External speakers or headphones plugged in but producing no sound
Your external device is probably not selected as the audio output in Sound settings. Even if it's plugged in, your Mac needs to be told to send sound to it instead of the built-in speaker. Go to System Settings → Sound → Output and select your speakers or headphones.
External speakers and headphones need two things: they must be physically connected and they must be selected as the output device in Sound settings. If your device is plugged in but silent, it's because the Mac is still sending audio to the built-in speaker instead. We'll select your external device in Sound settings and test the audio.
- ✓Have your external speakers or headphones fully plugged in or properly paired if wireless
- ✓Have a video or music app ready to test with
- ✓If using Bluetooth speakers, check that they are powered on and have a full battery
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the speakers are broken when they just aren't selected in Sound settings
- Plugging in headphones but forgetting to select them as the output device
- Not waiting for Bluetooth devices to fully pair before testing
- Having a Bluetooth device paired but the Mac's built-in speaker still selected as output
Signs you need professional help
- Your speakers appear in Sound settings but produce no sound even though they're selected and your Mac shows audio is playing. Your speakers are plugged in but don't appear in Sound settings at all.
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