No sound on your Mac? Check the output device first

Steps

1. 01

   Check the app, not just the Mac

   • Most apps have their own volume control — in Music it's the slider at the top of the window
   • In Safari, check the Audio button in the address field: a single page can be muted
   • Play a different file, or the same file on another device, to rule out the file itself
2. 02

   Disconnect anything that takes the audio

   • Unplug headphones or speakers from the headphone jack
   • Disconnect USB or Thunderbolt audio devices, and external displays connected by USB-C or HDMI
   • Switch off or disconnect Bluetooth headphones and speakers

   Why?

   This is Apple's own second step: a connected display or headset can take the sound away from the built-in speakers without anything looking wrong.

3. 03

   Select the speakers in Sound settings

   Ventura or later

   • Apple menu›System Settings›Sound(scroll down the sidebar if needed) → Output
   • Select '[your Mac] Speakers' — the Type column shows Built-in
   • Check the Output volume slider isn't all the way left and Mute isn't selected

   Monterey or earlier

   • Apple menu›System Preferences›Sound›Output tab, select the built-in speakers, drag Output volume up and untick Mute

   ✓You should see: Sound from the speakers when you play something again.

4. 04

   Sending sound somewhere else on purpose

   • Speakers in the headphone port: plugged in, powered on, their own volume up —then select them in Sound›Output
   • USB speakers: select them in Output; if they're missing, hold Option,choose Apple menu›System Information›USB and check they're listed
   • Digital Output to a receiver: select Digital Output and turn the volume up on the receiver — the Mac's volume keys don't control it

   Also see: USB device not recognised on your Mac: find the fault

5. 05

   Tell a settings fault from a speaker fault

   • Plug in wired headphones: if they play but the speakers don't with Speakers selected, the speakers are the problem
   • If nothing plays through any device, re-check the app volume and Mute in step 3
   • Speakers still silent after all of this: Apple says they may need service — start from Apple Support's 'Set up service'