If you can't hear sound on some websites in Safari on your iPad, the issue is usually a muted tab or a simple device setting. To fix sound not working in Safari on iPad, start by checking the mute icon in the Safari address bar and ensuring your iPad isn't in Silent mode.
Unmute the Safari Tab and Check Silent Mode
The most common fix: tapping the mute/speaker icon in the Safari search field or tab bar, and ensuring the iPad isn't in Silent mode via Control Center or Focus settings. You can mute audio in individual Safari tabs by tapping the Mute button (speaker icon) in the search field or on the right side of the tab in the tab bar. Ensure your iPad's physical Ring/Silent switch (if present) is not set to silent (no orange showing), or that Silent mode is off in Control Center. Verify the iPad's volume is turned up using the physical volume buttons or by adjusting the "Ringtone and Alerts" slider in Settings > Sounds (or Sounds & Haptics). Check that Do Not Disturb mode is not active, as it can silence notifications and sounds; you can find this setting under Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb.
Check the Website's Media Player Volume
Many embedded video or audio players have their own independent volume controls that may be turned down or muted, requiring an on-screen adjustment. Many websites with embedded media have their own volume controls within the video or audio player that may need to be adjusted independently. Look for a small speaker icon or volume slider inside the media player on the website and make sure it is turned up and not muted.
Adjust Safari Website Permissions for Audio
Using the 'Aa' icon in the address bar to open Website Settings and verifying that audio permissions are granted for the specific site having issues. You can adjust specific settings for individual websites in Safari by tapping the "Aa" icon (Page Menu button) on the left side of the search field, then tapping "Website Settings." Ensure the permission for accessing audio is enabled. If it is currently disabled, toggle the switch to grant the website permission to play audio.
Clear Safari's Cache and Data
Removing corrupted temporary files by going to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data, which can resolve playback glitches. To initiate this, open the Settings app, tap Safari, then tap "Clear History and Website Data." Confirm the action. This removes browsing history, cookies, and other cached data that might be causing the sound problem. After clearing, revisit the website and test the audio.
Update Safari and Your iPad's iOS
Checking for and installing the latest Safari and iOS updates in the App Store and Settings to patch known bugs causing sound failures. To check for Safari updates, open the App Store and go to the Updates tab. To check for iOS updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Install any available updates to ensure your browser and system have the latest bug fixes and compatibility improvements.
Restart Your iPad to Clear Glitches
A simple power cycle to reset temporary system processes that may be interfering with audio output in the browser. Press and hold the power button until the "slide to power off" slider appears, then drag the slider to turn off your iPad. After a few seconds, press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears. This clears temporary system glitches and can restore audio functionality.
Inspect the Speaker and Get Further Support
Physically checking the iPad's speaker grills for debris or case blockage, and contacting Apple Support if a hardware issue is suspected. Physically check if the iPad's speaker opening is blocked by debris or a case, and clean it if necessary. If the speaker button is dimmed in sound settings, it might indicate a hardware issue. If the problem persists after all other steps, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
