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If your Mac has no sound, first check whether one app is muted; then confirm macOS is sending audio to the built-in speakers rather than a display, headset, USB device, or AirPlay output. These checks resolve many sound problems without assuming the speakers are faulty.

Check whether the problem is limited to one app

Turn up the volume in the app or media player, and check for a mute control or separate volume slider. Browser tabs and web video players can have their own sound controls. Then try audio in another app or website, such as Music, Apple TV, Safari, or a different video player. Apple’s built-in-speaker troubleshooting guide says that if audio plays through the built-in speakers in any app, the speakers are working; investigate the silent app or media source instead.

An app’s volume cannot exceed the Mac’s system output volume, so check both levels if sound is very quiet as well as if it is silent.

Choose the Mac’s built-in speakers and check system volume

  1. Open Apple menu > System Settings > Sound > Output. On older macOS versions, the app may be called System Preferences.
  2. Select the built-in speakers. Apple’s guide identifies them in the Type column.
  3. Move Output volume above zero and make sure Mute is not selected.
  4. Test sound again. If it is still missing, disconnect headphones, external speakers, USB audio interfaces or speakers, and external displays, then retest the built-in speakers.

macOS can route audio to internal speakers, display speakers, wired headphones or speakers, USB audio devices, and AirPlay devices. A connected device may have become the selected output. See Apple’s guide to changing sound output settings for the available controls.

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Logitech Z207 2.0 Stereo Computer Speakers with Bluetooth
  • Versatile setup with speakers that connect easily to computers and other devices via Bluetooth wireless or 3.5mm cable
  • Logitech Easy-Switch technology lets you seamlessly switch between audio devices Just by pausing the Audio on one device and pressing play on the other
  • Each speaker has one active/powered driver that delivers full range Audio and ONE passive radiator that provides bass extension.
  • On-speaker headphone jack Plus convenient controls for easy access to Bluetooth wireless pairing, power and Volume adjustments, Bluetooth version: 4.2
  • Works with Bluetooth enabled devices and any device with a 3.5mm input including a computer, television, smartphone, tablet and music player

Troubleshoot the external device you want to use

If sound is meant to come from an accessory or display, keep that device connected and select it under System Settings > Sound > Output. The connection and volume checks depend on the device:

Output device Checks
Analog speakers Confirm they are connected to the Mac’s or display’s audio output, powered on, and turned up. Select them in Sound > Output.
USB speakers or audio device Select the device in Output. To check whether USB speakers are detected, open Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report (or System Information, depending on macOS version) > USB. If the speakers are absent, unplug and reconnect them.
Display speakers Check that the display cables are connected to the Mac, then select the display speakers in Output.
Digital receiver Select Digital Output if it is available, check the cable and the receiver’s selected input, and adjust volume on the receiver. The Mac’s volume controls may not control digital output.

These options depend on the connected equipment. Apple’s connection guide for speakers and other audio devices describes these device-specific checks.

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Computer Speakers for Desktop PC Monitor, USB Plug-in, Wired, Computer Soundbar for PC, Laptop Speakers with Adaptive-Channel-Switching, Loud Sound, Deep Bass, USB C Adapter, Easy to Clip on Monitor
  • [COMPATIBLE WITH USB DEVICES] - Our USB Speakers are compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux, making them ideal for PC, laptop, and desktop computer. Incompatible Devices: Monitors TVs and Projector.
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  • [ADAPTIVE-CHANNEL-SWITCHING WITH G-SENSOR] - Ensures the left and right sound channels remain correctly positioned whether the speaker is clamped to the top or bottom of your monitor.
  • [CONVENIENT TOUCH CONTROL] - Three intuitive touch buttons on the front allow for easy muting and volume adjustment.

Use Audio MIDI Setup only for a device that appears but still fails

For an external interface or other advanced audio setup, open Audio MIDI Setup to select an output device and inspect any available format or channel settings. The options vary by device. If the device is missing, check its connection and install any software supplied with it; Apple’s Audio MIDI Setup guide covers device and configuration controls. This step is not needed for the basic built-in-speaker checks.

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Run Apple Diagnostics or arrange service if built-in speakers remain silent

If app controls, output selection, volume, mute, and disconnecting other audio devices do not restore sound from the built-in speakers, Apple says the Mac may need service. Apple Diagnostics can help investigate a possible hardware fault, but it does not guarantee detection of every audio or software problem.

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LENRUE Computer Speakers, USB/USB-C Powered AUX Audio for PC Speakers with Loud Stereo Sound, Headphone-in, Touch Lights for Desktop, Computer, Laptop, Desk(USB-C to USB Adapter Included
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  • Touch Lights & Ultra Long Cable: Computer speakers increase the touch button to turn on/off cyclic lights. The cable between desktop speakers is 37 inches long to be placed on both sides of the monitor
  • Multi-Compatibility: Computer speakers with USB C to USB adapter match computer, desktop, PC, laptop. Suitable for windows (Vista / 7 / 8 / 10), Chrome OS, Linux, UNIX, etc
  1. If possible, install available macOS updates. Shut down the Mac and disconnect peripherals, keeping only connections needed for input, display, or power.
  2. On a Mac with Apple silicon, start the Mac into startup options, then press Command-D.
  3. On an Intel-based Mac, start it while holding D. If that does not work, try Option-D.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions. Screens and steps vary by Mac model and macOS version. If Diagnostics gives you a reference code, provide it to Apple or an authorized service provider.

See Apple’s instructions for using Apple Diagnostics for model-specific startup guidance.

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Anker soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, 24-Hour Playtime, IPX7
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  • Powerful Sound: The speaker features 12W power with enhanced bass from dual neodymium drivers. An advanced digital signal processor ensures pounding bass and zero distortion at any volume.
  • Intense Bass: Our exclusive BassUp technology and a patented spiral bass port boost low-end frequencies to make the beats hit even harder. The soundcore 2 speaker delivers vibrant audio for home theater nights, beach parties, and sitting around a campfire.
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Computer Speakers for Desktop PC Laptop Monitor, Upgraded Touch Controls
  • IMPORTANT UPDATE NOTICE: Based on extensive customer advises, we’ve rolled out two major upgrades to this desktop speaker. First, volume control buttons have been added. Second, we increased the product thickness for a larger sound cavity, bringing moderate improvements in sound quality and volume.
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  • ONE CABLE FOR BOTH AUDIO & POWER: No 3.5mm AUX jack needed. Just one USB cable delivers both audio signal and power for the computer speaker to cut down cable clutter.
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  • PLUG-N-PLAY FOR SIMPLE SETUP: For Windows PCs: Plug the speaker into your computer’s USB port, click the taskbar “Speaker” icon, then select “USB Speakers” as your playback device, and you’re ready.

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