volume icon flashes on the screen when I'm not adjusting volume

My volume icon is (seemingly randomly) flashing on the screen when I'm not adjusting volume, and the volume doesn't actually change. It just shows the current volume every time it does this.

The last similar post I saw is from 2013, so I'm guessing not...? Is this a keyboard hardware failure of some sort?

(MacBook Pro Retina, Mid 2012)

MacBook Pro

Posted on Feb 24, 2021 2:03 PM

Similar questions

MacBook Pro Volume Icon Flashing My volume icon on my 2015 MacBook Pro continues to flash in the center of the screen. I can still increase and decrease volume, but when I mute the volume it will not stay muted as the icon begins to flash again. If I hold the mute key down the icon will not flash while doing so, but will begin flashing again once I release the mute key. Software is up to date and I have restarted my MacBook a couple of times. When it flashes, the volume level appears to be trying to increase, but it does not. I am wondering if there might be a problem with the “increase volume” key, especially since it will not remain muted. Has anyone else experienced a similar issue?
2654 1
Volume icon pops up randomly in response to unrelated keyboard inputs The volume icon keeps popping up at random, in response to unrelated keyboard inputs. It just did it now when I pressed the letter “F”, and earlier in response to “command z”. Any suggestions? Thanks : )
436 3
Sound Volume Icon Keeps Popping Up I have a brand new M1 Mac mini, just started it up for the first time two days ago. Everything was fine until today, when the sound volume icon, the one that appears in the center of the screen when you adjust the volume, started appearing. It started popping up about every 10 seconds, then fade out after about a second. Now, it's continuous, as soon as it fades out, it pops up again. Also, sometimes when it appears, it adjusts the volume up or down a tick or two. Other times, there's no change. This is making the computer unusable. It doesn't appear to be a stuck key on the new Magic Keyboard (in use for two days). The only external devices connected are the display in the HDMI port, and two drives in the two USB ports. The only thing that's changed in the past two days since setting up the computer, is the installation of some Adobe and Microsoft applications. Any ideas how to fix this? Could it have something to do with something migrated over from the old system? If so, why would it take two days to start happening?
8479 3

1 reply

sterling r

Community Specialist

Feb 26, 2021 1:51 PM in response to RPGuy

Greetings RPGuy,

We understand that you are experiencing some unexpected behavior from your keyboard, and we'd like to help. Begin by following the guidance found here:

How to reset the SMC of your Mac

If any issues remain, Contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Take care.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

volume icon flashes on the screen when I'm not adjusting volume

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up