No sound or audio not working on Mac

Symptoms

• No sound plays from any app
• Volume icon in the menu bar shows as muted or very low
• Sound works with headphones but not speakers, or vice versa
• Sound worked before but stopped after connecting an external device

Likely causes

• CommonThe wrong audio output device selectedConnecting headphones, a monitor, or a Bluetooth device can silently switch the default output.
• CommonSystem volume muted or turned down very lowThis is an easy thing to overlook, especially after using keyboard shortcuts.
• PossibleAn app-specific volume or mute settingSome apps have their own separate volume control independent of the system.
• PossibleA stuck audio driver or process needing a restartRestarting often clears a stuck audio subsystem.
• Less commonA hardware issue with the speakers or headphone jackThis becomes more likely if sound never works through certain outputs regardless of settings.

What to do

1. Check the volume icon in the menu bar to confirm it's not muted and is turned up.
2. Check System Settings > Sound > Output to confirm the correct output device (internal speakers, headphones, external display, etc.) is selected.
3. Disconnect any external displays, headphones, or Bluetooth audio devices to rule out them being silently selected as the output.
4. Test sound in a different app to rule out an app-specific mute or volume setting.
5. Restart the Mac to reset the audio subsystem.
6. Reset the SMC and NVRAM/PRAM (on Intel Macs), which can resolve some audio driver glitches.
7. Check for macOS updates in case a known audio bug has since been fixed.
8. If sound never works through the internal speakers or headphone jack specifically regardless of settings, that points to a hardware issue.

Tools and parts

• None required

When to call a pro

If sound never comes through a specific output (internal speakers or headphone jack) despite correct settings, an Apple-authorized shop can check for a hardware fault.

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