iMac Troubleshooting Sound Issues
Troubleshooting speaker, headphone jack, and audio input issues
Troubleshooting microphone issues
Troubleshooting speaker, headphone jack, and audio input issues
Identify issues
Read these articles if you notice any of the following issues:
Left or right speaker emits no sound or low or distorted sound.
Headphone jack emits no sound or low or distorted sound.
Symptom occurs only with internal speakers.
Symptom occurs only with external speakers or headphones.
Audio input port (headphone jack) does not function.
Audio input port produces distorted audio.
Audio input port cannot be selected.
If you can’t hear sound from your Mac speakers
If your issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Unplug any headphones or external speakers.
Ensure that cables or other objects aren't inserted into the headphone jack.
Visually inspect the headphone jack to ensure that there's no debris inside the headphone jack.
If you find any debris in the headphone jack, gently clean the area using a small, nonmetallic, soft-bristled brush. Ensure that the brush is clean and dry. Gently brush out lint or debris. Twist the bristles to loosen and lift out debris. Brush debris away from the opening to avoid pushing debris into the opening. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened debris.
Caution: Unplug all cables and turn off the computer first. Don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish. Don’t use any metal objects to clear debris or obstructions, as this can short the connector and cause damage. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't spray liquid directly on the computer. Don't use compressed air.
Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
Run the Audio diagnostic suite.
Note: This diagnostic suite requires headphones to check the headphone jack.
Open and inspect the computer
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the computer's repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer's issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts one at a time in the order shown. After you replace the first part, repeat the troubleshooting steps to determine whether replacing a part resolves the issue. If it still isn’t resolved, replace the next part.
If you find damage in the headphone jack, or if the issue is isolated to the headphone jack, replace the audio board.
If the issue is isolated to speakers, replace the enclosure, which contains the speakers.
Replace the logic board.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer's issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Troubleshooting microphone issues
Identify issues
Microphone isn't working, but audio output functions.
Microphone audio is garbled.
Internal microphone input can't be selected.
During recording attempt, an alert says that audio input isn't accessible.
Audio recording results in silence.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Unplug any connected headphones or external speakers.
Ensure that cables or other objects are not inserted into the headphone jack.
Visually inspect the headphone jack to identify any debris inside the headphone jack.
If you find any debris in the headphone jack, gently clean this area using a small, nonmetallic, soft-bristled brush. Ensure that the brush is clean and dry. Gently brush out lint or debris. Twist the bristles to loosen and lift out debris. Brush debris away from the opening to avoid pushing debris into the opening. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened debris.
- Caution: Unplug all cables and turn off the computer first. Don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish. Don’t use any metal objects to clear debris or obstructions, as this can short the connector and cause damage. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't spray liquid directly on the computer. Don't use compressed air.
Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
Run the Audio diagnostic suite.
Note: This diagnostic suite requires headphones to check the headphone jack.
Open and inspect the computer
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the computer's repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer's issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts one at a time in the order shown. After you replace the first part, repeat the troubleshooting steps to determine whether replacing a part resolves the issue. If it still isn’t resolved, replace the next part.
If you find damage in the headphone jack, or if the issue is isolated to the headphone jack, replace the audio board.
For issues related to the rear microphone, or top left or top right microphone, replace the enclosure, which contains the rear and top microphones.
For front microphone issues, replace the display, which contains the front microphone.
Replace the logic board.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer's issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.