Mac mini (M1) Nov 2020 FaceTime issue with audio output using Big Sur 11.0.1

Hi all,

I can also add the I have tried this out on 3 different TVs. a Sony Bravia and 2 LGs. I have also tried two Mac minis (I had to replace the first one) and multiple HDMI cables. Also with all releases of Big Sur, and have exactly the same issue.

I have spent many hours with Apple Support and produced logs, and also had to make screenshots of the calls not working correctly. Given the number of users with this issue, I am very disappointed that Apple Support would not initially recognise that the had an issue, but my last call, it was acknowledged that there is an issue and it is with FaceTime.

As a workaround, I have connected some small external speakers to the headphone socket of the Mac mini. Thankfully, FaceTime does allow for the specific selection of the audio input and output, so for the time being, I can use FaceTime without too much inconvenience.

Still, I am looking forwards to having this sorted.

had a support call with Apple, yesterday and collected the had me collect logs while reproducing the issue. It may be helpful for more users to connect with support so they can get more logs to isolate the issue. Also support suggested filing a bug report feedback to here https://www.apple.com/feedback/ . Hopefully things get sorted out soon. Would have been nice to FaceTime on the tv for Christmas. Happy holidays .

Nothing else to report, but I have the exact same problem with the same hardware (brand new Mac Mini M1) and the same OS release (Big Sur 11.0.1). HDMI audio works fine with other applications, but FaceTime is silent when I use HDMI audio output. Perhaps there is an HDMI audio library linked in FaceTime that does not work with the M1. See also this Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/macbook/comments/k5ctyf/no_facetime_audio_on_external_speakers_via_hdmi/

Hi! Same problem. I can only get audio to work with bluetooth on facetime. It's a total disaster.

I'm using USB-C for my monitor (with built in speakers).

So it's not just hdmi. It's usb-c/display port issue as well.

One thing I did migrate from an old mac. I wonder if this is the issue. Did anyone else do this too? A number my migrated apps were messed up after. But this is the first system app that doesn't work. Probably unrelated but just a thought.

Confirming that this is still an issue in Big Sur 11.1 on M1 Mac Mini. No audio via HDMI on FaceTime. Audio is fine everywhere else, only missing in FaceTime. I had to switch to the built in speakers to hear anything.

I have the same issue. I have my new Mac Mini (M1) attached to my tv using HDMI. Audio works for all other applications over HDMI (Zoom, Skype, Teams, videos via web browsers, etc.) besides FaceTime. The FaceTime audio refuses to output to the tv speakers. It is sad as the only reason that I purchased a Mac rather than a cheaper option was to be able to FaceTime on the TV during the pandemic. I planned on FaceTiming for Christmas, but it looks like I will have to use other options. I will also have to call apple support when I get a chance. Also my Mac Mini is up to date to Big Sur 11.1, I was hoping that a fix would have been rolled out, but the issue persists.

I have the same issue with a Panasonic TV. Worked perfectly on the old mac mini, but not the new one. I've tired both directly from the HDMI port and via the USB-C with an HDMI adapter. Both worked great on all other apps, just not via Facetime. I can switch to the internal Mac Mini speaker to get it to "work" with Facetime, but cannot get the HDMI audio to work no matter what I try.

Again, the HDMI audio works perfectly in all other apps, both via the HDMI port as well as the USB-C port with HDMI adapter, but not with Facetime. A real bummer when trying to open presents remotely with the kids grandparents.

On my most recent call they acknowledged the issue and that engineering is working on the issue. However there is no eta as to when the issue will be resolved. I returned my Mac mini, since the it was purchased to FaceTime with family while connected to a tv.

I was able to make the headphone jack output work in FaceTime, just not HDMI audio output. I haven't tried a USB-C monitor with speakers yet.

Amazing that Apple can release this with one of their core features broken. Lol but they also released a laptop without a working keyboard for four straight years so no surprise.

Who wants to bet on how long apple takes to fix this?

1. Next update

2. Six months

3. One year

4. Refuse to acknowledge a problem exists. Three years from now release a brand new magic Mac Mini m3 with magic working FaceTime over HDMI.

5. Never. They have your money. They don't give a **** and you'll buy another broken one anyway.

Vote:

I spoke to Apple technical support for over an hour who eventually said it's the TV so needed to try software update and talk to Toshiba technical. It's up to date and Toshiba say no problem with their TV.

Seeing all these comments I will be talking to Apple again.

Exact same problem. Audio works with everything except face time. Was having a little difficulty trying to (unsuccessfully ) debug as I am a WIN/PC user going way back and I am just now finding my legs with MacOS. Bought this because I wanted to play with machine using M1 chip. Hopefully an update will fix the issue. Looking forward to having a PC that can talk to all the phones and iPads we have.

Paul

Some people/businesses cannot admit they don't know something but feel it is better to spout off total BS and get you off the phone. A simple "I don't know but will pass it up the food chain, can I include your email so we can notify you of a fix?' is at least honest and respectful.

Good luck to us all, we need to remember this is a new platform in the old case. I bought it because it was "new tech" and expect teething pains and appreciate honesty.

Paul

Thanks Paul,

yes it’s ok to include my email.

I’m not surprised at early glitches but really keen to use FaceTime as so many of our famIy and friends are Apple users.

Apple were very good, I was put through to the “senior technical team” who got me to try numerous things. Last resort was suggesting to check firmware was up to date on my TV or if Toshiba knew of any incompatibility. I have been a Mac user for over 9 years. Microsoft/windows for over 25. My husband worked for decades on TV servicing. We’d already tried various configurations. Using headphone socket into separate speakers worked ok but that’s no good for using our Tv.

I have a link to get back to technical team. Just haven’t had time. Will update when I know more also.

Rita

Tested iTunes output via streaming to Apple TV. iTunes worked great, via stream to Apple TV as well as the HDMI connected monitor. Next tried to pass FaceTime output to Apple TV. Fail. Haven't tried headphone jack on Mac mini or bluetooth directly from the Mac mini.

Clearly a software problem that I hope apple will fix soon.

Paul