Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team
Sound-related problems on your Mac can be frustrating, but they are often fixable with some troubleshooting. This comprehensive guide will help you identify and resolve common sound issues on your Mac computer, ensuring you can enjoy audio playback and communication without interruption.
Learn about common sound problems like no sound, low volume, distorted audio, or microphone issues.
Ensure your Mac's volume is turned up, and it's not muted.
Click the volume icon in the menu bar and adjust the volume slider.
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve sound issues.
Click the Apple menu and select "Restart."
Go to "System Preferences" > "Sound" > "Output" tab.
Select the correct audio output device (e.g., internal speakers or headphones).
Try playing audio in various applications to determine if the issue is app-specific.
In "Sound" preferences, check settings like balance, alert volume, and sound effects.
Ensure "Mute" is not enabled for alert sounds.
Shut down your Mac.
Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option, Command, P, and R keys.
Release the keys after hearing the startup chime twice.
Update macOS and applications to the latest versions.
Software updates often include fixes for sound-related issues.
Inspect audio connectors, cables, and external speakers or headphones for damage.
Try different headphones or external speakers.
Consider testing your Mac's internal speakers with a diagnostic tool.
Dust and debris can affect sound quality.
Gently clean the speaker grills using compressed air or a soft brush.
If issues persist, consider resetting your Mac's audio subsystem or reinstalling audio drivers.
This comprehensive guide should help you address and resolve basic sound issues on your Mac computer. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can enjoy uninterrupted audio playback and clear communication on your Mac.
If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.
This guide will walk you through, step by step, diagnosing and fixing many basic sound issues you may have with your Mac computer.
Push the Mute or Volume Up key in the top-right corner of your keyboard.
Push the Volume Down or Volume Up key in the top-right corner of your keyboard
NVRAM (nonvolatile random-access memory) is a cache of settings specific to your Mac. Resetting NVRAM is safe, however you will need to reset some of your minor customizations, such as volume, time zone, or screen resolution.
Try playing sound in another program.
For example, if sounds are garbled watching video in Safari browser, try playing music in iTunes.