You connect your MacBook to the TV or a monitor over HDMI. The picture is there, but there is no sound over HDMI, or the sound still comes from the MacBook itself. Or the volume cannot be controlled with the keys. That is almost always the sound settings, the TV or the adapter. This article explains step by step how to fix it.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam, including HDMI ports that no longer work.
Step 1: choose the TV as sound output
Open System Settings, Sound, Output. Choose the name of your TV or monitor. macOS does not always switch to the HDMI device automatically. You can also click the sound symbol in the menu bar and choose the device there. If you do not see the symbol, turn it on in System Settings, Control Centre, Sound.
Step 2: the volume
With sound over HDMI you often cannot control the volume with your MacBook's keys; you then see a crossed-out symbol. That is normal. Control the volume with the TV remote or the monitor's buttons. Also check that the TV is not muted.
Step 3: does the monitor have speakers?
Many computer monitors have no built-in speakers, or only a headphone jack. Then no sound comes out of the monitor itself over HDMI. Connect a speaker or headphones to the monitor, or simply let the sound come from your MacBook.
Step 4: cable and adapter
- Not every USB-C to HDMI adapter passes sound. Try another adapter, preferably from a known brand.
- Try another HDMI cable.
- Connect directly, without a dock or hub in between.
- On a MacBook Pro with an HDMI port: try that port instead of an adapter, or the other way round.
Step 5: TV settings
- Check in the TV's sound menu which output is chosen. If it is set to a soundbar or optical output, the sound goes there.
- If you use a soundbar over HDMI ARC, first try the sound directly through the TV.
- Try another HDMI input on the TV.
Step 6: restart
Disconnect the HDMI cable, restart the MacBook and reconnect the cable while the TV is already on. Sometimes macOS only then recognises the sound device properly. If you use the MacBook closed with an external display, open it and see whether the sound device appears then.
The picture does not work well either
If you also have picture problems, such as no signal or flickering, read HDMI port not working and connecting a MacBook to a monitor or TV.
Sound stutters or is out of sync
If the sound lags behind the picture, or stutters, check whether a soundbar or amplifier in between is processing the sound. Many TVs have an audio delay setting or a game or PC mode that reduces the difference.
Sound wirelessly to the TV
If you have an Apple TV or a TV with AirPlay, you can also send picture and sound wirelessly. See AirPlay to your TV.
No sound from your MacBook itself
If no sound comes from the MacBook after disconnecting, the output is still set to the HDMI device. Choose MacBook Speakers under Sound, Output. See no sound from your MacBook.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
If the HDMI port or a USB-C port does not work properly, we test picture and sound and replace the port if it is broken. You hear beforehand what it costs. More on our page about MacBook port repair.
Frequently asked questions
Why can I not control the volume with my MacBook?
With HDMI sound the TV or monitor controls the volume. Use the remote.
Does an HDMI adapter from another brand work?
Often yes, but cheap adapters do not always pass sound.
Can I have sound from my MacBook and picture on the TV?
Yes, choose MacBook Speakers under Sound, Output.
