle the mode OFF.
4. If the audio does not return immediately, navigate to the Home screen.
5. Go to Settings > Audio.
6. Select Audio Output and ensure it is set to TV Speakers rather than "Auto" or "Optical/ARC."
7. While in the Audio menu, check the Volume Mode setting. Change it to Off to ensure no signal processing is suppressing the output.
8. Perform a soft restart by navigating to Settings > System > Power > System Restart. This clears the temporary cache and resets the audio driver.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a Hard Power Cycle: Unplug the 43S446 from the wall outlet entirely. While unplugged, press and hold the physical power button located on the underside of the TV bezel (usually center-bottom) for 30 seconds. This drains the capacitors on the main board and forces the audio chipset to re-detect the internal speaker connection. Wait another 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
• Check for "Mute" Stuck State: Sometimes the software mute is engaged even if the UI doesn't show it. Press the Mute button on the remote twice rapidly, then press the Volume Up button. If you are using a third-party universal remote, ensure it is not sending a "Mute" command continuously due to a stuck button.
• Factory Reset the Audio Pipeline: If the routing table is corrupted, go to Settings > System > Advanced System Settings > Factory Reset. Select Factory Reset. This will wipe your apps and accounts but will force the OS to re-initialize all hardware drivers, including the internal amplifier for the built-in speakers.
• Inspect for External Interference: If you have a soundbar connected via HDMI ARC (Port 3), unplug the HDMI cable. If the sound suddenly returns to the TV speakers, the TV is incorrectly prioritizing a non-existent or malfunctioning external audio device via the HDMI-CEC protocol.

Heads Up

• Avoid using third-party headphones with non-standard 4-pole jacks in the remote, as this can occasionally trick the TV into thinking the headphones are permanently connected.
• Keep your TCL firmware updated via Settings > System > System Update to prevent the "Private Listening" bug from recurring.
• If you hear a popping sound from the speakers after switching modes, this is normal capacitor discharge and not a sign of hardware failure.
• Be cautious with "Volume Leveling" mode; while it prevents loud commercials, it can significantly reduce the dynamic range and make the TV sound like it has low volume even when turned up.