Why am I experiencing no audio, and no “Internal Speakers” in SystemPrefs>Sound>Output on my Mac?
Why am I experiencing no audio, and no “Internal Speakers” in SystemPrefs>Sound>Output on my Mac?
Recently, I’ve been having an issue with my Mac where there is no audio output at all. When I went into System Preferences and navigated to the Sound section, I noticed that the “Internal Speakers” option is completely missing from the Output tab. This has never happened before, and I’m not sure what could be causing it. I’ve checked to make sure my volume is up and that nothing is muted, but the problem persists. Without the ‘Internal Speakers’ option, I can’t seem to get any sound from my built-in speakers. It’s incredibly frustrating as I rely on my Mac for daily tasks that require audio. I’m looking for any insights as to why this might be happening and what could be the underlying cause of this issue.
5 Answers
There could be multiple reasons why your Mac is experiencing this issue. Here are a few potential causes and solutions:
1. Software Update:
– Make sure your macOS software is up-to-date by visiting the Software Update section in System Preferences.
2. Audio MIDI Setup:
– Go to Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup.
– Check the settings for the Built-in Output.
3. Safe Mode:
– Restart your Mac in Safe Mode to uninstall problematic software and rebuild caches. Hold the Shift key while your Mac boots up.
4. Create a New User Account:
– Sometimes the issue is user-specific. Create a new user account via System Preferences > Users & Groups.
I’ve found these methods effective for solving audio problems on my Mac.
When I faced this issue, it turned out to be a hardware problem. Here are some steps to check:
1. Ensure no physical damage or dirt in the headphone jack.
2. Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) fixed it for me:
– For desktop Macs:
– Shut down and unplug the power cord.
– Wait 15 seconds, plug it back in, wait again for 5 seconds, and then turn it on.
– For laptops with a non-removable battery:
– Shut down your Mac.
– Press Shift + Control + Option on the left-hand side, then press the power button simultaneously. Hold for 10 seconds, then release and turn it on.
I had the same issue with my Mac recently. Here’s what worked for me:
1. Resetting the NVRAM/PRAM:
– Shut down your Mac.
– Turn it on and immediately press and hold the Option + Command + P + R keys.
– Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds, then release them after the second startup sound or the Apple logo appears and disappears for the second time.
This issue may stem from deeper system-level problems. Here’s a longer approach that worked for some users I know:
1. Reset CoreAudio:
– Open the Terminal and type:
sudo killall coreaudiod
– Press Enter and provide your password when prompted. This action restarts the CoreAudio process.
2. Check for External Devices:
– Unplug any external audio devices and USB hubs connected to your Mac. Sometimes peripherals interfere with the internal audio settings.
3. Reinstall macOS:
– If none of the above works, consider reinstalling macOS. Make sure you back up your data before taking this step.
My friend followed these steps when traditional methods failed, and it reset their audio settings properly.
Here are some steps to diagnose this issue, written from a technician’s perspective:
1. Inspect Audio Components:
– Externally inspect and clean the audio port with small, gentle blows of compressed air.
2. Use a 3.5mm Jack:
– Insert and remove a 3.5mm audio jack repeatedly to reset the internal switch.
3. Check Audio Preferences:
– In SystemPreferences > Sound > Output, verify if any third-party audio management software might be interfering.
4. Update Drivers:
– Occasionally, out-of-date audio drivers cause conflicts. Check the macOS compatibility for third-party hardware.
As a technician, these steps usually identify the cause of such problems, whether it’s a software or hardware issue.