Mac Sound Not Working? Try This Real Fix.
Are you experiencing sound issues on your Mac — no audio from speakers, headphones, or even external devices? It’s a frustrating situation, especially when you’re in the middle of a call or trying to enjoy your favorite music. Here’s a real, working fix that helps in most cases.
🔈 1. Check the Basics First
- Make sure the volume isn’t muted (check both the menu bar and keyboard).
- Go to System Settings → Sound and verify the correct output device is selected.
- Unplug and replug any external audio devices (like headphones or speakers).
🖥️ Step 1: Open the Terminal App
2. Enter this command in Terminal
Copy the following command and paste it into Terminal, then press Return:
Click "Show Command" to reveal
This command will restart the core audio process on your Mac. You might hear a slight click or pop — that’s a good sign. Try playing sound again.
🔄 3. Restart Your Mac
If the audio is still not working, perform a simple restart. Temporary system glitches are often resolved with a reboot.
🎧 4. Try Another Audio Output
Sometimes the issue is with a particular speaker or output device. Try these:
- Switch to headphones or Bluetooth speakers and test the audio.
- Open System Settings → Sound and try selecting different output sources.
📦 5. Update macOS
Outdated system software can sometimes interfere with audio drivers. To update:
- Go to System Settings → General → Software Update.
- Install any available updates and restart your Mac.
📞 Still No Sound?
If none of these steps work, it might be a hardware issue. Try creating a new user profile to check if the problem is system-wide. If the issue persists, contact Apple Support for further diagnostics.
Bonus Tip: If you’re using external monitors with built-in speakers, make sure they’re selected as the output device in your settings.