What to do when your Mac computer’s sound isn’t working

⚡ Fast fix

• Volume up? Make sure your Mac isn't muted and the volume is turned up.
• Check the output device—Go to System Settings > Sound and make sure the right speakers are selected.
• Disconnect accessories—Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and docks can sometimes steal the audio.
• Restart your Mac—It sounds simple, but it fixes a surprising number of sound issues.

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Imagine being halfway through your favorite movie trilogy, when the sound stops working on your Mac® and you’re left staring at a silent screen. Talk about an unscheduled intermission. 

There’s no need, however, for Hollywood-style theatrics. At Asurion, we know tech. From protection to repairs, we show you how to get the most out of your gadgets. Here’s what to do when the sound isn’t working on your Mac.      

Why is sound not working on my Mac?

Before you start shopping around for a replacement, there are a few possible reasons why your Mac computer’s sound isn’t working: 

• The volume is too low or muted. 
• You're trying to play a corrupted file.
• You're connected to a Bluetooth® accessory.
• The built-in speaker needs to be repaired. 

What to do if the sound isn’t working on your Mac

Try these five steps to figure out why the sound stopped working on your Mac.

1. Check your sound settings

Your Mac computer’s volume and output settings could be the problem. Here’s how to check them: 

1. From the Apple menu, click System Settings.
2. Click Sound > Output & Input > Output tab.
3. Select the built-in speakers. If the Output volume slider is set low, move the slider. If the computer is muted, deselect it and try again.

2. Check Bluetooth-connected items

After you check your volume settings, you’ll want to make sure your audio isn’t connected to Bluetooth headphones or a speaker—trust us, it happens. 

Here’s how to see what Bluetooth accessories are connected to your Mac and how to disconnect them:

1. Open the Apple menu.
2. Click System Settings > Bluetooth. 
3. Hover the mouse over the device, then click Disconnect.

3. Disconnect any cables

If your Mac has a lot of cables connected to it, chances are one of them is sending your audio to another device or accessory. Disconnect all of the cables from your Mac except your power cord. Then, try playing a song or video to test it out. 

4. Try another file or website

The problem might not be your Mac, but with the media files you’re trying to play. It’s common for audio to become corrupted or for videos to encounter trouble while playing—like endlessly buffering. 

Try playing another song or video, or close your music app and try the same one again. 

5. Update your software

If your lack of sound is due to a software glitch, updating your software can fix it. Open System Settings, then select Software Update. If there's an available update, click Update Now.

6. Reset your audio settings

If your speakers still sound distorted or crackly, it may be time to reset some of your Mac's underlying audio settings.

Intel-based Macs

Older Intel Macs store certain system settings in memory, and occasionally those settings can cause audio issues.

1. Shut down your Mac completely.
2. Turn it back on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R.
3. Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds, then release them.

This resets NVRAM, which stores settings related to sound, display, and other system functions.

Apple silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, and newer)

Simply shut down your Mac, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on. Your Mac will automatically reset and recheck many system settings during startup, including those that can affect audio performance.

If the crackling is still there after restarting, it may be time to look at a possible hardware problem.