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Likely fix

Fix: No sound on Mac

No sound on Mac is usually caused by mute, the wrong output device, Bluetooth headphones, HDMI or AirPlay output, app settings, or a temporary audio service problem.

Quick answer

Check volume and mute, open Sound settings, select the correct output device, disconnect Bluetooth or AirPlay if needed, then restart the Mac.

Important warning

Macs can send audio to AirPlay, HDMI, USB-C docks, or Bluetooth devices without it being obvious.

Try this

  1. 1 Press the volume up key and make sure the Mac is not muted.
  2. 2 Open System Settings → Sound.
  3. 3 Choose the correct output device.
  4. 4 Disconnect Bluetooth headphones or speakers if they are not the intended output.
  5. 5 Check whether AirPlay is selected as the output.
  6. 6 Restart the app that should be playing sound.
  7. 7 Restart the Mac.
  8. 8 If using external speakers, unplug and reconnect them.

Common causes

Mac is muted.

Wrong output device selected.

Bluetooth device is connected.

AirPlay output is selected.

App audio is stuck.

External speaker or dock problem.

What to check next

  • Check Sound output settings.
  • Check whether Bluetooth headphones are connected.
  • Check whether AirPlay is selected.
  • Check whether another app plays sound.
  • Check whether external speakers work on another device.

FAQ

Why is there no sound on my Mac?

The Mac may be muted, using the wrong output, connected to Bluetooth or AirPlay, or the app may need restarting.

Where are Mac sound output settings?

Open System Settings → Sound and choose the correct output device.

Can AirPlay cause no sound on Mac?

Yes. If the Mac is sending audio to AirPlay, local speakers may be silent.

Related fixes

Fix: No sound on iPhone or iPad

No sound on iPhone or iPad is usually caused by silent mode, low volume, Focus settings, Bluetooth, AirPlay, app volume, or the speaker being blocked or dirty.

Fix: No sound on Windows

No sound on Windows is usually caused by mute, the wrong output device, app volume settings, Bluetooth or HDMI taking over audio, or an audio driver problem.

Fix: No sound on Android

No sound on Android is usually caused by separate volume sliders, Do Not Disturb, Bluetooth output, app settings, muted media, or blocked speaker grilles.

Fix: Built-in speakers not working

Built-in speakers often stop working because audio is muted, a headphone or Bluetooth device is still selected, the app is muted, or the speaker output is disabled.

Fix: Sound coming from the wrong device

Sound comes from the wrong device when the system or app sends audio to HDMI, Bluetooth, AirPlay, USB audio, headphones, a dock, or a monitor instead of the speakers you expect.

Fix: One app has no sound

If only one app has no sound, the app may be muted, using the wrong output, stuck, blocked by permissions, or affected by its own audio settings.