How to Change Sound Output on Mac

Before you start

You can change the sound output without installing extra software when the speaker, headset, or another output device is already connected to the Mac and recognized by it. The process is local to the Mac and does not require an account, cloud service, or network connection. If the device does not appear as an option, check its physical connection and the device's own pairing or power state.

A device may be shown as an output device, an input device, or both. A set of headphones with a microphone, for example, can appear separately for output and input. Changing the output device does not automatically change the input device.

Step-by-step instructions

Use these steps to select which device plays sound from the Mac. The exact names depend on the connected equipment and the macOS version, but the main path remains the same.

1. Open sound settings

• Choose Apple menu > System Settings.
• Select Sound in the sidebar.
• Select Output.

On older macOS versions that use System Preferences, open System Preferences, select Sound, and then select the Output tab.

2. Choose the output device

• Locate the list of available sound output devices.
• Select the device you want to use.
• If asked, confirm that you want to use it for sound output.

The selected device becomes the active output until you choose another one or disconnect it. If you unplug a wired device, the Mac normally falls back to the built-in speakers.

Changing the output does not delete or rename the device. You can return to the same settings and choose a different output at any time.

3. Check volume and device controls

Use the Mac volume control to set the overall listening level. Some output devices also have their own hardware volume controls, such as a headphone wheel or speaker dial. Set the hardware control to an audible position before judging whether the device is working.

Do not raise the volume high before testing. Start low and increase it gradually, especially with earphones.

Check the output

Play a short sound that you already know, such as a system alert or a local audio file. Confirm that the sound comes from the selected device and not from another speaker or display.

Keep in mind that sound quality and available effects depend on the device. Advanced audio settings such as the sample rate may be available for some connected devices, but the option set is determined by the equipment and the current macOS version. The Mac may show a device as active even when its own volume is turned down.

For a more useful check with a camera or call app, speak into the intended microphone and listen on the chosen output. This verifies the separate input device and output device work together in the app's audio path.

Common problems and next steps

The device does not appear

Disconnect and reconnect a wired device, or turn a wireless device off and on. For a Bluetooth device, confirm that it is paired and connected before opening sound output settings. A device that is paired but not connected will not be available for playback.

There is no sound

Check the output selection, the Mac volume, and the device's own volume or mute switch. If the sound still does not play, select the built-in speakers to see whether the issue follows the device or affects all output.

Sound plays from the wrong place

Some apps have their own output device setting. If the app still uses another speaker or display, look for an audio output or speaker option in the app and select the device there.

Input level is too low

If you are checking a microphone at the same time, open the input settings and raise the input level gradually. Keep the microphone away from strong background noise and test with a short phrase while watching the input meter.