No sound after connecting an external monitor to your Mac
Your Mac switched the audio output to the monitor when you plugged it in. The monitor either doesn't have a speaker or the cable isn't set up to carry sound. Go to System Settings → Sound and change the output back to your Mac's built-in speaker — sound will come straight back.
When you plug a monitor into your Mac with an HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C cable, your Mac automatically tries to send sound through that cable instead of its own speaker. If the monitor doesn't have a speaker or the cable isn't set up to carry sound, you end up with no audio. The fix is simple: tell your Mac to use its built-in speaker again.
- ✓Your external monitor is plugged in with an HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C cable
- ✓Have a video or music app ready to test with after you make the change
- ✓Check whether your monitor has built-in speakers by looking for speaker grilles on the back or sides
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Thinking the monitor is broken when it's just not set up for audio — most monitors don't have speakers anyway
- Leaving the audio output switched to the monitor and assuming the monitor is faulty
Signs you need professional help
- You've switched the audio output back to your Mac speaker and still have no sound coming out — your Mac doesn't show any speaker options in the Output list.
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