Mac audio problems are often caused by macOS sending sound to the wrong output device or by the background audio service getting stuck. Hardware failure is possible, but it is not the first assumption.
This guide applies to Apple Silicon and Intel Macs using built-in speakers, headphones, Bluetooth, USB, or external audio devices.
Does This Affect You?
Use these steps when volume is up but nothing plays through speakers, headphones, a monitor, Bluetooth device, or USB interface.
Select the Correct Output Device
- Click Control Center in the menu bar.
- Open Sound.
- Choose the expected output device, such as built-in speakers, headphones, or external speakers.
- Switch away from Bluetooth devices that are selected but powered off or out of range.
- Raise the volume and make sure mute is off.
- Unplug and reconnect wired headphones if the jack may be partially inserted.
Restart the Mac Audio Process
- Open Activity Monitor.
- Search for coreaudiod.
- Select it and click the stop button.
- Choose Quit and confirm.
- Wait a moment while macOS restarts the process automatically.
- Test sound again with media playback or the volume slider sound.
Check Sound Settings and Restart
- Open System Settings > Sound.
- Review Output, Input, and Sound Effects.
- Make sure alert volume is not set all the way down.
- Restart the Mac if sound still fails.
- On Intel Macs, reset NVRAM with Option + Command + P + R at startup. Apple Silicon handles this automatically.
- Test audio in another app to rule out a single app’s settings.
More Audio Checks
App-Specific Output
Video call apps and media players often have their own audio device settings. Check the app if only one program is silent.
Audio MIDI Setup
Audio MIDI Setup can create multi-output devices or reveal unusual device configurations that may be routing sound unexpectedly.
Bluetooth Quality Problems
Poor Bluetooth audio during calls can happen when the headphones switch to a lower-bandwidth mode while the microphone is active. That is different from no sound.
Possible Hardware Failure
If no output device works after restarts and settings checks, the speaker, audio chip, or logic board may need service.
Sources
- Apple Support: If you cannot hear sound from Mac speakers
- Apple Support: Choose sound output and input devices for Mac
- Apple Support: Use Activity Monitor on Mac