MacBook Air: No audio to TV via AirPlay or HDMI

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Level 1

8 points

MacBook Air: No audio to TV via AirPlay or HDMI

Hello…have a frustrating issue that’s plaguing me. I’m not getting audio through my TV when I try to screen cast.

i am trying to screen mirror my Macbook Air, running Sequoia 15.7.7 to my brand new TCL tv - both via AirPlay and HDMI. When I connect via Airplay, the audio mutes at the laptop. When I use the HDMI cable, the audio plays on the laptop but I get nothing at the TV. All settings have been checked, no mute buttons are toggled. Output speakers are the TV.

I have tried EVERYTHING.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.7

Posted on Jul 7, 2026 12:34 AM

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Answer 1

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M-UK

Level 4

1,184 points

Jul 7, 2026 12:48 AM in response to Wott

Hi,

The most common cause for no audio when connecting a MacBook Air to a TV is that the macOS audio output remains set to the internal speakers instead of switching to the external display.

To fix this, go to System Settings > Sound > Output and manually select your TV or HDMI device.

If selecting the output does not immediately resolve the issue, try these additional steps:

Restart the Mac: Many users report that simply restarting the MacBook after changing the audio output setting forces the system to recognize the TV as an audio device.
Check AirPlay Sequence: When using AirPlay, ensure you set the audio output to the Apple TV or Smart TV before initiating screen mirroring. Some versions of macOS require the output device to be selected prior to connecting the video stream.
Verify Cable and Adapter: For HDMI connections, ensure you are using a high-quality cable that supports audio (HDMI 2.0 or higher). If using a USB-C or Thunderbolt adapter, confirm it is compatible with your MacBook’s port.
Use Audio MIDI Setup: Open Audio MIDI Setup from Utilities to ensure the HDMI output is enabled and configured correctly for the TV’s audio format.
Update Software: Ensure your macOS and TV firmware are up to date, as outdated software can cause compatibility issues with audio streaming.

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