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

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:

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

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Mar 17, 2023 1:32 PM

Top-ranking reply

tbrunnet

Level 1

9 points

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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26 replies

hphuongk

Level 1

8 points

Aug 19, 2023 9:42 AM in response to jfultondesign

Thank you so much!!!! I was pulling my hair over not being able to see some of my classroom videos and also streaming issues as well

Sep 5, 2023 3:20 PM in response to jfultondesign

Thank you so much, this fixed my issue and was very helpful!

Sep 11, 2023 6:23 PM in response to jfultondesign

Thank you sooooo much. This has been a problem for months and I had not been able to figure it out, so I just stopped looking for solutions. Very much appreciate it!

Nov 2, 2023 6:22 AM in response to jfultondesign

The struggle WAS real. Thank you so much!

Nov 13, 2023 10:37 AM in response to jfultondesign

Thank you sooooooooooooo much. I being struggling for few weeks with different methods all failed. Much appreciated for the solution.

Nov 19, 2023 8:33 AM in response to jfultondesign

Adiga gacan a

Sc0tty_P

Level 1

8 points

Dec 1, 2023 8:44 AM in response to GhostyAF

This was the answer I needed! Thank you!!

rreegan

Level 1

8 points

Dec 13, 2023 8:15 PM in response to CuppyCake1982

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

Dec 21, 2023 5:10 AM in response to jfultondesign

Had similar problem last night when trying to play a video downloaded from Prime on mAC Book Air. So not using a browser. Could watch Prime videos OK on another MACBOOK Air. Any suggestions?

Jan 16, 2024 11:03 AM in response to jfultondesign

Wow, that worked. Ive been trying for 2 hours to get this to work. I was sceptical as nothing has worked and i have absolutely no idea what this means. Thanks.

Mar 1, 2024 4:36 AM in response to jfultondesign

Thank you so much for this. It solved everything.

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