This is a weird thing. After my M1 Mac Mini sits for sometime unused, my sound devices will disappear. No output or input devices. To get them back I have to restart. Is there a fix for this issue?
Mac mini, macOS 11.5
I have an even better fix now but it comes with a health warning because I don't know if it could have unintended consequences. You might need to reinstall certain audio software to get all your drivers back but then at least you'll know which one is causing the issue.
**** I would highly recommend that you do a Time Machine backup before you try this just in case of issues******
Go to Finder, Go, Go To Folder (this is necessary because the Library folder does not show up in Finder by default)
Type in /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/HAL/ - don't forget the first slash.
Delete everything in that folder, this will probably remove all your audio drivers, in my case many of them were old and no longer necessary and I've reinstalled what I need.
This has been a permanent fix for me so far and holding thumbs.
Oh! Finally a fix! This was driving me crazy! Why I never tough about killing the audio subsystem from the terminal before! You are a genius! THXXXX
Unfortunately none of the steps mentioned here works for me — only thing that works is restarting.
Anyone know of a fix? Thanks
This worked!!! Thank you so much, I was pulling out my hair and Applecare was no help. You are a lifesaver.
This actually worked. I have a mac-mini and I had tried everything, I even spent hours on the phone with Applecare and nothing worked. Finally!!!! Thank you so much. You are awesome.
Thank you for this work around!!!
Thanks!!! Problem solved!
I have same issue with 2018 Intel Mini. After Monterey 12.2 it lo longers see's the speakers in my LG Ultrafine 4K monitor. Only see Mac Mini speakers and Airplay devices.
I have a MacBook Pro m1 with the same problem. I thought at first it was the TS3+ hub that I use but all the sound devices input and output (not airplay) all disappear after a time. The time period appears to be random but for me now nearly every day this has happened overnight. It needs a reboot to get them back. Anyone who knows if there is some kind of resolution to this it would be helpful. I already have tried preventing sleep this did not help. I am going to file feedback on this.
This helped in my case, too. I believe the problem started on my MacMiniM1 after installing some rode audio drivers. Ended up not liking the rode stuff anyway but never found where the drivers were installed. Thanks to your hint, I found them. So far so good - keeping my fingers crossed.
M1 Mac Mini Sound Devices Disappear
