Published 2024-01-08 by TechNet New England
When a Mac has no sound, it is usually the output device, a software glitch, or a Bluetooth conflict. ## Check the Basics 1. **Is the volume up?** Press the volume up key or check the volume slider in the menu bar. Make sure it is not muted. 2. **Is the right output selected?** Click the Sound icon in the menu bar (hold Option and click for more options). Make sure speakers or the correct device is selected. 3. **Are headphones connected?** Bluetooth headphones or a connected audio device may be taking the output. ## Fix 1: Check Sound Settings 1. Open **System Settings > Sound > Output**. 2. Select the correct output device (Internal Speakers, headphones, or external speakers). 3. Make sure the output volume is not set to zero. 4. Make sure **Mute** is not checked. ## Fix 2: Reset Core Audio 1. Open **Terminal**. 2. Run: ```bash sudo killall coreaudiod ``` 3. The audio service restarts automatically. Test sound again. This fixes most software-related audio glitches on Mac. ## Fix 3: Check Bluetooth If you recently used Bluetooth headphones: 1. Open **System Settings > Bluetooth**. 2. Check if a Bluetooth audio device is connected. If so, disconnect it and test the built-in speakers. macOS sometimes keeps routing audio to a Bluetooth device even after you think it disconnected. ## Fix 4: Check Application Volume Some applications have their own volume controls separate from the system volume. Check the volume settings within the specific app (Zoom, Teams, YouTube, etc.). ## Fix 5: NVRAM Reset (Intel Macs) Audio settings are stored in NVRAM. Resetting it can fix persistent sound issues on Intel Macs. 1. Shut down the Mac. 2. Turn it on and immediately hold **Option + Command + P + R** for 20 seconds. 3. Release and let the Mac boot. 4. Check sound settings after boot. Apple Silicon Macs reset NVRAM automatically during restart. ## Fix 6: Check for Stuck Headphone Detection Occasionally, a Mac thinks headphones are plugged in when they are not (especially after removing headphones quickly or if debris is in the headphone jack). 1. Open **System Settings > Sound > Output**. 2. If it shows "Headphones" but nothing is plugged in, try inserting and removing headphones a few times. 3. Gently clean the headphone jack with compressed air. ## When to Contact IT If Internal Speakers do not appear as an output option, or if the speakers produce no sound after all fixes, there may be a hardware issue. On managed Macs, check with IT for any audio-related restrictions.