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Fix a Mac that has no sound

We'll rule out volume, mute, and output device, then isolate driver or hardware failure—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • Headphones or external speakers (to test)
Step 1 of 5

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Steps

Goal: Rule out volume, mute, and output device, then isolate hardware failure.

  • Check the volume is not muted and the correct output device (Internal Speakers) is selected.
  • Good: Volume up, Internal Speakers selected. Proceed to Disconnect Bluetooth.
  • Bad: Fix volume or output device first.

Check volume and output device

Goal: Rule out mute and wrong output device.

  • Click the speaker icon—confirm volume above zero and no mute. System Settings, Sound, Output—set to Internal Speakers. Disconnect Bluetooth headphones.
  • Good: Volume and output correct. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: If still no sound, reset NVRAM (Intel) or test with headphones.

Disconnect Bluetooth

Goal: Rule out Bluetooth routing audio away.

  • Turn off Bluetooth or disconnect Bluetooth headphones. Confirm Internal Speakers is selected in Sound settings.
  • Good: Sound plays. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: If headphones work but built-in speakers do not, the speakers may have failed—call a technician.

When to get help

Call Apple or a technician if:

  • Headphones or external speakers produce sound but the built-in speakers stay silent after reset.
  • Internal speaker replacement requires opening the Mac.

Verification

  • Volume slider is above zero and no mute icon.
  • Internal Speakers (not headphones) selected as output device.
  • Sound plays from built-in speakers when testing a video or music.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Volume and output Check mute; confirm Internal Speakers selected; disconnect Bluetooth.
  2. Reset Reset NVRAM (Intel); run Apple Diagnostics.
  3. Test with headphones Plug in headphones; if they work, built-in speakers may have failed.
  4. Call a pro Headphones work but built-in speakers do not.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Mac model and audio device:
  • Whether headphones or external speakers produce sound:
  • Output device selected in Sound settings:
  • Steps already tried:

Is the volume up and the correct output device selected?

Mute and wrong output device are common causes.

Check the speaker icon—volume above zero, no mute. System Settings, Sound, Output—confirm Internal Speakers (not headphones or Bluetooth). Good: volume up, Internal Speakers selected—disconnect Bluetooth. Bad: fix volume or output device first.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Fix volume and output device

Unmute, raise volume. System Settings, Sound, Output—select Internal Speakers. Disconnect Bluetooth headphones. Test sound.

Done

Are Bluetooth headphones connected?

Bluetooth can route audio away from built-in speakers.

Turn off Bluetooth or disconnect Bluetooth headphones. Select Internal Speakers in Sound settings. Good: sound plays. Bad: still no sound—reset NVRAM, test with headphones.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Reset NVRAM and test with headphones

Intel: Command+Option+P+R at boot. Test with wired headphones. If headphones work but built-in speakers do not, call a technician.

Done

Sound restored

The output device was wrong or Bluetooth was routing audio. Test with a video or music to confirm.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a Mac have no sound?
Volume muted, wrong output device (headphones selected), Bluetooth headphones connected, or failed speakers. Check volume and output device first.
Can I fix a Mac with no sound myself?
Yes. Check volume, output device, disconnect Bluetooth, reset NVRAM. If headphones work but built-in speakers do not, the speakers may have failed—call a technician.
When should I call a technician for Mac speakers?
If headphones or external speakers work but the built-in speakers stay silent after reset. Internal speaker replacement requires opening the Mac.

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