Fix: Sound on a Mac That Randomly Stops with Any Browser

Mac users may experience issues with playback and sound, such as audio randomly stopping or not working at all. These problems can occur with any browser and can be frustrating.

A variety of issues can trigger the no sound problem. For the most part, it is not easy to identify the precise cause. Sometimes, the obstacle could be an outdated browser or macOS, incorrect sound settings, or even a problematic app. Nevertheless, resolving a mysterious sound output problem isn’t complicated.

So, if your Mac sound is not working properly, you are in the right place. We will help you to not only bring the audio back, but also optimize your Mac for top performance.

Audio in Your Mac Not Working: How to Fix It?

First things first: Before you spend a whole afternoon trying to fix non-existing sound issues, first check for minor issues, such as volume and connection to your speakers. Check if you have muted the volume. On top of this, take time to check if your external speakers or headphones are blown out. If everything looks okay, try the following solutions:

Method #1: Check the Sound Settings

To rule out sound settings as the cause of the problem, head to System Preferences, and then follow these steps:

1. First, select Sound > Output.
2. Check your sound settings for discrepancies. For instance, if you are using a laptop, you may want to choose the Internal Speakers option (or Headphones if you have connected to your device).
3. Likewise, if you are using an iMac, you may see the Digital Output option. Just make sure to select the desired output settings. Also, don’t forget to uncheck the mute option.

Some users have reported success by simply switching from one output setting to another. Sometimes, Macs select the wrong output device, especially when you plug in or install a new one.

Method #2: Restart Your Mac

If the problem persists, consider shutting down your computer, and then turn it on back. Unlike a restart, a shutdown will clear your RAM and end all computer process. An even better option to troubleshoot the problem is to use Safe Mode to isolate issues with your computer.

Method #3: Reset Core Audio

If the above trick fails, there may be a problem with one of your Mac’s audio interfaces, which can result in a distorted sound. Resetting the Core Audio often does the trick.

To reset the low-level Mac audio API, take these steps:

1. Highlight on the Spotlight and search for Terminal.
2. Open the Terminal, then type sudo killall coreaudio into it and press Enter.
3. If prompted, enter your password.
4. After resetting the API, check if your sound works again.

Method #4: Check for Software Problems

You may run into no sound issues because of third-party software problems. Sometimes, a single app could trigger the problem. Probably, you have defined a specific output device in that app’s settings.

While the instructions for configuring each app will differ, be sure to choose the same output device you set on your Mac’s System Preferences > Sound > Output option panel.

Method #5: Update Your OS and Browsers

Updating your software usually fixes a lot of Mac issues, including audio in a Mac that stops randomly with any browser. If you didn’t know already, the process of updating software usually refreshes macOS, thus eliminating issues or settings that may be causing the problem.

If your testing showed that the sound output problem primarily resides on your browser, try installing the latest version of the browser and macOS.

Method #6: Restart the Sound Controller

If there is no software conflicting with your Mac’s sound output, your next step is to restart the sound controller. Here is how to do it:

1. Launch the Activity Monitor on your computer.
2. Browse through the list of processes, then select core audio.
3. After that, click on the X mark to terminate the process. Your Mac will restart automatically.
4. After that, check if the trick resolved the problem.

Method #7: Reset NVRAM/PRAM

Parameter RAM (PRAM) or Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) is a special memory that your Mac uses to store settings it needs before loading the OS. This information includes time zone settings, audio and display settings, and your current startup disk. Though rare, NVRAM/PRAM issues can trigger various odd Mac behaviors. Fortunately, you can reset it when your Mac sound is not working properly.

Here is how to reset the NVRAM:

1. Shut down your computer.
2. Now, press and hold down the Power button until the grey screen appears.
3. Immediately thereafter, press and hold down the Options + Command + R + P keyboard shortcut.
4. Release these keys when your computer restarts.
5. You will notice that some settings, including volume, time, keyboard preferences, among others have been restored. Your sound problem may also disappear in the process.

Last-Ditch Effort

If it is apparent your Mac’s sound isn’t working, consider scanning and restoring bad sections on the device. Performing this trick will not only pinpoint the issues to be resolved, but it will also optimize your Mac’s performance. Using a tool like Mac repair app will clear junk, repair disk permissions, and restore efficiency.

If the problem is so critical and you can’t fix it, contact Apple support. They will advise on the best way forward.

Conclusion

To sum it up, the sound on your Mac can stop working for many reasons. But you can always resolve it through quick, easy fixes, unless the issue is linked to faulty hardware, which is rare. You can rely on this post to guide you through the process.
How was your experience after trying the above solutions? Let us know in the comments section.