Mac computers utilize various chiming sounds to notify users about different events and issues. The most common chimes are the startup chime that plays when turning on your Mac, notification chimes for new emails or messages, alarm chimes from calendar events or reminders, and error chimes that indicate hardware or software problems.
Chimes are an important audio feedback system in Mac OS. However, sometimes chimes can occur at unwanted times or indicate underlying problems. This article provides an overview of the various chiming sounds on Mac computers and guides users through troubleshooting unwanted or repetitive chimes.
Startup Chime
The startup chime is the familiar sound Mac computers make when booting up or restarting. It was included in the very first Mac computers and has persisted in newer models. The chime consists of a single C major chord, letting you know the computer is powering on as expected.
Typically, the startup chime will play each time you boot or reboot your Mac. However, there are a few reasons why you may not hear the usual startup sound:
- Your Mac is set to mute or a very low volume
- You have headphones or external speakers plugged in
- Your Mac is malfunctioning due to a hardware or software issue
- The startup chime has been manually disabled
If your Mac fails to play the startup chime when you would normally expect to hear it, there could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Notification Chimes
Notification chimes on a Mac are sounds that play when you receive a new notification, such as an incoming message, calendar event reminder, or app alert. By default, Macs come with several preset notification chime sounds that can be customized in System Preferences.
You can control which apps are allowed to play notification chimes and customize the sound for each app. To adjust notification chime settings, go to System Preferences > Notifications. Here you can select an app in the sidebar and customize its notification style, including turning sounds on or off.
To change the default sound used for notifications from a specific app, click on the app name and then select the “Sound” drop down menu. Here you can pick from the default chime sounds included on your Mac or select “Add…” to pick a custom sound file.
You can also adjust the overall volume for notification sounds under System Preferences > Sound. The “Alert volume” slider controls how loud notification chimes will be. Muting this slider will silence all notification sounds while leaving other system sounds unaffected.
Customizing notification chimes allows you to tune the experience so you only hear relevant alerts. Disabling unnecessary chimes can help you avoid distraction.
Alarm Chimes
Mac computers come with built-in alarm chime functionality that allows you to set alarms and wake up reminders. This can cause your Mac to chime at scheduled times you specify.
You can control the alarm chime behavior in the Clock app on your Mac. Open the Clock app and select the Alarms tab. Here you can add, edit, or delete alarms. You can specify the time, days, alert sound, and snooze options for each alarm.
To prevent alarm chimes, simply delete any alarms you have set or turn them off temporarily by deselecting the alarm in the list. You can also adjust the alert volume in System Preferences > Sound if you want to lower the chime volume without fully disabling it.
If you want even more customization for your alarm chimes, you can download third-party alarm clock apps from the App Store, like iClock. These apps give you additional options for setting alarms, choosing sounds, setting recurring alarms, and more.
Error Chimes
Mac computers play various error chimes to indicate hardware or software issues. These chimes are different from the startup chime and notification chimes, designed specifically to alert you of a problem.
Some common Mac error chimes include:
- Three successive high-pitched chimes – Indicates a memory issue, like RAM not being detected.
- Distorted or interrupted startup chime – Points to an issue with the logic board or power supply.
- High pitched two-tone chime – Signals a problem with the display or external monitor.
- Continuous three-note chord – Means the computer cannot find a valid system folder to start up.
If you hear any of these error chimes, don’t panic. Start by checking connections to external devices and monitors. Try resetting NVRAM and SMC if the issue persists. For distorted or interrupted chimes, try performing an Apple Hardware Test. If chimes continue, it likely indicates a hardware problem requiring professional service.
On newer Macs with Apple silicon like M1 chips, error chimes may also point to software issues like an invalid OS update. Try reinstalling the latest macOS version. Backup important data beforehand in case reinstallation is needed.
With correct troubleshooting and early intervention, many error chimes can be resolved or pinpointed for easy repairs. Promptly addressing error chimes helps prevent bigger problems down the line.
Hardware Issue
One potential cause of repeated or unusual chiming on a Mac is an underlying hardware problem. Some common hardware issues that can lead to chiming include:
Faulty logic board – The logic board contains the circuitry and chips that control all of the Mac’s functions. If it’s damaged or malfunctioning, it can cause erratic chiming and other odd system behavior. This usually requires professional repair or replacement of the logic board.
Charging system problems – Issues with the MagSafe charging port or cable can prevent proper power delivery and cause chiming when power is connected or disconnected. Trying a different charger cable, cleaning the ports, or getting repairs may resolve this.
Display/video issues – If the display or graphics card is malfunctioning, it can trigger chimes during boot or wake from sleep. This may manifest as a black, blue, or distorted screen. Reseating display cables or video card repair/replacement may be needed.
To diagnose a hardware problem, it’s best to run Apple Diagnostics or a tool like ASD (Apple Service Diagnostic). This checks the Mac’s components and can isolate faults. An Apple Authorized Service Provider can assist if hardware repairs are required.
Software Issue
One common cause of unexpected chimes or beeps from your Mac is a software bug or glitch. Certain system errors and crashes can trigger alert sounds even when there are no new notifications. Sometimes a program encounters an error and tries to notify you, but ends up repeatedly sending chime alerts.
Updating your Mac’s operating system and software programs can often resolve these pesky software issues causing chimes. Make sure you have the latest OS updates installed through the App Store. Also update any apps that may be triggering the chimes. If a particular app seems to be the culprit, try reinstalling it or removing and adding it back.
As a last resort, you can attempt to reinstall the Mac operating system to wipe out any corrupted files. Back up your data first, then boot into Recovery mode and reinstall the OS. This should clear out any glitches and restore your sound settings to default.
External Device
Sometimes chimes can be triggered by external accessories connected to your Mac. Devices like external hard drives, docking stations, USB hubs, printers, and displays may cause unexpected chiming if there are hardware issues, connectivity problems, or power abnormalities. Disconnecting external devices is a good troubleshooting step to isolate the source of the chimes.
Try unplugging all cables and accessories from your Mac, except for the power cable, keyboard, mouse or trackpad, and display if using an external monitor. If the chimes stop after removing external devices, plug them back in one-by-one until you identify the problematic accessory. Update drivers, check connections, or replace faulty cables as needed. Refer to the device manufacturer’s instructions for troubleshooting steps specific to that hardware.
“Disconnect all external devices except keyboard, mouse, display, and if applicable, ethernet; Shut down; Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. Keep holding them until you hear the startup chime a second time.” (https://appletoolbox.com/fixing-a-malfunctioning-power-chime-on-mac-and-macbook-devices/)
Preventing Chimes
If you find the various Mac chimes annoying or distracting, there are a few ways to prevent them from occurring.
To permanently disable the startup chime, open Terminal and enter the command:
sudo nvram SystemAudioVolume=%80
This will mute the startup chime entirely so that it does not play when turning on your Mac (1). The startup chime is stored in the NVRAM, so this command edits that setting.
You can also disable the startup chime by going to System Preferences > Sound and unchecking “Play sound on startup” (2). This mutes the sound, but does not permanently disable it.
To mute the volume of the notification chimes and other system sounds, go to System Preferences > Sound > Sound Effects and drag the slider to the left. This will lower the volume without fully disabling the sounds (3).
Using Do Not Disturb mode is another option to silence chimes for a set period of time. Enable Do Not Disturb to mute all alerts and notifications temporarily (4).
If a particular app’s notifications are bothersome, you can disable just that app’s alerts in System Preferences > Notifications. Uncheck the app or adjust its notification settings (5).
Sources:
(1) https://iboysoft.com/news/turn-off-startup-sound-mac.html
(2) https://support.apple.com/en-us/102230
(3) https://www.howtogeek.com/260693/how-to-disable-the-boot-sound-or-startup-chime-on-a-mac/
(4) https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-do-not-disturb-on-mac-mh27658/mac
(5) https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-notification-settings-mchl07ebae6/mac
When to Seek Help
If you are experiencing repeated or persistent chiming from your Mac, it’s a sign there could be a serious underlying issue. Here are some signs it’s time to seek additional help:
The startup chime loops continuously and prevents your Mac from booting up properly (source: https://macpaw.com/how-to/macbook-beeping)
You hear chimes or beeps during normal use of your Mac
An error chime sounds every time you power up your Mac
Your Mac emits chimes when not connected to power
Chimes happen even after you’ve tried basic troubleshooting steps
If you are experiencing any of these issues, it’s recommended to seek assistance from Apple support channels:
Make a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store where technicians can diagnose the problem in-person (source: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204311)
Call 1-800-APL-CARE (800-275-2273) to speak with an Apple Support advisor by phone
Start a support ticket online via https://support.apple.com to communicate with Apple Support via chat or email
Searching Apple’s support forums may reveal fixes from other users facing similar chime issues
Apple’s technicians can help determine if the chiming signals a straightforward software fix or a larger hardware issue that requires repair.