Macbook Playing a Notification Chime with No Apparent Cause

I've just updated to Catalina, and I've noticed that my MacBook will often play a chime periodically throughout it's usage, and I can't find the cause of this sound.


I hesitate to say a word other than chime because it's not one of the sound effects found under system preferences (like Basso), but very distinctive and I've heard it before. I believe that it's "finished downloading" sound, or an updated sound.


But I've checked and I have automatic updates off, no app is updating, I'm downloading nothing, and as far as I can tell the chime isn't originating from my browser.


The best way to describe the chime is three mid-range notes with slight reverb, the last note higher than the others.


Please help in deciphering this phenomenon!

MacBook Pro Retina

Posted on Nov 19, 2019 4:23 PM

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Nov 22, 2019 3:04 PM in response to KamsGotACam

Hello KamsGotACam,


Welcome to the Apple Support Communities. I understand there's a notification sound where the source is unknown. I'll help in any wya I can.


Check the Notification Center on the Mac to see if anything appears there after or during the sound: Use Notifications on your Mac


Also, check System Preferences > Notifications for any apps that just have 'Sound' without any other option selected.


If nothing appears, start the Mac in safe mode to see if the same thing will happen: Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac


Cheers.

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Macbook Playing a Notification Chime with No Apparent Cause

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