9 Reasons and Fixes for MacBook Sound Issues

Has your MacBook recently experienced sudden audio loss? If so, read on to learn the causes and solutions for this issue on your Apple laptop!

1. Video or Audio File Sound Issues

Cause The most common cause might simply be that the video or audio file itself is corrupted. Solution Try playing a random music video on YouTube to check if your speakers are working correctly. – If it plays normally, the problem lies with the video/audio file. – If it doesn’t play normally, check your machine using the steps below.

Play a random video to test your speakers

2. Mute Mode Enabled

Cause Another reason might be that your laptop is in mute mode, and you simply forgot to unmute it. Solution Unmute your MacBook by pressing the Mute/Unmute key (F10).

Press F10 to unmute your MacBook

3. Connected to an External Audio Device

Cause Your computer might be connected to Bluetooth speakers, headphones, or you may have 3.5mm headphones plugged in without realizing it. Solution First, check your audio output source. – For MacBooks running macOS Big Sur or later Click the Control Center> Select Sound.

Open Sound in Control Center

Check if the internal speakers are selected as the audio output.

Check if the internal speakers are selected

– For MacBooks running macOS Catalina or earlier Go to the Apple menu>System Preferences>Sound>Output> Check if the internal speakers are selected as the audio output.

Check the audio output source

4. Headphones/Speakers Not Playing Sound

– For wired devices connected via 3.5mm jack Check if the 3.5mm jack is firmly plugged in and clean of debris. To determine if the issue is with the headphones or the 3.5mm port, try these steps: Plug the headphones into a different device (iPhone/iPad). + If sound plays, there is an issue with your MacBook’s 3.5mm port. + If sound does not play, the problem lies with the headphones; try different headphones. – For Bluetooth devices Check your MacBook’s Bluetooth connection. Go to the Apple menu>System Preferences.

Open System Preferences

Select Bluetooth.

Open Bluetooth

Check if your Bluetooth speakers or headphones are connected.

Check if your Bluetooth devices are connected

Go to the Apple menu>System Preferences.

System Preferences

Select Sound.

Open Sound

Output> Verify that your speakers/headphones are selected as the output device.

Check the selected output device

5. Software Conflicts

Cause While rare, software conflicts can sometimes prevent the audio drivers from working correctly. Solution – Update to the latest macOS version to resolve potential bugs. – Reset NVRAM/PRAM and SMC. + Reset NVRAM/PRAM: Press and hold Command + Option + P + R on your keyboard.

Key combination to reset NVRAM/PRAM

+ Reset SMC: Press and hold Shift + Control + Option (left side) and the power button.

Key combination to reset SMC

6. Dust Buildup in Speakers

Cause Dust accumulating over time can degrade speaker quality and lead to sound issues. Solution Note: This may void your AppleCare warranty, so consider taking your MacBook to an authorized Apple service provider for cleaning. To attempt cleaning yourself: Step 1: Power off your MacBook and open the casing.

Open the MacBook casing

Step 2: Use compressed air.

Use compressed air

Step 3: Reassemble the casing.

7. Liquid Damage

Cause Accidental spills of water or other liquids can damage the speakers. SolutionNote:Do not try to submerge your MacBook in rice or use desiccant packs. Instead, immediately take it to a repair shop. The quicker you address liquid damage, the better the chances of saving both your speakers and your MacBook.

Liquid damage to speakers

8. Broken Speaker Wire or Loose Connection

Cause Over time, the speaker wire may break or the connection may loosen. Solution The speaker wire may need to be replaced. This is a less expensive repair than replacing the entire speaker system.

Broken speaker wire or loose connection

9. Manufacturer Defect

Cause While rare in Apple products, manufacturing defects can occur. Solution Take your MacBook to an Apple authorized service center for assistance.

Contact an Apple authorized service center

These are 9 potential causes and solutions for audio issues on your MacBook. Thank you for reading, and see you in our next article!