No notification sounds

Hi.

I noticed that for a while now I wasn't getting any notification sound from the WhatsApp application. Then I realised, I'm not getting any notification sound from Slack, or even the mail app.


Is it possible it's somehow deactivated?

I'm using a M1 Macbook Air 2020, running Big Sur


Things I've tried:

  1. Going into Notifications and then checking the "Play sound for notifications" checkbox. But it was already checked, I tried unchecking and then checking again, but of course, that didn't change anything.
  2. Going into Sound > Sound Effects, and making sure my Alert volume is maxed out. (It already was)
  3. Checking that the "Play sound effects through" dropdown was initialized. It wasn't, it was set as "Select sound output device". Unfortunately, even after setting it to play through my Speakers or Headphones, I couldn't hear anything.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.2

Posted on Jun 15, 2021 3:44 AM

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7 replies

Jun 16, 2021 7:54 AM in response to JosipMuzic

Hi there JosipMuzic,


Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. We understand you’ve run into an issue with Notification sounds on your Mac. We’ll be happy to help.


Do you have any Bluetooth speakers or headphones/headset connected? If so, please disconnect the audio device and test again.


If the issue continues, restart your Mac: Log out, sleep, wake, restart, or shut down your Mac.


If the issue continues, check to see if other sounds are working. You can try playing a video or music. If there is a large sound issue, follow this guide: If you can’t hear sound from your Mac speakers. We hope this helps.


Best regards.

Jun 16, 2021 9:01 AM in response to JosipMuzic

Thanks for reaching back out JosipMuzic,


Did you turn the Bluetooth headphones off? If not, that might be affecting the sounds. If this started after updating macOS, it is possible that updating to the latest version may help resolve the issue. Be sure to back up your data first. If the behavior continues, reach out to Apple Support for further assistance: Contact Apple Support.


Have a great day.

Jun 16, 2021 9:44 AM in response to JosipMuzic

Regardless if 11.4 will fix your Sound Notification Issue - running an out-dated version of any OS including Big Sur - puts the computer at risk of malfunction, not performing as designed by Apple and other unknown issues. Good practice is the keep the OS updated. It may or may not resolve your issue.


Whatever the decision is - make A Time Machine Backup Before the update and keep it ( Time Machine ) updated often.

Jun 16, 2021 8:49 AM in response to JosipMuzic

Hi danakayw and P. Philips


danakayw, I did have my Bluetooth headphones plugged in. But I just tried it without them plugged in but it still isn't working.

Also, I tried restarting my Macbook many times.

Also, my sounds are definitely working. I've been playing music and watching movies both using headphones and using just my speakers.


P. Philips, do you think that upgrading could potentially fix the issue? If so, I'm willing to try.

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No notification sounds

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