Internal Speakers not appearing as an audio output (MacBook Air)

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Level 1

4 points

Internal Speakers not appearing as an audio output (MacBook Air)

Hi.

Recently my early 2015 MacBook Air has been having some sound issues. It would be working perfectly throughout the day, but randomly the audio starts to clip and distort, and then cuts off completely. After this happens, the internal speakers and built in microphone option disappear from system preferences, and aren't even listed in the system report. Plugging in anything into the 3.5mm jack doesn't work either, but using bluetooth devices works perfectly fine. Occasionally it fixes itself for a few hours but then the same symptoms arise and it messes up. So far it's been 2 weeks since it's messed up. I've looked around everywhere and tried the usual SMC and PRAM resets. I've gone into diagnostics mode and everything came up perfect. I even reinstalled macOS which resolved the problem for a few days, but continued to screw up again. I've seen posts about some red light in the headphone jack, but I don't see anything in there. When I press the power button to start up, I don't hear the "chime" that is normally there. I've also tried deleting BezelServices to see if that would fix it but got no luck. Force quitting coreaudio doesn't change anything either. I haven't ever dropped this once so I don't think any component or cable has come loose, and there hasn't been any water damage.

Any solutions that I haven't already mentioned will be greatly appreciated as this has became a very problematic situation.

Cheers.

MacBook Air 13", macOS 10.14

Posted on Jun 18, 2019 6:48 AM

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Answer 1

TheLittles

Level 10

203,019 points

Jun 18, 2019 8:08 AM in response to Amrinder7

Single Out Issues to the Current User:

What happens when you create a new user? Do you still get this issue? If so, then this may be assigned to the user you are currently logged into.

So, create a new Administrator User, and see if you get this error. Go Here: System Preferences > Users & Groups + Click the Plus Sign > Create a New User of Administrator Type > Log Out > and then Log In to the Newly Created Administrator User > Try the Speakers.

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Answer 2

TheLittles

Level 10

203,019 points

Jun 18, 2019 7:21 AM in response to Amrinder7

Try These Options:

Running Anti-Malware Security Software. Try Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac.
Restore your Mac from a Time Machine Backup - Apple Support

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Answer 3

TheLittles

Level 10

203,019 points

Jun 20, 2019 5:48 PM in response to Amrinder7

Amrinder7 wrote:

I just tried this fix and the sound worked on the new account temporarily, before having the same symptoms and cutting out.

Interesting.

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Use the New Administrator for a Few Hours:

In the original post (up top), you mention "Occasionally it fixes itself for a few hours but then the same symptoms arise and it messes up". Does this occur with the new user? I would see if it does, because if it does not, something is definitely installed on the original user you were using.

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Using Quicktime Payer:

Perhaps this is an issue with the Application(s) you use. Using Quicktime Player you may or may not get the issue. Being a third party application, it would have its own options, perhaps overruling something else that is running.

Download it Here: https://support.apple.com/kb/dl923?locale=en_US

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Use this Post's Replies: my MacBookAir has no sound

- Reply 1: Various Methods (it contains methods that you may not have already tried).
- Reply 2: Using Terminal

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WHERE TO GET SERVICE:

As an ultimate resort, taking this to your local Apple Store or AASP might be the best way to go about this. Perhaps, something needs to be cleaned. and dusted off. Perhaps something needs to be reconfigured?

Go Here:

- Apple Store: https://www.apple.com/retail/
- AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider: https://locate.apple.com/pr/en/

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Answer 4

Amrinder7 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 21, 2019 3:42 AM in response to TheLittles

The issues occurred on the new account too, so I don't think it's got anything to do with my main account. With the applications I use, I don't think they will affect anything as for video playback I use QuickTime anyway.

As for the other thread mentioned, the terminal commands worked like a charm for now. I will check back in a couple hours to see if the problem has arises again.

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Answer 5

TheLittles

Level 10

203,019 points

Jun 21, 2019 4:05 AM in response to Amrinder7

Amrinder7 Said:

”As for the other thread mentioned, the terminal commands worked like a charm for now.”

Glad that worked! So, wait for 3 hours and see if anything’s operability changes. If it still works after 3 or so hours, restart the Mac. Perhaps that fixed it.

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Answer 6

Amrinder7 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 20, 2019 1:38 AM in response to TheLittles

Thanks for the reply mate.

Unfortunately I've already tried both those solutions and the malware scan came up clean, and restoring a time machine backup didn't eliminate the problem.

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