How to Change Chrome’s Audio Output on Mac

Before you start

Chrome on macOS plays audio through the Mac’s currently selected output device. There is no separate output menu inside Chrome that overrides the system choice for ordinary tabs, so changing playback normally means changing the output device in macOS. If you are joining a video call or using a site that has its own device selector, that site may also let you choose an output device within its meeting or media settings.

For system-level changes, the option is applied locally on your Mac. You do not need a separate service, but you do need the output device to be connected, switched on, and recognized by macOS.

Step-by-step instructions

The quickest way to move Chrome’s sound to another device is to use the Sound panel in macOS.

• Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings, then select Sound.
• Connect the speaker, headset, monitor, or other audio device you want to use.
• Under Output, select the device that should play sound from Chrome and other apps.
• If the device has an output volume slider, set it to an audible level.
• Return to Chrome and play audio in the tab or web app to confirm the sound follows the new output.

In some video-calling or media sites, Chrome opens the site’s own device picker. Look for a settings, audio, or speaker menu in that web app and choose the output device from the list. A site-level choice can route that specific call to a different speaker without changing the Mac’s default output.

If you only want the sounds from one tab to move, you may be able to change the output device from the web app’s controls rather than from the system sound settings. Not all web apps support this option.

Check the output

Play a short sound or a short piece of speech in Chrome and listen for it on the selected device. If the site has its own speaker tester, use that test tone instead of relying on a long recording. Check that the volume is comfortable and that playback does not continue on the previous Mac output.

For calls and meetings, speak to another participant or use the site’s preview or loopback feature if one is shown. Do not assume the route has changed based only on the Settings screen; verify with a short, repeatable audio signal.

Common problems and next steps

If the new device is missing from the macOS Sound settings, confirm that Bluetooth audio is connected or the USB or HDMI device is plugged in and powered. You can also check the device manufacturer’s connection steps. Avoid guessing a menu path in Chrome; system output changes are made in the Mac’s sound settings unless a site exposes its own speaker menu.

Changing the output normally does not change Chrome’s microphone. If a call still uses the wrong microphone, go to the site’s input or microphone settings and select the correct input device. You may also need to check macOS microphone permissions for Chrome. If a site does not show a device picker, use the Mac’s system input settings to choose the preferred microphone.

A site can also be muted or blocked by Chrome’s site permissions. If you hear no sound after changing the output, open the Chrome menu for that tab, check whether the site is muted, and review the sound permission. If the problem continues, test the same browser content in a new tab or after reloading the page.