Mac Modular Desktops Troubleshooting Sound Issues
Troubleshooting speaker, headphone jack, and audio input issues
Identify issues
Read these articles if you notice any of the following issues:
No sound, or low or distorted sound from the left or right speaker
No sound, or low or distorted sound from the headphone jack
Symptom occurs only with internal speakers
Symptom occurs only with external speakers or headphones
If you can’t hear sound from your Mac speakers
If your issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Unplug any headphones or external speakers.
Ensure that cables or other objects are not inserted into the headphone jack.
Visually inspect the headphone jack to identify any debris inside the headphone jack.
Clean the computer. If you find any debris in the headphone jack, gently clean this area using a small, non-metallic, soft-bristled brush. Ensure that the brush is clean and dry. Gently brush out lint or debris. Use just enough bristles to fit inside the headphone jack. Twist the bristles to loosen and lift out debris. Brush debris away from the opening to avoid brushing debris into the opening. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened debris.
Caution: Unplug all cables and turn off the computer first. Don’t use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish. Don’t use any metal objects to clear debris or obstructions, as this can short the connector and cause damage. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don’t spray liquid directly on the computer. Don’t use compressed air.
Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
Run the Audio diagnostic suite. This interactive diagnostic suite plays a set of chordal tones through the built-in speaker and prompts the user to verify that the tones were audible and not distorted.
Note: This diagnostic suite requires headphones to check the headphone jack.
Open and inspect the computer
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the computer’s repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts one at a time in the order shown. After you replace the first part, repeat the troubleshooting steps to determine whether replacing a part resolves the issue. If it still isn’t resolved, replace the next part.
If you find damage in the headphone jack, or if the issue is isolated to the headphone jack, replace the combination I/O board in Mac mini and Mac Studio models. Replace the Apple I/O card in Mac Pro models.
If the issue is isolated to speakers, replace the speaker or speaker pair (depending on model).
Replace the logic board.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.