No Sound in MacBook? Try These 7 Quick Fixes

Written by

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewed by

Ojash

Last updated: November 27, 2023

Expert verified

Has your MacBook’s sound ever just stopped working? I know how annoying that can be, whether you’re busy with work or trying to enjoy a movie. But you might not need to get your Mac repaired just yet. In this guide, I’ll show you some easy fixes for sound not working on Mac. These are the same simple tricks I’ve used to fix my own MacBook’s audio. So, let’s dive in!

How to Fix “No Sound in MacBook” Error

Sound not working on MacBook? Keep reading to find some quick and easy methods to fix the no sound on Mac issue.

1. Check Volume and Mute Settings

The first thing you should do when facing no sound on MacBook is to check the volume and mute settings.

You can find the volume controls on the top row of the keyboard. Make sure the volume is turned up and not muted.

If there’s a red light shining from your MacBook’s headphone jack, it means it thinks an external device is still connected. Just unplug any headphones or speakers from your MacBook and try playing your audio again.

2. Restart Your MacBook

Sometimes, restarting your MacBook can help if your sound isn’t working. This refreshes everything, like drivers and settings, and often fixes sound issues.

Here’s how to restart your Mac to fix the no sound in MacBook issue:

1. Click the Apple icon and select Restart from the dropdown menu.

2. Wait for your MacBook to restart.
3. Once your MacBook restarts, check if the sound is working.

3. Reset the Sound Settings

Resetting the sound settings on a Mac can address problems related to software configurations, driver issues, and temporary system glitches. Here’s how to reset the sound settings to fix the Mac sound not working issue:

1. Click the Apple icon and select System Settings from the dropdown menu.

2. Click Sound in System Settings.

3. In the Output tab, choose an audio device from the list to check if the sound is working.

4. To change the volume, move the Output volume slider by dragging it.

5. If the Mute checkbox is checked, uncheck it to see if that restores the sound.

4. Update Your macOS

Regularly updating your macOS is crucial to avoid performance issues, including sound problems. Outdated software can cause conflicts with other programs, hardware, and drivers, resulting in audio-related issues.

Here’s how to check and update your macOS on Mac:

1. Click the Apple icon and select System Settings from the dropdown menu.

2. Click General and select Software Update.

3. If any updates are available, click Update Now.

4. Wait for the update to download and install.
5. Restart your Mac to check if the sound is working.

5. Reset the SMC

The System Management Controller (SMC) manages various functions on your Mac, including sound. Resetting the SMC can fix hardware-related issues, including no sound problems.

Here’s how to reset the SMC on Mac:

1. Shut down your MacBook.
2. Press and hold the Shift ⇧ + Control ^ + Option ⌥ keys on the left side of the keyboard and the power button simultaneously.

3. Hold for 10 seconds, then release all the keys
4. Turn on your MacBook and check if the sound is working.

6. Use Terminal for Sound Issues on Mac

Using the Terminal on a Mac can be a powerful way to address sound issues, especially when standard fixes don’t work. However, you should only try this method if you know how to use Terminal, otherwise, you may mess up other system settings.

Step 1: Check Audio Devices

Follow these steps to open the Terminal and list audio devices:

1. Click the Spotlight Search icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen.

2. Type Terminal into the search bar and press Enter.

3. In Terminal, type the following command and hit Enter:

system_profiler SPAudioDataType

4. Look for the Default Output Device line to determine which audio device your MacBook uses.

Now, you can use Terminal to fix audio issues on your MacBook by following the steps below.

Step 2: Restart the Core Audio Service With Terminal

The Core Audio service is responsible for managing audio on your MacBook. If it’s not functioning properly, you may experience audio issues. You can check the core audio service using a single Terminal command.

Here’s how to restart the Core Audio service using Terminal:

1. Type the following command into Terminal and press Enter:

sudo killall coreaudiod

2. Type your admin password when prompted, and press Enter. You will not see the password as you type it.

Wait a few seconds for the command to complete.

Step 3: Install Updates Using Terminal

Sometimes, audio issues can be caused by outdated software. Check for and install any available updates to keep your system running smoothly.

Here’s how to check for updates using Terminal:

1. In Terminal, type the following command and hit Enter.

softwareupdate -l

2. Terminal will display any available updates.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install them.

7. Reset NVRAM to Set Sound

The NVRAM/PRAM stores settings for sound volume, display resolution, and other system settings that may affect audio output. Resetting it can clear any corrupted settings and restore the default settings, resolving audio-related issues.

Follow these steps to reset NVRAM/PRAM on your Mac:

1. Shut down your MacBook.
2. Press the Power button to turn on your MacBook.
3. Immediately hold down the Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + P + R keys on your keyboard.

4. Keep holding the keys until you hear the startup sound again.
5. Release the keys and wait for your MacBook to finish starting up.

What If You Can’t Fix Sound Not Working on MacBook

If you’re unable to fix the sound issue on your MacBook despite trying various troubleshooting methods, here are some steps you can take next:

1. 🛠️ Check for Hardware Issues: Sometimes, the problem might be hardware-related, like damaged speakers or issues with the headphone jack. If you suspect this, it’s best to consult a professional.
2. 🔍 Run Apple Diagnostics: Use Apple Diagnostics on Mac to check for any hardware issues. Restart your MacBook and hold down the D key as it boots up. This will start the diagnostics process, which can identify hardware problems.
3. 🎧 Use External Speakers or Headphones: As a temporary workaround, try using external speakers or headphones. If these work, the issue might be with your MacBook’s built-in speakers.
4. 👤 Create a New User Account: Sometimes, user-specific settings can cause problems. Try creating a new user account on your MacBook and check if the sound works there. If it does, the issue might be with the settings in your primary user account.
5. ⚙️ Safe Mode Boot: Boot your MacBook in Safe Mode (hold down the Shift ⇧ key during startup). This can help diagnose if third-party software is causing the sound issue.
6. Seek Professional Help: If none of the above solutions work, it’s time to seek professional help. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.

Fix Your Mac No Sound Issue Like a Pro

Now that you know how to troubleshoot the no sound issue on your Mac, check out the following tips to improve your audio experience on Mac:

• If your MacBook speakers are crackling, restart your Mac, adjust sound settings, try an external speaker, and run Apple Diagnostics to find the root cause.
• Sometimes, the no sound issue is a false alarm because your Mac volume is low.
• Record audio on your Mac and play it to see if your mic and speakers are working fine.

Frequently Asked Questions