Why My Mac Volume Is Low: 13 Best Fixes

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Hashir Ibrahim

Last updated: August 6, 2024

Expert verified

Low volume on a Mac can be frustrating, making it hard to enjoy videos or music. After testing different solutions, I found 13 simple fixes that actually work. Let me share them with you so you can easily boost your Mac’s sound and get back to enjoying your content.

13 Fixes to Try If Your Mac Volume Is Low

Here are the detailed steps for each method to fix the volume issue on Mac:

1. Check Volume and Mute Settings

It may seem obvious, but sometimes, you may hear no sound from your Mac because the volume is set to its lowest setting or muted. To check your Mac’s volume and mute settings, follow these steps:

1. Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar and check the volume slider to see if it is on the desired level. The volume is muted if the slider is to the left.

2. If you don’t hear any sound after turning on the volume, check the output device by clicking the > icon next to Sound and selecting your desired Output from the list.

If you still have sound issues, try one of the fixes below.

2. Unplug and Plug-In Your Headphones

Sometimes, when you experience low volume on your Mac, a simple solution is to unplug and plug in your headphones. Here’s how it can potentially fix the issue:

1. Check your headphones are securely plugged into the headphone jack or connected via Bluetooth.
2. Turn up the volume by clicking the Control Center icon in the menu bar and dragging the sound slider. You can also use the volume keys on your keyboard to adjust the volume.

3. Disconnect your headphones from the Mac’s headphone jack or disconnect them via Bluetooth. After a few seconds, plug them back in or reconnect them. It can reset the audio settings and potentially resolve software glitches causing the low volume problem.
4. Check the headphone settings if the volume issue persists after unplugging and plugging in your headphones. Go to the Apple menu > System Settings > Sound. In the Output tab, select the correct audio device (headphones) and adjust its volume if necessary.

3. Check Audio Port for Dust or Debris

Checking the audio port for dust or debris is another important step in troubleshooting low-volume issues on your Mac. Dust or debris can sometimes accumulate in the audio port, leading to a poor connection and reduced volume.

Here’s how you can check and clean the audio port:

1. Before inspecting the audio port, shut down your Mac and unplug it to prevent any potential damage to the system or headphones.
2. Locate the audio port. On most Mac models, the audio port is located on the side. It’s typically a small 3.5mm headphone jack.
3. Carefully examine the audio port for any visible dust, lint, or debris. Shine a light into the port to get a better view.
4. If there is debris, use a soft, lint-free cloth or a clean, dry toothbrush to clean the audio port gently. Do not use liquid or cleaning solutions, as they can potentially damage the port.
5. After cleaning the audio port, plug in your headphones and test the audio volume. Check if the low volume issue has been resolved.

4. Try a Different App

If your Mac volume is low volume, another troubleshooting step you can take is to try a different app to determine if the issue is specific to a particular application.

Here’s how you can do that:

1. If you’re currently using an app where you’re experiencing low volume, close it or pause any audio playback.
2. Choose another application supporting audio playback, such as a different music player, video player, or streaming service.
3. Play some audio content in the new app and check if the volume is still low.
4. Compare the volume level in the new app with the previous app. If the volume is significantly louder or normal in the new app, it suggests the issue might be specific to the previous app.

5. Disconnect Bluetooth Headphones

Sometimes, you may experience low volume coming from your Mac because the sound is actually coming from your AirPods that you accidentally left connected.

If you’re experiencing low volume on your Mac because your Bluetooth headphones are still connected, disconnecting them can fix the issue. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.

2. In System Settings, click Bluetooth to open the Bluetooth settings.

3. Locate your Bluetooth headphones from the list of devices paired with your Mac. Click the Disconnect button next to your headphones to disconnect them.

6. Check Audio Settings

By checking and adjusting the audio settings on your Mac, you can ensure the volume is appropriately set, and the correct output device is selected. This can resolve volume issues and improve the overall audio experience on your Mac.

To check audio settings in System Settings on a Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple icon and select System Settings.

2. Click Sound.

3. In the Output tab, select the correct audio output device. If you can’t choose a device, try setting each option until you hear audio from your speakers.

4. Select the correct audio input device in the Input tab. If you’re using the built-in microphone on your Mac, select Internal Microphone.

5. Adjust the volume slider to your desired level.

7. Restart Your MacBook

Restarting your MacBook can refresh system processes and clear any temporary glitches affecting the volume or audio output. It’s a simple and often effective step in troubleshooting various issues, including low volume problems.

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. From the drop-down menu, choose the Restart option.

3. A dialog box will appear, asking for confirmation. In the dialog box, click the Restart button to confirm.
4. Your MacBook will begin the restart process.
5. Allow your MacBook to shut down and restart. You will see the Apple logo and a progress bar indicating the restart progress.
6. After your MacBook has restarted, log in and test the audio volume.

8. Update your MacBook’s Operating System

A software update can sometimes solve issues with your MacBook’s internal speakers. To update your macOS, follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen, then select About This Mac.

2. It will display the macOS version number under the macOS or OS X heading.

3. Click the Apple logo again, select System Settings, and click Software Update.

4. Your Mac will check for any available updates. If an update is available, click the Update Now button to download it.

5. Once downloaded, your Mac will prompt you to install it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

6. After installing the update, check for any additional updates. Repeat steps 2-4 to download and install any further updates.
7. Restart your Mac after all updates to ensure the changes take effect. Then, check to see if the volume issue on Mac has been resolved.

9. Use External Speakers

If none of the above fixes work, you can try using headphones or external speakers to see if the issue is with the internal speakers or a deeper hardware issue.

By connecting and using external speakers, you can bypass any potential limitations of the MacBook’s internal speakers and potentially achieve higher volume levels and better audio quality.

10. Reset PRAM/NVRAM

Resetting PRAM (Parameter RAM) and NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) on your Mac can help resolve various issues related to system settings, such as speaker volume, display resolution, startup disk selection, and more.

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

1. Shut down your Mac completely.
2. Press the Power button to turn on your Mac.

3. Immediately press and hold the Option ⌥ + Command ⌘ + P + R keys on your keyboard.

4. Hold the keys until you hear the startup sound twice.
5. Release the keys and let your Mac boot up normally. 

11. Reset the SMC

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can also help fix issues with your internal speakers. The process varies depending on your MacBook’s model, so consult Apple’s support website for instructions specific to your device.

To reset your MacBook’s SMC, follow these steps:

1. Shut down your MacBook completely.
2. Connect the power adapter to your MacBook.
3. Press and hold the Shift ⇧ + Control ^ + Option ⌥ keys on the keyboard.

4. While holding down these keys, press the Power button for 10 seconds.
5. Release all the keys.
6. Press the Power button again to turn on your MacBook.

12. Reset Core Audio

Resetting Core Audio essentially restarts the audio services on your Mac and can help resolve various audio-related problems, including low volume.

Here’s how you can reset Core Audio on your Mac:

1. Close any open applications or programs on your Mac that use audio.
2. Open the Terminal application by going to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

3. Enter the following command and press Enter:

killall coreaudiod

4. You will be prompted to enter your administrator password. Press Enter after entering the password.

5. Wait for the command to execute. The command will force the Core Audio process to restart. Wait for a few seconds until you see the Terminal prompt again.
6. After executing the command, restart your Mac.
7. Once your Mac has restarted, log in and play some audio content to test if the volume issue has been resolved. Adjust the volume settings as needed.

13. Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing low-volume issues on your Mac, it may be a good idea to contact Apple Support for further assistance. Apple Support can provide specialized guidance and solutions tailored to your specific situation.

Here’s how you can contact Apple Support:

1. Go to the official Apple Support website.
2. Choose your country or region from the list.
3. Select the category corresponding to your Mac, such as Mac, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air.
4. Browse through the list of topics or search for the specific issue you’re experiencing, such as “Low volume on Mac.”
5. Apple Support provides various support options, including live chat, phone calls, and scheduling appointments at an Apple Store or authorized service provider. Select the option that suits you best.
6. Follow the Apple Support website instructions to contact an Apple Support representative. This may involve providing additional details about your issue and choosing a preferred contact method.

Run a Virus Scan on Your Mac With MacKeeper

Malware or viruses on your Mac can interfere with audio settings and cause sound-related problems. A virus scan can detect and remove malicious software causing low or no volume on your Mac.

You can run a virus scan on your Mac using reliable antivirus software like MacKeeper. Here’s how to use MacKeeper to scan your Mac for malware:

1. Download and install MacKeeper.
2. Launch MacKeeper and click the Antivirus tab in the left sidebar.

3. Enable real-time antivirus protection to keep your Mac safe from viruses.

4. Once you have configured your security settings, MacKeeper will continue to protect your Mac in the background, scanning for threats and blocking malicious activity.
5. You can also run an instant virus scan by clicking the Start Scan button.

6. If the scan finds any viruses, click the Fix Items button.
7. If there are no issues in your system, click Restart to run the scan again or close the program.

5 Causes of MacBook Low Volume

There can be several reasons your MacBook volume is low or barely audible. Some common causes include:

1. 🎧 Audio Settings: Sometimes, the audio settings can be incorrectly configured or muted, leading to the internal speakers not working.
2. 💻 Hardware issues: A faulty audio jack, loose connection, or internal speakers can cause the issue.
3. 🔄 Software updates: A recent software update could cause conflicts or compatibility issues with the audio drivers, leading to the internal speakers not working.
4. 📱 Third-party apps: Sometimes, third-party apps can interfere with the audio settings and cause the internal speakers not to work.
5. 🦠 Malware or viruses: Malware or viruses can cause various issues on your Mac, including problems with the audio settings.

Turn Up the Volume on Your Mac

Now that you know how to fix the low volume issue on your Mac, you may want to learn more about sound-related problems on Mac. Here are some tips for you:

• Reset the sound settings on your Mac if you have no sound on your MacBook.
• A loud fan on your Mac can disrupt your audio experience. Fix your loud MacBook fan to improve your Mac’s low volume.
• Due to overheating, your Mac can cause sound-related issues, among other problems. Prevent your Mac from overheating to protect its components.

Frequently Asked Questions