If your Mac has no sound, first test another app, then check which output device macOS has selected. A muted app, headphones, display, USB audio device or AirPlay output can explain silence without a speaker fault. If the built-in speakers remain silent after the checks below, Apple says the Mac may need service.
Check whether the problem is limited to one app
- Raise the app’s own volume. Check the player’s volume slider and whether a browser tab or video player is muted. Apps and websites can have separate audio controls.
- Test another source. Play audio in another app or website, such as Music, Apple TV, Safari or a web video player. Apple says that if audio plays through the built-in speakers in any app, the speakers are working; investigate the silent app or media source instead. See Apple’s steps for checking Mac speakers.
Select the built-in speakers in macOS
macOS can route sound to built-in speakers, display speakers, wired headphones or speakers, USB audio devices and AirPlay devices. To test the Mac’s own speakers, open Apple menu > System Settings > Sound > Output. Select the built-in speakers (Apple’s guide identifies them in the Type column), raise Output volume above zero and make sure Mute is off. On older macOS versions, open System Preferences instead of System Settings. App volume cannot be higher than the Mac’s system output volume. Apple’s sound output settings guide describes the available controls.
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Temporarily disconnect other audio devices
Unplug headphones, external speakers, USB audio interfaces and USB speakers. Disconnect external displays as well, then test the built-in speakers again. A connected device may be selected as the current output. AirPlay devices may also appear among the output choices, so confirm that the selected destination is the one you intend to hear.
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Choose the relevant device in Apple menu > System Settings > Sound > Output (or System Preferences on older versions), then check its own connection, power and volume. The exact controls depend on the device.
#1 Best Overall
- Versatile setup with speakers that connect easily to computers and other devices via Bluetooth wireless or 3.5mm cable
- Logitech Easy-Switch technology lets you seamlessly switch between audio devices Just by pausing the Audio on one device and pressing play on the other
- Each speaker has one active/powered driver that delivers full range Audio and ONE passive radiator that provides bass extension.
- On-speaker headphone jack Plus convenient controls for easy access to Bluetooth wireless pairing, power and Volume adjustments, Bluetooth version: 4.2
- Works with Bluetooth enabled devices and any device with a 3.5mm input including a computer, television, smartphone, tablet and music player
| Output device | What to check |
|---|---|
| Analog speakers | Connect them to the Mac’s or display’s audio output, switch them on, check their power and volume, and select them in Sound > Output. |
| USB speakers | Select them in Output. To check whether the Mac sees them, open Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report (called System Information on some versions) > USB. If they are absent, unplug and reconnect them. |
| Display speakers | Check that the display cables are connected to the Mac, then select the display as the output device. |
| Digital receiver | Select Digital Output if it is available, check the cable and receiver input, and adjust volume on the receiver. The Mac’s volume controls may not control digital output. |
Apple’s guide to connecting speakers to a Mac covers these connection-dependent checks.
Use Audio MIDI Setup only if an advanced audio device still fails
If an external device appears as an output but still does not work, Audio MIDI Setup can select an output device and expose format or channel controls specific to it. Available settings depend on the device. If the device is missing or not working, Apple advises checking its connection and installing any software supplied with it. This is usually unnecessary for basic built-in-speaker troubleshooting. See Apple’s Audio MIDI Setup guide.
Rank #2
- [COMPATIBLE WITH USB DEVICES] - Our USB Speakers are compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux, making them ideal for PC, laptop, and desktop computer. Incompatible Devices: Monitors TVs and Projector.
- [COMPATIBLE WITH USB-C DEVICES] - Thanks to the built-in USB-C to USB Adapter, our USB-C speakers are now compatible with devices that only have USB-C interface, such as the latest MacBook, Mac mini, iMac, iPad, Android phones, and tablets.
- [INCREDIBLE LOUD SOUND WITH RICH BASS] - Our small computer speaker is equipped with dual ultra-magnetic drivers and dual passive radiators, providing high-quality stereo sound with powerful volume and deep bass for an incredible audio experience.
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- [CONVENIENT TOUCH CONTROL] - Three intuitive touch buttons on the front allow for easy muting and volume adjustment.
When to run Apple Diagnostics or seek service
If app controls, output selection, volume, mute and disconnecting other devices do not restore sound from the built-in speakers, Apple says the Mac may need service. Apple Diagnostics can help investigate a possible hardware fault, but it does not guarantee detection of every audio or software problem.
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- Shut down the Mac and disconnect peripherals, leaving only the connections needed for input, display and power.
- On an Apple silicon Mac, press and hold the power button to show startup options, then press Command-D. On an Intel Mac, start the Mac while holding D; if that does not work, try Option-D.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. Screens can vary by Mac model and macOS version. If Diagnostics provides a reference code, give it to Apple or an authorized service provider.
See Apple’s instructions for using Apple Diagnostics.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
- IMPORTANT UPDATE NOTICE -- Based on extensive customer advises, we’ve rolled out two major upgrades to this desktop speaker. First, volume control buttons have been added. Second, we increased the product thickness for a larger sound cavity, bringing moderate improvements in sound quality and volume.
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- WIDE SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY -- This upgraded PC speaker works with Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS laptops & PCs, compatible with HP, Lenovo, ThinkPad, ASUS, Dell, Samsung, Acer, LG and more. Simply install the latest audio driver for smooth audio playback.
- PLUG-N-PLAY FOR SIMPLE SETUP -- For Windows PCs: Plug the speaker into your computer’s USB port, click the taskbar “Speaker” icon, then select “USB Speakers” as your playback device, and you’re ready.
Rank #3
- Stereo and Noiseless: Without any noise! After multiple debugging, suppress static. Become clearer and louder. Add a rotary button to turn on the computer speaker and adjust the volume easily
- USB C to USB Adapter: No need for any driver! Plug and play. Computer speakers provide USB C to USB adapter, comfort for laptops, desktop.
- Headphone Output Jack: PC speakers add a 3.5mm noiseless headphone jack to increase privacy and avoid bothering others, enjoy games, music, movies, videos, YouTube surfing, classes, and meetings
- Touch Lights & Ultra Long Cable: Computer speakers increase the touch button to turn on/off cyclic lights. The cable between desktop speakers is 37 inches long to be placed on both sides of the monitor
- Multi-Compatibility: Computer speakers with USB C to USB adapter match computer, desktop, PC, laptop. Suitable for windows (Vista / 7 / 8 / 10), Chrome OS, Linux, UNIX, etc
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