Tip to Fix Black Screen with Audio Issue on Online Streaming Platforms for Mac

Unfortunately, this doesn't help my issue at all. I have been struggling with this ever since I bought a MacBook Pro. This issues happens with Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, etc. I can't rely on my Mac to stream video. I have to get my iPad Pro for that 😞. I tried Safari, Chrome, and Edge and issue is the same every time. I think this is a Mac related issue rather than a browser issue. I am going to contact apple support on this and will update here.

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!

I had similar problem. I have macbook2023 connected to monitors through dell d6000 universal docking station. Since dell uses DisplayLink technology.. as soon as I connect MacBook to docking station .. currently running Netflix video turns blank with audio streaming on...

Just talked to thew Apple Tech support and got a resolution. This is happening due to an interference from one of the "Login items" load during the startup and running in the background. In my case, it was the DisplayLink drive I have installed to support multiple monitors. When I disable the DisplayLink, the issue was resolved immediately. If you don't use DisplayLink, you can troubleshoot the issue by starting Mac in the Safe Mode. Please follow steps below.

Safe mode prevents certain software from loading as your Mac starts up. This includes login items, system extensions that aren't required by macOS, and fonts that weren't installed by macOS.

1 Shut down your Mac.

2 Press and hold the power button on your Mac. As you continue to hold the power button, your Mac turns on and loads https://ilogcdn2.corp.apple.com/102342. When you see Options, release the power button.

3 Select your startup disk. It's named Macintosh HD, unless you changed its name.

4 Press and hold the Shift key, then click the “Continue in Safe Mode” button below your startup disk.

5 Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again.

You can also view this article for the steps :

Use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Please stream videos in the SafeMode and see if the issue exists. If you can watch videos in the Safe Mode, then issues is with one of the login items and/or extension you have installed. Please restart the Mac. After that, start disabling login items one-by-one to find the defective item.

I hope this helps!

I have also been struggling with this forever too. It started again this morning and thankfully found this post. I had my iPad plugged in as a monitor and it turns out this was the cause! Can't believe I'd never noticed this correlation either. Thanks for solving this mystery!

For me I had an issue with OBS, it crashed and I had to shut down the process "replayd" manually.

Due to some circumstances I wasn't able to just restart the Macintosh and had to figure it out sweeping through the activity monitor.

So it was a crashed background process which led to the black screen issue. The Mac even said "Your screen is being observed" at the user login. That may could happen with similar recording software / screen recordings as well.

Maybe that helps someone as well. This thread seems like a bunch of good solution to me.

Update. I had to unplug external monitor AND the adapter. Then put adapter back without the external monitor. Works now! No switching of browser needed!

What is the fix you are all referring too?!!! i’m lost and would like to know the easy fix!

Thank you so much for this. It solved everything.

Was looking at the comments, and as soon as I disconnected my third monitor that was connected via HDMI behind Mac Studio the problem fixed itself! I'm so happy! :)

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)

Same issue. Was able to make the changes in Chrome and am able to have both sound and video when screen mirroring to TV. Still black screen when trying to screen mirror movie purchased from Apple TV from Mac to TV. Works perfectly when using iPad. Odd.

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.

THANK YOU for this comment!!!! This is what solved my problem! I checked all my apps that records screens and they were not running. I have been trying to figure this one out for so long. Why on earth does iPad sidecar cause this? That is so crazy!

Thanks again for your feedback! You helped me a ton!

A HUGE THANK YOU! I have been struggling with this for 2+ months. Thank you for suggesting such an easy fix. You're the real MVP!