Sound Not Working on Mac? Check These 5 Working Solutions
Be it blasting your favorite show at full volume, tuning into an important meeting, working on a passion project, or simply surfing the web, your Mac offers a world of possibilities. Crisp and clear audio is a critical part of the overall experience, which is why it can be so frustrating when the sound on your Mac is not working.
Fortunately, we have rounded up the most effective fixes for when the audio on your Mac is just not functioning the way it should so that you can get back to your work, hobbies and entertainment as soon as possible.
Securing Your Sound: How a VPN Can Prevent Unexpected Audio Issues
Prevention is better than a cure. That is why, before we dive into how to fix various sound not working on Mac issues, we feel the need to reiterate the importance of keeping your whole system safe and secure with a VPN. Whilst a VPN cannot do much to resolve hardware issues, a trusted and reliable service, can certainly go a long way in ensuring a stable network connection, protecting against malicious software, or even optimizing the resource usage of the machine. This could all contribute to a superior audio experience.
NordVPN is a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their macOS defenses. It has a dedicated VPN app for Mac, with top security features such as 256-bit AES encryption, Threat Protection, and Meshnet – not to mention, over 7,100 servers offering unrivalled online freedom.
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Why Is My Sound Not Working on My Mac? Causes and Considerations
In general, audio should be one of the simplest components to set up on macOS. In fact, you can even output audio to multiple devices. That being said, however, your Mac may run into audio troubles from time to time. It isn’t immune to hardware problems, and software can interfere with your listening occasionally.
Sound issues on Mac can be caused by several things. Some of the most common include:
- Changes to the default settings or incorrect settings
- Connection issues
- Outdated software
- Misconfigured drivers
- Incompatible devices or applications
Quick Ways to Fix Mac Audio Problems
There are many reasons why your Mac may have gone silent. However, before you jump into the more complicated troubleshooting steps, we suggest you through this list of easy solutions, first.
- Make sure your volume is turned up.
- Make sure your external audio device is connected.
- Make sure the device’s own volume (if present) is turned up.
- Make sure you’ve restarted the Mac.
- Make sure the app you’re trying to play audio from is not muted.
- Make sure your Mac is fully up-to-date
Foolproof Solutions for When the Sound Is Not Working on Mac
If you have gone through all the usual troubleshooting steps, but you are still having trouble with the sound on your Mac not working, there are a few extra steps you can take to try to resolve the issue.
1. Disconnect any unnecessary devices
Checking that your external audio device of choice (be it a pair of Bluetooth earphones, wired headphones, or even a wireless speaker) are in a working condition and connected to your Mac is just the first step.
You will also need to confirm that no other external device is interfering with this established connection. The simplest way to do this is to unplug or disconnect any unnecessary peripheral devices, to see if this resolves the issue. This includes devices connected to the headphone jack, any devices connected to the USB or Thunderbolt ports, and even display devices connected to the HDMI port.
2. Check the active audio settings
If the sound on your Mac is not working, be sure to double-check your audio settings. If you’re using the speakers that are built into the computer, there are a few things you should go over. Navigate to the Apple menu > System Settings, and then select Sound in the sidebar.
- Make sure that your Mac speaker is selected.
- Adjust the Output volume slider to suit your preference.
- Ensure that the Mute box is not ticked.
If you’re using an external device, use the same steps to access the Sound settings. Ensure that your external audio device is selected as the source of the audio output.
3. Restart the core audio services
Restarting audio services, especially after you’ve connected a new device, or switched over to a new one, can fix a variety of audio problems on a Mac. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Terminal.
- Run this command: sudo pkill coreaudiod.
This command should automatically restart the core audio process, which is responsible for the functioning of all the sound services. Simply close and restart your audio app to test this solution.
4. Restart your Mac
If restarting the core audio didn’t do the trick, restarting your Mac might. A simple restart can be an effective way to resolve a wide variety of issues with your sound and other settings. Follow these steps to ensure you get it right:
- Click the Apple logo at the top-left of your screen.
- Select Restart.
- Click Restart when the pop-up prompt asking if you want to restart your computer appears.
Tip: You can also use keyboard shortcuts to restart your Mac. Simply press: Control + Command + Eject/ Power.
5. NVRAM and SMC Reset
If the above fixes do not work, that the audio hardware is likely offline. The easiest way to get it back up and running is to perform an NVRAM and SMC (System Management Controller) reset.
NVRAM reset
- Shut down your Mac.
- Boot it back and immediately hold down Option + Command + P + R.
- Hold the buttons down for about 20 seconds before you release.
- Allow the system to restart.
SMC reset
For a desktop Mac (non-MacBook):
- Turn the Mac off and unplug it.
- Wait 15 seconds
- Plug the Mac back in and boot it up.
For a MacBook without a removable battery;
- Shut down the Mac.
- Hold down Shift + Control + Option and the Power button (or Touch ID button) for 10 seconds.
Release the keys and power the Mac back on.
How to Fix Volume Issues That Just Won’t Budge
If you have tried our suggested solutions and the sound on your Mac still not working, the problem is likely due to something like a system glitch or a hardware failure. In these rare cases, you may have to do a fresh installation of the macOS, or you may even need to take your Mac in for a check.
Hardware may have been damaged on the system, and the only way to find out, is to consult the professionals. To do this, simply schedule a repair on the Apple website.
Now You’re Ready to Enjoy Full Sound on Your Mac
There are few things more frustrating than struggling with the sound on your Mac. However, if you know how to disconnect interfering peripherals, check your sound settings, restart your core audio services, and do a quick NVRAM and SMC reset – you should be well on your way to crystal-clear Mac audio in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Mac suddenly have no sound?
There are a wide variety of reasons why the sound is not working on Mac, including hardware issues, software issues and misaligned settings. Luckily, our list of solutions will help you to deal with everything from accidentally hitting the mute button, to more serious System Management Controller fine-tuning.
What is the shortcut for mute/unmte on Mac?
You can mute and unmute your Mac quickly by pressing Option + Shift + F10 (some models may require that you hold down the Fn key and press F10).
Why does YouTube have no sound on my Mac?
If the sound on your Mac is not working only for certain apps, like YouTube, some solutions to try, include:
- Ensure that the app or the tab is not muted
- Try refreshing the page, or closing and re-launching the app
- Make sure your browser or the app is up-to-date
- Ensure that your earphones or other audio devices are connected to your Mac
How do I reset the sound on my Mac?
Truly resetting the sound on your Mac will require that you run through the steps outlined in solutions two, three, and four. If you still have lingering sound issues after that, you may need to reboot your Mac by clicking on the Apple Menu and tapping the Restart button.
