6 Best Ways to Fix No Sound in Safari on Mac
Safari is the default browser for Apple devices, allowing you to browse the web. You can manage your browsing routine by creating tab groups in Safari to organize web pages. Many enjoy listening to music or watching videos on YouTube while browsing. However, it can be frustrating when you can’t hear the sound of a song or video. Fortunately, we have some solutions to fix the no sound problem in Safari on Mac.
1. Check if Your Currently Opened Tab Is Muted
The first thing to check in Safari for Mac is whether the tab playing media is muted. Every browser allows you to mute the currently opened tab. In Safari, you can follow these steps:
1. Play an audio or video in a Safari tab.
2. While the media plays, an audio (speaker) icon will appear on the right side of your tab.
3. Click the tab to unmute audio.
The Mute Tab option instantly mutes audio for any audio or video playing on the tab. So, if you accidentally muted a tab and forgot about it, check the address bar in Safari.
2. Check the Volume Levels of Your Mac
Once you have unmuted your tab, check the volume levels of your Mac. You might have muted your Mac’s volume and forgotten to unmute it. You can increase the volume of your Mac from the top-right corner on the menu bar.
3. Check Output Source on Your Mac
If the first two steps have not solved the issue, it’s time to take a deep dive. Even after unmuting the tab and increasing the volume, if you can’t hear anything, then something else is wrong. By default, Mac uses the built-in speakers as the default output source. If you’ve connected earphones or external speakers, your Mac may not have switched the output source back to the internal speakers. However, you’ll need to check this from the sound settings. Follow these steps:
– Step 1: Press Command + Spacebar to reveal Spotlight Search, type “System Preferences,” and press Return.
– Step 2: Click on Sound.
Step 3: In the Sound menu, click Output.
Step 4: Select the Built-in speakers as the Sound Output device.
You can also check if the Output Volume is set to maximum or close to that level.
4. Check Safari Preferences for Website Autoplay
Sometimes we open websites that play media automatically. To avoid this, Safari users can turn off auto-play and mute audio while browsing a specific website. If choosing the right Output Source doesn’t work, the next step is to check if Stop Media with Sound is still enabled. Follow these steps:
1. Open the website causing the playback issue in Safari browser.
2. Click on Safari in the top left corner of the menu bar.
Step 3: Click on Settings for YouTube.
A pop-up menu will appear below the currently opened tab. Check for Stop Media with Sound enabled alongside Auto-Play.
Tap to reveal dropdown menu.
Step 6: Select Allow All Auto-Play.
Step 7: Close the menu by clicking anywhere on the webpage.
Alternatively, you can choose to do the same from Safari Preferences. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Click on Safari at the top menu bar.
Step 2: Select Preferences from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Click on Websites tab.
Step 4: Click on Auto-Play from the left menu.
Step 4: In the Auto-Play tab, select the website name on the right.
Step 5: Click the dropdown tab on the right side.
Step 6: Select Allow All Auto-Play from the options.
5. Force Quit and Relaunch Safari
Allowing Auto-Play from Safari Preferences should solve the muted audio issue. If you still can’t hear the sound while playing music or a video, you can force quit and relaunch Safari on your Mac. Follow these steps:
1. Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner.
2. Select Force Quit from the list.
Step 3: Select Safari from the Force Quit applications list.
Step 4: Click on Force Quit button.
Step 5: Relaunch Safari and open the web page to check for audio.
6. Update macOS
If nothing has worked for you, consider updating the macOS. This is recommended to those who haven’t upgraded for a while. Here’s how:
Step 1: Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner.
Step 2: Click on About This Mac.
Step 3: Click Software Update button.
If there’s a macOS update available, download and install it. After your Mac restarts, try using Safari again.
Fix Muted Audio on Safari Browser
If you’re browsing a website at work or in a library, muting audio in Safari can prevent embarrassment. If these solutions don’t work, visit an Apple Store to have your Mac speakers checked by experts.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.