You hit play and nothing comes out. Before you assume the speakers are broken, check the small things. Apple’s checklist for silent built-in speakers is short, and the first items fix most cases.
1. Check the volume inside the app
This catches more people than any other cause. Apple points out that many apps have their own volume controls:
- In the Music app, use the slider at the top of the window.
- In the Apple TV app, the volume slider for the show appears at the top of the window.
- In Safari, a page might be muted. Click the Audio button in the search field to unmute it.
- Sites like YouTube have their own volume controls in the player.
Apple adds that if you can hear audio from any app or website through the built-in speakers, then the speakers are working.
2. Disconnect external audio devices
Your Mac may be sending sound somewhere else. Apple lists headphones or speakers on the headphone jack, USB or Thunderbolt audio devices and headphones, and external displays connected over USB or HDMI. Unplug them and test again. Wireless devices count too; if Bluetooth headphones are connected, audio can go there. See our Bluetooth guide if the connection is confusing.
3. Check the Sound settings
- Open System Settings and click Sound.
- On the Output tab, select the built-in speakers (the Type column shows which they are).
- Drag the Output volume slider up and make sure the Mute box is not ticked.
- Test the sound again.
4. Restart your Mac
This is not on Apple’s short list for speakers, but it is a reasonable next step before any service call.
5. Update macOS
If sound stopped after an update, check Software Update. See also our guide to a Mac that feels off after an update.
6. Try a different audio source
Play something in a different app or website. If only one app is silent, the problem is that app.
7. Consider service
Apple says that if the internal speakers still do not work, you might need service.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there no sound on my Mac but the volume is up?
The app may be muted, or the output may be set to another device.
How do I choose where sound plays?
System Settings, Sound, Output tab.
Sources
Last checked November 3, 2026. Apple changes its instructions between updates, so if a menu looks different on your Mac, check the linked Apple page.
