Having issues with the volume on your MacBook Pro? Don’t worry – there are a few quick fixes you can try to get the audio back up and running properly again.
First Steps
When troubleshooting any tech issue, it’s always a good idea to start with the simple, obvious solutions first. Here are a few things to check when dealing with MacBook Pro volume problems:
- Make sure nothing is plugged into the headphone jack. Any headphones or external speakers plugged in will mute the internal speakers.
- Check the volume in the menu bar. Open the volume control menu and make sure the volume slider is not set too low or muted.
- Check the keyboard volume controls. The F10, F11 and F12 keys control volume down, volume up and mute. Make sure mute is not enabled.
- Restart your MacBook Pro. Powering it down and back up can often resolve temporary software glitches.
If the volume is still not working after checking these basic troubleshooting steps, don’t worry – keep reading for additional fixes.
Check Your Sound Settings
If restarting and checking the basics didn’t restore sound, the next step is to open up your sound settings and make sure nothing is misconfigured.
To get started, go to the Apple menu and choose “System Preferences”. Then click on “Sound”.
In the Sound settings window, start by verifying that the “Output” tab is selected at the top. The Output section controls volume for your internal speakers and headphone jack.
Next, check which option is selected under “Select a device for sound output”. This tells your Mac which audio device to use. Make sure either “Internal Speakers” or “Headphones” is selected, depending on whether you’re using the built-in speakers or have headphones plugged in.
You can also use the output volume slider to adjust the volume level higher or lower as needed.
Finally, check that mute is not enabled and that the sound is not turned down too low. Some people accidentally slide the volume all the way down and don’t realize it!
Adjusting these sound output settings should help get your speakers or headphones working again in many cases.
Switch Audio Sources
Another problem that can cause no audio on a MacBook Pro is having the wrong audio input source selected. The Mac may be trying to use an input source that isn’t connected.
To switch audio input sources:
- Go back to the Sound settings in System Preferences
- Click on the “Input” tab at the top
- Make sure “Internal Microphone” is selected
This will set your Mac to use the built-in internal microphone. If you deliberately want to use an external mic or line-in source, select that input instead.
Setting the input source back to the internal mic resolves sound problems for some users when they had an external source like a USB microphone chosen.
Test With Headphones
To further isolate whether the problem is with your MacBook Pro’s internal speakers or a more general audio issue, try using headphones.
Plug any headphones or earbuds into your MacBook’s headphone jack or USB-C port. Make sure the volume is turned up in System Preferences > Sound.
Now try playing audio from an app like iTunes or YouTube. If the headphones work fine, then the issue is likely limited specifically to the internal speakers.
If the headphones are also not working, then there may be a deeper system-wide audio problem on your Mac. This points to a hardware or software issue rather than just a speaker problem.
Check for App Issues
Problems with specific apps can sometimes cause audio issues on MacBooks. Apps may lose connection to audio output or get stuck trying to use a certain audio source.
To rule out app problems, try launching several different audio apps like iTunes, QuickTime, Safari, Podcasts, etc. See if audio plays properly from multiple sources.
If the audio issue appears isolated to a single app, try reinstalling that application. Open the App Store, go to the Purchases page, find the app and choose to reinstall it. This will replace any corrupted files that may be causing problems.
Updating to the latest version of apps can also resolve odd glitches like volume problems in certain programs.
Restart in Safe Mode
Booting your MacBook Pro into safe mode allows you to isolate potential software issues by loading only required drivers and applications.
To start up in safe mode:
- Fully shut down your Mac
- Restart your computer
- Immediately press and hold the Shift key after hearing the startup chime
- Let go of Shift once the login screen appears
- Enter your password and log in as usual
Now try using audio. If sound works normally in safe mode, then restart back into regular mode and check for third-party apps or login items that could be interfering.
Reset NVRAM
Resetting your Mac’s NVRAM can clear out audio settings and other system configurations that might be corrupted and causing problems.
To reset NVRAM:
- Shut down your Mac completely
- Turn it back on and immediately press Command + Option + P + R
- Hold the keys down until you hear the startup chime repeat itself a second time
NVRAM will be wiped clean. When your Mac finishes restarting, check to see if sound is restored.
Run Apple Diagnostics
Apple includes a special diagnostics tool to detect hardware issues with MacBooks. It can help identify problems with your speaker hardware.
To start diagnostics:
- Turn off your Mac
- Turn it back on and immediately press and hold D
- Keep holding D until you see the diagnostics screen appear
- Select your language and click the right arrow
- When asked, click “Run All Tests”
This will check your speakers for issues. It may also detect hardware problems with other system components that could be related to your audio issues.
Check Your User Account
As a last resort, create a brand new user account on your MacBook and test audio from the new account.
This will determine if the problem is limited to just your user profile, or if it persists across the whole computer. Settings and files in your personal user account could potentially be causing system-wide issues.
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups
- Click the lock and enter your password to make changes
- Click the + button to create a new user
- Log out from your existing account
- Log in to the newly created account
- Test if audio works from this new user
If sound works fine in the new account, the issue is isolated to your personal user files and settings. You can choose to delete the old account and migrate your important files over to the working account.
If the new account also does not have audio, then there is likely a deeper hardware or software issue affecting your entire Mac.
Get Hardware Service
If you still can’t get audio working after trying all of the above software troubleshooting, the problem may be rooted in a hardware issue with your speakers, logic board or other components.
To get help diagnosing and fixing a suspected hardware problem, schedule an appointment at an Apple store or authorized service provider. Be ready to describe all the steps you’ve taken trying to fix the no sound problem.
An Apple Genius or technician can run deeper diagnostic tests and even open up your MacBook to check the speaker connections and perform repairs if needed.
Hardware problems can happen from normal wear and tear, accidental damage or underlying manufacturing defects. Getting prompt service can get your speakers fixed and your MacBook Pro audio working again.
Conclusion
With one of these fixes, hopefully you can get your MacBook Pro’s volume and sound back on track. Start with simpler steps like checking connections, settings and volume levels. Then try isolating the issue using headphones, safe mode and alternate accounts if needed. For persistent hardware-related issues, seek out professional Apple repair service.
Having proper working sound again will make using your MacBook so much better for music, movies, games and calls. Don’t tolerate a silent MacBook – implement one of these solutions today to restore the sound and enjoy using your Pro to its fullest.
