Choose which speaker or headphones play your Mac's sound

Why it happens

Your Mac often moves sound to the newest device it sees, such as a monitor you just plugged in, AirPods that connected, or an AirPlay speaker. It keeps using that device until you choose a different one. That's why sound can suddenly come out of the monitor instead of your MacBook.

How to fix it

1. Open System Settings and click Sound. The Output list shows every device that can play sound.

   Sound›Output

2. Click the one you want, such as MacBook Pro Speakers, your headphones or your monitor. Play something to check.

3. If the sound icon is in your menu bar, you can click it and pick the output from there next time.

Still not fixed?

1. Keeps switching back? Disconnect or turn off the devices you aren't using, such as a Bluetooth speaker or a monitor's audio, then pick your device again.

2. AirPods can move between your iPhone and Mac by themselves. Connect them to your Mac from System Settings > Bluetooth when you want them here.

   Bluetooth

3. If the device you want isn't in the list, unplug and reconnect it, then restart your Mac. If it still doesn't show, contact Apple Support or the device's maker.