No sound from your Mac's speakers

Why it happens

Most of the time your Mac is sending sound somewhere else, like headphones, a Bluetooth speaker or a monitor, or the volume is muted. Your Mac remembers the last device it used, so sound can stay away even after that device is gone. Less often, the sound system gets stuck after sleep and needs a restart.

How to fix it

1. Press the Mute key in the top row of your keyboard, then press Volume Up a few times.

2. Open System Settings, click Sound, and in the Output list click your Mac's Speakers.

   Sound›Output

3. Drag Output volume to the right and make sure Mute is unticked. Play a song to test.

   Sound›Output

4. Unplug headphones and turn off nearby Bluetooth speakers, so nothing else can grab the sound.

Still not fixed?

1. Restart your Mac from the Apple menu. This clears a stuck sound system almost every time. Check Sound > Output again afterwards.

   Apple menu›Restart…

2. Check the app's own volume, and look for a muted speaker icon on the Safari tab you're using.

3. Run Apple Diagnostics. On a Mac with Apple silicon, shut down, hold the power button until Options appears, release it and press Command-D. On an Intel Mac, hold D as it starts.

4. If the speakers stay silent or crackle after a restart and diagnostics, it's likely a hardware problem. Contact Apple Support or a repair shop.