No video Black Screen Audio Only Streaming

I've seen several questions about this, but never an answer. On several streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Paramount, etc, I was getting a black screen with no video and could only hear the audio. I use Chrome, but checked Safari and was also getting the issue. I followed all of the troubleshooting steps on Netflix's website; still nothing. However, I found a fix so I wanted to share:


  1. Go to chrome://settings and then select the System icon on the left menu.
  2. Turn OFF "Use hardware acceleration when available."
  3. Restart Chrome.


It works! The only caveat is some websites that use WebGL won't work with the hardware acceleration off, so you might have to go back in and toggle it for those.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Mar 17, 2023 1:32 PM

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Posted on Jun 5, 2023 1:10 PM

I have been struggling with this forever and couldn't figure out why it was so intermittent. I finally figured out why on my system it was happening. I use multiple screens and will stream while I work. While working I sometimes need to create a video of my screen so I'll pause the streaming, and open up Camtasia to record my screen. If any screen recording software is open all the streaming services will only show black screen with audio. Make sure you have any software that records your screen is closed out. For me that is Snagit, Camtasia, Vidyard, ect.


I have an MacBook Pro M2 on Ventura currently but was on a MacBook Pro 2018 and previous OS and it was happening and I never put it together what the issue was!

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Jun 5, 2023 1:10 PM in response to jfultondesign

I have been struggling with this forever and couldn't figure out why it was so intermittent. I finally figured out why on my system it was happening. I use multiple screens and will stream while I work. While working I sometimes need to create a video of my screen so I'll pause the streaming, and open up Camtasia to record my screen. If any screen recording software is open all the streaming services will only show black screen with audio. Make sure you have any software that records your screen is closed out. For me that is Snagit, Camtasia, Vidyard, ect.


I have an MacBook Pro M2 on Ventura currently but was on a MacBook Pro 2018 and previous OS and it was happening and I never put it together what the issue was!

Nov 16, 2023 10:46 AM in response to jfultondesign

oh man, but this doesn't help much if you don't use chrome at all and you are still getting the black screen. this is such a puzzle and I am really really surprised no one has found causes and fixes for this yet. like its happening at least twice a month for me now on any streaming that isn't Netflix and I ONLY use safari.(but I still checked the others and they all have same prob too) I have done so much troubleshooting, restarting, turning off any ad blockers and pop up blockers, clearing cache (pain the the rear too that one), and logging in and out of everything all the way to restarting the internet and computer for a full restart cycle. I just wanted to watch some wheel of time on my day off. surely, someone out there knows why this is happening? (MacBook Pro with M1 and Ventura)

Dec 17, 2023 2:31 PM in response to jfultondesign

Was trying to Chromecast Screen or Apple Mirroring The Matrix on Max.com and filter it via ClearPlay but the video was not showing up only the audio... Tried updating/upgrading chrome, ClearPlay extension and nothing... Came across this amazing apple community post and BAM... was able to Chromecast Screen or Apple Mirroring with video and audio... Thanks for taking the time to post.

No video Black Screen Audio Only Streaming

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