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mac sound output greyed out, no output devices found

Ask By Emily J.1,372 views

my macbook says no output devices found in sound settings and the volume key is greyed. i restarted. help

Brand
Apple
Model
MacBook Pro
Connection
Built-in Speakers
System
macOS
Browser
Safari 18
Sample Rate
48 kHz
Output Channels
2 channels
Drivers And Sound SettingsMac
Tool used in this discussionSound TestQuick left, right and stereo check for any speakers or headphones
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Short Answer

When a Mac shows no output devices, restart the Core Audio service with Terminal, then reset NVRAM if it stays empty. Updating macOS also repairs missing audio drivers.

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Rishabh Sharma
Rishabh SharmaAudio Team
Audio DSP Engineer · 5+ years experience · Answered Oct 20, 2026

A missing output list on a Mac normally points to the Core Audio service being stuck. Restarting it often brings the built-in speakers back without a full reset.

If that does not help, resetting NVRAM and installing pending macOS updates covers most of the remaining software causes.

Step By Step Fix
  1. Open Terminal and run: sudo killall coreaudiod, then enter your password
  2. Wait ten seconds and check System Settings, Sound, Output
  3. Disconnect all headphones, adapters and displays, then restart the Mac
  4. On Intel Macs reset NVRAM by holding Option, Command, P and R during startup
  5. Install any pending update in System Settings, General, Software Update
  6. Contact Apple support if the output list is still empty
Sources
  1. Apple Support

Checked by Camila Silva on . How we verify answers

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Community Replies 4

  • Trevor NguyenCommunity Member

    restart then reset nvram (hold cmd option p r on intel macs). fixed mine

  • Nicole HartCommunity Member

    for apple silicon just a full shutdown for 30 sec works usually

  • Emily JenkinsCommunity Member

    shutdown and restart did it, output came back

  • Natasha VermaCommunity Member

    Restarting once did not help me. A full shutdown for a minute brought the outputs back.

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Rishabh Sharma
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Rishabh Sharma

Audio DSP Engineer at Sound Test

Rishabh Sharma is the Audio DSP Engineer on the Sound Tester Audio Team. Expert in browser-based Web Audio API architecture, live tone generation, and low-latency decibel tracking. Shares detailed digital sound processing codebases on GitHub and LinkedIn. On Sound Tester he answers browser, driver and operating system sound problems on Windows, Mac and Android, and reviews how the tools handle audio in the browser.

Web Audio APIlow-latency audiodecibel tracking
  • 10 answers on Sound Test
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Each answer is written by the specialist closest to the topic and checked by a second team member. How we verify answers

Answers are free general guidance from the Sound Tester Audio Team and community. They are not medical advice. For hearing loss, ringing or ear pain, see a doctor or audiologist. Opening a device can void its warranty, so check the maker's support first for hardware faults.

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