Troubleshooting Guide: Mac Audio Not Working | How to Fix Sound Issues

Is the audio on your Mac not working? Don't worry; you may be able to resolve the issue yourself by following these troubleshooting steps. Our in-house tech experts have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you get your Mac's audio back up and running. Give these solutions a try, and if you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us via the contact information provided below.

 

Table of Contents

  • Visually Inspect the Device
  • Check Sound Settings
  • Restart Your Mac
  • Reset NVRAM
  • Update your software
  • Check Audio Output Settings
  • Reinstall Audio Drivers

 

Visually Inspect the Device

Before diving into software-based troubleshooting steps, it's important to visually inspect your Mac for any visible damage to the audio ports or connectors. Follow these steps to conduct a thorough visual inspection:

  1. Check the Audio Ports: Examine the headphone jack and other audio ports on your Mac for any visible damage or debris. Ensure that there are no obstructions or foreign objects preventing proper audio output.
  1. Inspect the Cables: Carefully examine the audio cables and connectors you use with your Mac. Look for any signs of frayed or damaged wires near the connectors. If you notice any damage, it's crucial to replace the cables to ensure proper audio transmission.
  1. Check External Speakers or Headphones: If you are using external speakers or headphones, check their cables and connectors for any visible damage. Ensure that they are properly connected to your Mac.

By conducting a visual inspection, you can identify any visible issues with the audio ports, cables, or connectors that may be causing the problem. If you notice significant damage or if the connectors appear to be physically compromised, it's advisable to seek professional assistance or contact the manufacturer for further guidance.

 

Check Sound Settings

Sometimes, incorrect sound settings can cause audio issues on your Mac. Follow these steps to check the sound settings:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences.”
  1. In the System Preferences window, click on “Sound.”
  1. Navigate to the "Output" tab and ensure that the correct output device is selected. If you are using external speakers or headphones, make sure they are selected as the output device.
  1. Adjust the volume slider to ensure it's not muted or set too low.

 

Restart Your Mac

A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches that may be affecting the audio. Follow these steps to restart your Mac:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
  1. Select "Restart" from the drop-down menu.
  1. Allow your Mac to fully shut down and restart.

Once your Mac has restarted, check if the audio is working again.

 

Reset NVRAM

Resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) on your Mac can help reset certain audio-related settings and potentially resolve audio issues. Follow these steps to reset the NVRAM:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  1. Turn on your computer and immediately press and hold the Option (⌥)-Command (⌘)-P-R keys simultaneously.
  1. Continue holding the keys until you hear the startup sound for the second time, then release them.
  1. Once your Mac has restarted, check if the audio is functioning properly.

 

Update your software

Keeping your macOS and audio-related software up to date is crucial for optimal performance. Follow these steps to check for software updates:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences.”
  1. In the System Preferences window, click on "Software Update.”
  1. If updates are available, click on "Update Now" or "Upgrade Now" to install them. You may be prompted to enter your password or restart your computer.
  1. After installing the updates, check if the audio issue has been resolved.

 

Check Audio Output Settings

Sometimes, the audio output settings can be misconfigured, resulting in no sound or distorted audio. Follow these steps to check the audio output settings:

  1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences.”
  1. In the System Preferences window, click on “Sound.”
  1. Navigate to the "Output" tab and select a different output device from the list.
  1. Test the audio to see if it's working on the newly selected output device.
  1. If the audio is working on the alternative output device, switch back to the original output device and check if the issue persists.

 

If you've followed these troubleshooting steps and the audio issue still persists, it's recommended to contact our support team or seek professional assistance to further diagnose and resolve the problem.