User profile for user: caninemiss
caninemiss Author
User level: Level 1
23 points

How do I restore alert sounds on my MacBook Air M2 Chip after macOS Tahoe 26.7 update?

Update for MBA M2 Chip 2022 to Tahoe 26.7 last night (did not happen automatically despite auto updates "ON" and then poof- my incoming mail "crystal sound and ALL other alert sounds - gone- read and reread and looked for the constant few measures online. apple to take- every click is set on and bright colored yet - nothing works to fix-

Had some by phone advisors re focus last week - disappointed in UNanticpated changes that occurred and last night tried for help about UPdate available 9/14 yet have not been receiving notices (I have to keep checking despite automatic updates ( since last bit issues "updating Sonoma 2 years ago! And updating to TAHOE a few months ago, in store-) Any simple fix with maybe display or how to "links"? THANX ALL!



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Incoming mail + other alerts JUST STOPPED ON MBA M2 CHIP AFTER UP-DATEs TO TAHOE 26.7 last night

MacBook Air (M2, 2023)

Posted on Sep 25, 2026 5:47 PM

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User profile for user: Owl-53
Owl-53
User level: Level 10
118,169 points

Posted on Sep 26, 2026 3:09 AM

Since you have already checked the usual notification settings, start by testing whether macOS itself can play an alert sound.


Go to  > System Settings > Sound > Sound Effects and click the selected Alert sound. 


Apple says the sound should play when selected. 


Check Alert volume and Play sound effects through as well, and make sure your MacBook Air's speakers are selected. (Apple Support)


If the alert sound plays, open Mail > Settings > General and check New messages sound. 


Make sure it is not set to None, then select a sound and test Mail again. (Apple Support)


If the alert sound does not play, do not make further changes yet. 


Since you are also missing other Mac alert sounds, that tells us the problem is not limited to Mail. 


The next troubleshooting step should then focus on the Mac's system sound output.


If the Mac alert sound works but Mail still makes no sound, check System Settings > Notifications > Mail and confirm that notifications are permitted. 


A Focus setting can also affect notifications. (Apple Support)


This separates the two issues: the missing system alert sounds and the missing Mail sound. 


Your concern about automatic updates is a separate issue and does not need to be changed while troubleshooting the sound problem.


The most useful thing to tell us is simply whether clicking the Alert sound in System Settings > Sound > Sound Effects produces a sound or remains completely silent. 


From that result, the next step can be narrowed down without repeating the settings you have already checked.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Owl-53
Owl-53
User level: Level 10
118,169 points

Sep 26, 2026 3:09 AM in response to caninemiss

Since you have already checked the usual notification settings, start by testing whether macOS itself can play an alert sound.


Go to  > System Settings > Sound > Sound Effects and click the selected Alert sound. 


Apple says the sound should play when selected. 


Check Alert volume and Play sound effects through as well, and make sure your MacBook Air's speakers are selected. (Apple Support)


If the alert sound plays, open Mail > Settings > General and check New messages sound. 


Make sure it is not set to None, then select a sound and test Mail again. (Apple Support)


If the alert sound does not play, do not make further changes yet. 


Since you are also missing other Mac alert sounds, that tells us the problem is not limited to Mail. 


The next troubleshooting step should then focus on the Mac's system sound output.


If the Mac alert sound works but Mail still makes no sound, check System Settings > Notifications > Mail and confirm that notifications are permitted. 


A Focus setting can also affect notifications. (Apple Support)


This separates the two issues: the missing system alert sounds and the missing Mail sound. 


Your concern about automatic updates is a separate issue and does not need to be changed while troubleshooting the sound problem.


The most useful thing to tell us is simply whether clicking the Alert sound in System Settings > Sound > Sound Effects produces a sound or remains completely silent. 


From that result, the next step can be narrowed down without repeating the settings you have already checked.

Reply

How do I restore alert sounds on my MacBook Air M2 Chip after macOS Tahoe 26.7 update?

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