diff --git a/torchaudio/backend/utils.py b/torchaudio/backend/utils.py
index a5562d718d..645160e13b 100644
--- a/torchaudio/backend/utils.py
+++ b/torchaudio/backend/utils.py
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ def set_audio_backend(backend: Optional[str]):
 
 def _init_audio_backend():
     backends = list_audio_backends()
-    if 'sox' in backends:
+    if 'sox_io' in backends:
         set_audio_backend('sox_io')
     elif 'soundfile' in backends:
         set_audio_backend('soundfile')