Mac mini: Audio output randomly switches headphones/speakers

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Level 1

4 points

Mac mini: Audio output randomly switches headphones/speakers

My Mac mini has been changing audio output randomly for months now. I have headphones and external speakers always connected to my Mac and this issue only happens when I set the audio output to my headphones, it'll randomly change the output to the external speakers and switch back to the headphones. Sometimes, it switches my audio input. I can seem to find a fix, restarting the computer doesn't help. Unplugging and re-plugging the headphones and external speakers doesn't work either.

iPhone 13, iOS 26

Posted on Apr 7, 2026 3:46 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

den.thed

Level 10

97,966 points

Apr 7, 2026 4:24 PM in response to OluwafemiB

That sounds like a worn, loose or weak connection in the Mac mini's headphone jack.

Personally I would try a different set of headphones with a longer cable.

Or an extension cable between the Mac mini and headphones.

for some examples, go to > 3.5mm extension cables

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Answer 2

MartinR

Level 7

26,894 points

Apr 7, 2026 4:31 PM in response to OluwafemiB

OluwafemiB wrote:

My Mac mini has been changing audio output randomly for months now. I have headphones and external speakers always connected to my Mac and this issue only happens when I set the audio output to my headphones

What are the headphones & external speakers (makes & models) ... and how are they both connected to your Mac?

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