Why Is My Mac So Quiet? Computers and technology are incredible devices, particularly when they are working properly. When a device fails to function properly the device will soon become an extremely annoying problems to face. Apple computers are fantastic devices, but they do be afflicted by these technical issues as well.
One of the most common issues that occurs on Mac can be when sound is in a way that is too low or even not at all. Problems with sound from the Mac are typically the result of a wrong software setting , but they can also be the result of hardware issues as well. Let’s walk through the process step-by-step and restore the audio volume of your Mac restored to its normal level.
Why Is My Mac So Quiet? (13 Reasons)
1. Check The Hardware Volume Level
The most common and most easily resolved issue is to check that the volume of your hardware on your Mac was not accidentally turned down. There are several methods you can use for to determine the volume level on your Mac. The simplest method is to press the F12 button to raise the volume. A small square will appear at the lower part of the screen, showing the volume.
Turn up the volume to the highest level, then check to see if your sound issue is resolved. Another way to check the volume level is to check the menu bar on your Mac. Most of the time, a speaker icon will be visible on the right hand side of your menu bar. If it’s there then click it and increase the volume to its highest. You can now play a game to be sure that everything is functioning in the right way.
2. Check The Application Volume Level
Software applications often come with their individual volume settings. This is especially true of audio or video apps like YouTube and Apple Music. The first step to determine whether you’re facing an application-specific issue is to locate the speakers icon or volume setting for the particular application.
Make Sure The Application Is Not Muted
There should be an icon for a speaker similar to the one you see in the menu bar on your Mac. If you can see an slash or a tiny “x” next to the icon, the audio is in a muted state. By clicking the speaker icon, you can enable the application to be unmuted and let you listen to the music.
Increase The Applications Volume
If there’s an audio indicator, you can click it and then slide it to the left or towards the top to boost the volume. For instance, when you use YouTube there isn’t an audio bar. However, you’ll be able to see the icon. In these situations when you are in this situation, just hover your mouse over the speaker icon, and an audio bar will pop up. Then move the bar to the left to increase the volume.
Check The Icon In The Browser Tab
If you’re using an internet browser, check out the tab which attempts to play the audio. In the tab of Web browser you’ll find the speaker icon right next to “X”. Click on it to close the tab. “X” button to close the tab. If the icon for this speaker has a slash and the tab has been muted. To correct this issue, press the icon to turn off the tab. If it’s not working, look for a different application to determine if the sound is working in that program.
3. Close All Running Software Programs
Sometimes, a software program will alter the volume that is set by the Mac. This can lead to system-wide audio issues. One solution to this problem is to shut down the running applications. Do not just click the red button on your window in order to quit the program. Or, right-click the icon on the dock and choose close or close the application by clicking the menu bar, choosing File and closing the program. Reopen the application and check if it has fixed the problem. If the application isn’t working you can try another application to see if it is an application-specific or general system problem.
4. Update Your Mac
One of the first tips you’ll receive directly from Apple is to ensure that your software is up-to the latest version. You must ensure that you are running the most recent versions of macOS as well as the software you’re using. To update your PC to the latest version, visit your App Store and then click update. If you find any updates to your software Install them and then test the volume again. If the app you downloaded didn’t originate through App Store.
App Store, visit the website of the developer to determine if your application is the most recent version or not. Alternately, you can go to an Apple menu, then select System Preferences and then choose Software Update. If you are in the middle of an update available, you’ll have two options. Click either upgrade or update buttons. After the computer has completed installing any upgrades or updates ensure that you launch an application to check the sound.
5. Reboot Your Mac
In the event of issues with software on any device most important things that you must always try is to reboot it. Most of the time it is the case that a simple restart of your device will fix the issue that caused your issue. Operating systems are complicated pieces of software. they need to reboot each time to clear out any junk that is accumulated. After the computer has powered again, you can open the application software and check to see if the volume is at a satisfactory level.
6. Make Sure The Output Is Set Right
Based on your specific setup and the equipment you are using It is probable that you have the output of your sound has changed to an unsuitable device. One common scenario is when you connect the MacBook onto an outside monitor which doesn’t come with its own speakers. Sometimes, the Mac will transfer music to the display, however, there aren’t any speakers to play through. To verify your audio’s output simply click the Apple menu icon on the menu bar and select the preferences for your software.
Click on the sound option , select output. Check that the output is set to the right device or you can utilize the internal speakers of your Mac to determine if there are any other issues with the hardware. Sometimes, you’ll see applications that are listed as software in the output of sound. They should not be used as output.
Turn On The “Show Volume In Menu Bar” Setting
If you do not have the capability to regulate the volume of the sound in the menu bar, and want to do so to be enabled, you can turn it on via this screen. In the lower part on the bottom of this box you’ll be able to see an “Show volume in menu bar” option. Check that it’s highlighted in blue and has the checkmark to activate the option. It is also possible to ensure that you are sure that the Mac isn’t muted by confirming that the Mute button is not disabled.
This shouldn’t cause any problems since increasing the volume will immediately disable the mute function It’s a good idea to confirm the setting to make sure you’ve not missed the step. If you’ve made any modifications to your audio output be sure to check the level of audio to ensure that it’s functioning properly.
7. Check External Hardware For Damage
It is also necessary to be sure that there is no hardware damage that might be external to your device if you’re planning to connect external headphones or speakers. If the device is equipped with headphones to connect to the Mac ensure that the plug isn’t bent or broken or damaged in any manner. If your device is connected via it’s Thunderbolt port, ensure you have a Thunderbolt cable is in fine working order.
If you notice a cable that’s frayed, bent, or damaged or damaged in some way attempt a new set of speakers or headphones, or remove the device altogether. This is a way to rule out an external device for the problem and you must continue looking to determine the cause. Be sure to verify that the level of audio is restored to normal.
8. Disconnect The Hardware
Sometimes, unplugging the device and then plugging it back into the power supply is enough to allow the audio to work. If disconnecting it and plugging it back in doesn’t assist, you might have to restore your Mac to a hardware-only state. Unplug all external devices you own. This includes your keyboard and mouse monitor(s) as well as any docks that you can plug in, headphones, as well as any other devices might be in your.
The process of restoring your Mac to the simplest level of hardware lets you to determine if it is an issue with your Mac issue or a problem with one of your connected devices. If unplugging everything solved the audio issue, you’re probably having an external connection or hardware issue.
It is also possible to check the output settings to be sure that the speaker is connected to the internal speakers of your Mac. If your device has been repaired, the easiest method to identify which caused the problem is to play music on the Mac. While the music plays connect each device one at a time and check which one reproduces the issue you encountered.
9. Check The Ports
It is very likely that a plug fell out of one of the ports. It’s most often seen when using headphones. If you don’t take care you might break it and leave a portion of the plug in the connector. If there’s something stuck inside a port or jack and you’re able comfortably reach it, gently lift the damaged piece and check whether that resolves the issue. If it’s stuck the wall, you may need go to have it removed by a professional.
10. Forget Your Bluetooth Devices
Bluetooth devices are amazing and make connecting with things extremely simple. This ease of use could backfire, and it could be the cause for the audio problem on your PC. If you accidentally activated an Bluetooth device or did not switch it off, it will be able to connect automatically with your laptop once it is within the range. In this case when this happens, your entire audio will be routed towards the Bluetooth device.
If the volume is turned to a low level or they’re Bluetooth headphones you might not even know it’s happening. The first step is to ensure that you have all your Bluetooth devices are turned off. If any of them were active, you should check for the sound of your Mac and determine if that fixed the problem. If it doesn’t, navigate to the Apple Menu, click System Preferences, then select Bluetooth.
There is the list of the connected Bluetooth devices, with the letter “X” next to each. Simply click “X” to take each device away until they’re all removed. Check the audio output, and then try playing something on your PC to determine whether the issue has been solved.
11. Restart Core Audio
If the program appears to be set correctly, it’s set in the right way and there aren’t any external hardware or ports issues, you might need to reboot Core Audio (this can also be called an Audio Controller). As per Apple, Core Audio is the audio digital infrastructure for iOS along with macOS. It handles all audio required by an application.
For your safety It is necessary to open and locate your Activity Monitor, but it is much simpler than you think. It might seem complicated it’s not, but you don’t have to be able to comprehend all that happens on the activity monitor in order to reset the audio controller.
Step By Step Instructions To Restart Core Audio
- Visit your Applications folder.
- Choose from the Utilities folder.
- Choose Activity Monitor.
- Enter the word coreaudiod within the Search Bar in order to find the controller.
- Simply click on “coreaudiod” and then click on the “X” located on the toolbar to close the process.
- This will start coreaudiod.
- Try to play a song and test if it fixes the audio problem.
12. Reset The NVRAM Or PRAM
If none of the above methods have been successful, attempt to clean any non-volatile memory (NVRAM) as well as your parameters RAM. (PRAM). A Mac has certain settings stored within the PRAM/NVRAM in order to be able to access them swiftly. The settings stored inside the NVRAM include things like display resolution, audio volume time zone, selection of the startup disk, and current kernel panic information.
The setting that NVRAM/PRAM has is related to the audio output of the MacBook. Resetting the NVRAM for the Mac that has an Apple chip is as easy as restarting your computer. If your PC needs to reset its NVRAM it will accomplish it by itself. For resetting the NVRAM for the Intel Mac, the steps are a bit more complicated but aren’t too difficult.
Reset NVRAM On An Intel Mac
- Switch off your PC.
- Switch on your Mac and immediately press your Options, Command, P, and R keys.
- Your Mac appears as if it’s restarted. However, you must press the keys.
- Take these keys off whenever you hear the initial sound or if you notice that the Apple logo appears the second time.
If you’ve tried resetting the NVRAM/PRAM but it didn’t restore audio in your Mac then you’re left with one more alternative.
13. Make A Genius Bar Appointment
You have exhausted all alternatives for hardware and software to you in order to fix the audio issue on your own. Your Mac could be experiencing an issue with your hardware which you can’t fix yourself and may require assistance from an expert. Apple computers are well-constructed and complex devices, but there are times when internal components can fail.
It is not possible to open your computer to service it by yourself. It’s possible that your speakers themselves are malfunctioning or that the logic board on your Mac is not working or another thing went wrong. The only solution to this issue is to bring it to an expert. Set up an appointment at Genius Bar. Genius Bar to invite them to look.
Conclusion
As you will see, there exists various hardware and software problems which can make the volume in the Mac to be insufficient or completely disappear. The positive side is that most of the time, in instances, this is something that you can fix yourself in the comfort of your own home. Repairing technical issues requires a bit of research, a chance and a lot of patience. Make sure you take your time and take each step each step by itself and you’ll have your sound problem solved within a matter of minutes.
