How to fix the sound on a MacBook Pro

Whether you’re trying to stream your favorite show or participate in a virtual meeting, there’s never a convenient time for your laptop’s speakers to stop working. But we can show you a few easy ways to get the sound back up and running on your MacBook Pro®.

At Asurion, we help people fix their tech every day. From unlocking an iPhone® without the passcode to fixing five common Amazon Fire® issues, we’ll help you keep the devices you rely on most running smoothly. Here are steps our experts recommend you take when the sound on your Mac® isn’t working.

Plug in and unplug your headphones

Sometimes an error with the headphone jack can cause the laptop to respond as though a headset is plugged in even when it’s not, meaning no sound will come through the speakers. Try plugging in your headphones, then unplugging them to see if that corrects the issue.

Check the headphone port

Sometimes MacBook Pro speakers stop working because there’s something in the headphone port. Inspect the port for dust and other tiny debris, and remove it to see if that’s the problem.

Restart your MacBook Pro

Restarting your laptop can fix all kinds of issues, including the sound. Just click on the Apple® logo in the top-left corner, then select Restart.

Try a different app

Make sure an app you’re using isn’t the reason your speakers aren’t working. Try playing sound through another app to see if your issue is actually with a certain app or its settings.

Check your settings

Take a look at your sound settings. First remove all external audio devices, like wireless earphones and external speakers. Then follow these steps to check and adjust your settings:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Preferences, then select Sound.
2. Click on the Output tab, then select MacBook Pro Speakers.
3. If the Output volume slider is set low, move it to the right and test your sound again.
4. If the Mute checkbox is selected, clear it and test your sound again.

Check for a software update

Software issues can cause all sorts of problems, so make sure your computer is running the latest version of macOS®. Open System Preferences, then select Software Update. If there’s an available update, click Update Now.