Guys, thank you so much for all this help and sharing. I tried so many things, and finally it worked! Tried blowing air into the plug, sticking paper clip and qtip with alcohol.
bruensk, thank you so much for the drawing.
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No sound out of MacBook speakers & red LED in Headphone jack
- Thread starter SCMaverick
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Guys, thank you so much for all this help and sharing. I tried so many things, and finally it worked! Tried blowing air into the plug, sticking paper clip and qtip with alcohol.
bruensk, thank you so much for the drawing.
I had the same problem with no sound on my MacBook Pro except when using a headset - in fact, plugging the headset in is what started the problem. I got a can of compressed air and sprayed directly into the jack opening and as I sprayed, I saw the "grayed out" speaker icon came back to life! Works perfectly now. It wasn't a hardware or software problem in my case...just dust!
Hi there!
I was having the exact same problem just about 5 minutes ago and had no idea what was going on!! I followed the bobby pin advice from brady.ca and it worked like a charm!! I will definitely be keeping one of those handy if that ever happens again :S
I was having the exact same problem just about 5 minutes ago and had no idea what was going on!! I followed the bobby pin advice from brady.ca and it worked like a charm!! I will definitely be keeping one of those handy if that ever happens again :S
I've tried pretty much every remedy listed in these MacRumor forums on this topic, I've jiggled the headphone jack around, i've used the q-tip, the toothpick, the paper clip, the inside tube of a ball point pen, the bobby pin, EVERYTHING. I even tried blowing into it, and dipping the halved q-tip in rubbing alcohol (risky, I know).
Nothing seems to help.
Now worse, after going at it for the past hour, when I plugged my headphones back in (2 different pairs) there is a horrible buzzing noise that comes out along with the audio. Please help. I'm guessing I'll have to take it to the Apple store soon to get it checked out. I'm desperate and really don't want to have to pay for an expensive fix or new logic board.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Nothing seems to help.
Now worse, after going at it for the past hour, when I plugged my headphones back in (2 different pairs) there is a horrible buzzing noise that comes out along with the audio. Please help. I'm guessing I'll have to take it to the Apple store soon to get it checked out. I'm desperate and really don't want to have to pay for an expensive fix or new logic board.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
My solution - "No Sound Output to MacBook Speakers" - Re-route Sound Input / Output
My solution for "No Sound Output to MacBook Speakers" - Re-route Sound Input / Output
I have had this problem on my MacBook Pro, and tried EVERYTHING Apple & Forums suggested - SMC reset, PRAM reset. Apple advised me to send it in for servicing. Since it isn't covered by warranty, I didn't want to do that.
If you do not want to pay Apple to fix your MacBook optical sound jack hardware, you can overcome the problem with this procedure I came up with myself, which overcomes the hardware failure caused by the headphone jack optical sensor thinking something is plugged in there when there isn't.
Ironically, this solution requires a jack be inserted into the headphone jack. Annoying, but workable and free.
Step 1. Plug headphones in (don’t worry, you won’t use them)
Step 2. Change System Preferences -> Sound -> Change Internal Speakers to an Input!
Step 3. Done!
Obviously when you do want to use the headphones, you must revert this setting!
My solution for "No Sound Output to MacBook Speakers" - Re-route Sound Input / Output
I have had this problem on my MacBook Pro, and tried EVERYTHING Apple & Forums suggested - SMC reset, PRAM reset. Apple advised me to send it in for servicing. Since it isn't covered by warranty, I didn't want to do that.
If you do not want to pay Apple to fix your MacBook optical sound jack hardware, you can overcome the problem with this procedure I came up with myself, which overcomes the hardware failure caused by the headphone jack optical sensor thinking something is plugged in there when there isn't.
Ironically, this solution requires a jack be inserted into the headphone jack. Annoying, but workable and free.
Step 1. Plug headphones in (don’t worry, you won’t use them)
Step 2. Change System Preferences -> Sound -> Change Internal Speakers to an Input!
Step 3. Done!
Obviously when you do want to use the headphones, you must revert this setting!
Last edited:
Remove Headphone Jack from Logic Board?
Last week my 15" macbook pro got stuck in digital out/optical out mode. The inability to hear anything without headphones is driving me nuts! I've scoured the internet for solutions, yet that annoying red light persists. In addition to resetting the PRAM and SMC, I have stuck a toothpic, a needle, and ton of otherthings in to no avail. Today, using a guide from iFixit, I removed my logic board (multiple times) peeled back the cover on the headphone jack, and tried flipping the microswitch connections... Didn't work. I've decided I can live without a headphone jack (by using a usb soundcard), and am considering removing it completely.
My question is: Will removing the headphone jack from the logic board turn off the optical out and allow me to use the computer speakers?
Thanks
Last week my 15" macbook pro got stuck in digital out/optical out mode. The inability to hear anything without headphones is driving me nuts! I've scoured the internet for solutions, yet that annoying red light persists. In addition to resetting the PRAM and SMC, I have stuck a toothpic, a needle, and ton of otherthings in to no avail. Today, using a guide from iFixit, I removed my logic board (multiple times) peeled back the cover on the headphone jack, and tried flipping the microswitch connections... Didn't work. I've decided I can live without a headphone jack (by using a usb soundcard), and am considering removing it completely.
My question is: Will removing the headphone jack from the logic board turn off the optical out and allow me to use the computer speakers?
Thanks
Remove Jack
You can remove the jack but it will not solve the problem unless you solder in a jumper that connects the speakers. But why go to all that problem and not just fix the issue. You can fix it by putting in a new jack if the old one has been destroyed. There is no microswitch in the headphone jack so I don't know what you are referring to. However if you are saying that you re-tensioned the spring switch and it did not work then you did it wrong.
You can remove the jack but it will not solve the problem unless you solder in a jumper that connects the speakers. But why go to all that problem and not just fix the issue. You can fix it by putting in a new jack if the old one has been destroyed. There is no microswitch in the headphone jack so I don't know what you are referring to. However if you are saying that you re-tensioned the spring switch and it did not work then you did it wrong.
Macspy, how do you retention the jack? The internal speakers are now working. Had to put iPhone earbud jack into the other (mic) jack and for whatever reason the speakers now work, even after inserting and removing from headphone jack.
The insert does not get that familiar click/tightness from the insert getting locked into the audio out jack, it's loose. The jack does cut off the speakers when insert is present though, no sound in the buds but there is electronic clicking as it is moved, but now when the insert is removed the speakers come back on. That is nice but an actual working jack would be better.
Thanks!
Robbie
The insert does not get that familiar click/tightness from the insert getting locked into the audio out jack, it's loose. The jack does cut off the speakers when insert is present though, no sound in the buds but there is electronic clicking as it is moved, but now when the insert is removed the speakers come back on. That is nice but an actual working jack would be better.
Thanks!
Robbie
Fixed
At first I was freaking out as I have installed Mountain Lion recently, and no longer have Apple Care. But then read this thread, and tried a few solutions. It worked for me with a q-tip. Had to strip the cotton a little to fit the hole. Then "Internal speakers" popped up instead of "Digital Out" Thanks y'all
At first I was freaking out as I have installed Mountain Lion recently, and no longer have Apple Care. But then read this thread, and tried a few solutions. It worked for me with a q-tip. Had to strip the cotton a little to fit the hole. Then "Internal speakers" popped up instead of "Digital Out" Thanks y'all
Thank you; Q-tip trick worked!!
I just returned from the Apple store to deal with an unrelated issue. While I was there, I informed them about the fact that I had no sound and a red light was showing out of my headphone jack. The Genius tried to use a headphone jack to try and fix the problem, but it didn't work. He said it was a "$500 hardware problem". I read here about using a Q-tip stick and voila, it worked!
I just returned from the Apple store to deal with an unrelated issue. While I was there, I informed them about the fact that I had no sound and a red light was showing out of my headphone jack. The Genius tried to use a headphone jack to try and fix the problem, but it didn't work. He said it was a "$500 hardware problem". I read here about using a Q-tip stick and voila, it worked!
well, I'll be darned
TA DAAAA! It works. And add one more to the count of those who have registered to say thank you. Now I can go to sleep.
I've sat here and read this forum, playing with various pokey things and cans of air, watching to see the red light, being totally frustrated....but this solution works. I may choose to just cut off a plug and leave it in their permanently, since it's such a pain to remember to bring along earbuds - I often use my MacBook away from home.
Thanks everyone....
TA DAAAA! It works. And add one more to the count of those who have registered to say thank you. Now I can go to sleep.
I've sat here and read this forum, playing with various pokey things and cans of air, watching to see the red light, being totally frustrated....but this solution works. I may choose to just cut off a plug and leave it in their permanently, since it's such a pain to remember to bring along earbuds - I often use my MacBook away from home.
Thanks everyone....
My solution for "No Sound Output to MacBook Speakers" - Re-route Sound Input / Output
I have had this problem on my MacBook Pro, and tried EVERYTHING Apple & Forums suggested - SMC reset, PRAM reset. Apple advised me to send it in for servicing. Since it isn't covered by warranty, I didn't want to do that.
If you do not want to pay Apple to fix your MacBook optical sound jack hardware, you can overcome the problem with this procedure I came up with myself, which overcomes the hardware failure caused by the headphone jack optical sensor thinking something is plugged in there when there isn't.
Ironically, this solution requires a jack be inserted into the headphone jack. Annoying, but workable and free.
Step 1. Plug headphones in (dont worry, you wont use them)
Step 2. Change System Preferences -> Sound -> Change Internal Speakers to an Input!
Step 3. Done!
Obviously when you do want to use the headphones, you must revert this setting!
View attachment 345380
I had this exact problem with the speakers not working and the red light in the headphone jack... So naturally, I googled the problem and fell upon this forum. Thank you so much! I plugged my headphones back in and wiggled them slowly as I took them out again and the red light went away! Even better, my external speakers work again! Thanks so much!
After using headphones in my 2007 MacBook, I lost sound from the internal speakers. I visited my local Apple Store's Genius Bar where I was informed the logic board would need replacing at a cost of £400 ($600), or I would have to purchase speakers. Reluctant to do either, I came across the match stick fix and after 5 minutes of pushing a match stick in and swivelling it around the sound returned. Thanks!
I have a similar problem with my (2008) MacBook, however, it does not work with or without headphones. (Please excuse me if this has already been answered, there are quite a lot of replies and I didn't bother to read them all.)
Audio Jack Fix
I had the exact same problem, tried poking it with a toothpick, all that did was leave wood shavings in the jack. What finally worked was that I pulled the rubber ends off of a bobby pin, took needle-nosed pliers and bent a very small acute angle in the end (probably about an eight of an inch bend at the top) and inserted it into the jack. After that I hooked it behind the contact at 3 o'clock and pulled to the left and outward to create tension. After several tries I pressed my volume up button to be surprised with the familiar sound from my speakers! Give it a shot! Much better than jamming something into your jack and risking screwing it up worse.
I had the exact same problem, tried poking it with a toothpick, all that did was leave wood shavings in the jack. What finally worked was that I pulled the rubber ends off of a bobby pin, took needle-nosed pliers and bent a very small acute angle in the end (probably about an eight of an inch bend at the top) and inserted it into the jack. After that I hooked it behind the contact at 3 o'clock and pulled to the left and outward to create tension. After several tries I pressed my volume up button to be surprised with the familiar sound from my speakers! Give it a shot! Much better than jamming something into your jack and risking screwing it up worse.
Did it
Hi everybody, just another guy who did it and registered just to thank everybody and to tell you how I did it.
I had no sound from internal speakers, red light, impossibility to turn up or down volume, everything stuck on digital output.
I had tried toothpick and a couple of other things (PRAM reset, SDC reset...), but the thing didn't seem to be software related. I got really frustrated as I tried a lot with different things, plus I wasn't really sure which was the right metal clip to jiggle.
At last what did it was a safety pin, with bent point (approx 1/1,5mm) that had to go under the metal clip. Here it is:
So my theory is that whenever you insert an actual digital audio cable (that goes deeper than the normal jack), the switch is pushed out of the hole, thus giving the computer signal to switch to digital output. So for whatever reason your switch got stuck on 'external position' and you need to pull it back in.
The metal clip is positioned on the right part (3 o'clock, as someone said), considering the computer normally laying with the keyboard on the upper part. The way I did it is trying to get the bent part of the pin under the metal clip, to pull it in. I actually only got it on the edge of the metal clip, but the friction was enough to slightly pull the clip towards the inside of the jack hole. I tried to do it using the lower edge of the clip but didn't manage, then I tried the upper part and after a few minutes of trying, it finally worked. Red LED turned off and music started playing.
Here's a drawing I made to explain this:
I suggest that you do this with the computer on and music playing (like iTunes), so that you immediately see if you did it.
Hi everybody, just another guy who did it and registered just to thank everybody and to tell you how I did it.
I had no sound from internal speakers, red light, impossibility to turn up or down volume, everything stuck on digital output.
I had tried toothpick and a couple of other things (PRAM reset, SDC reset...), but the thing didn't seem to be software related. I got really frustrated as I tried a lot with different things, plus I wasn't really sure which was the right metal clip to jiggle.
At last what did it was a safety pin, with bent point (approx 1/1,5mm) that had to go under the metal clip. Here it is:
So my theory is that whenever you insert an actual digital audio cable (that goes deeper than the normal jack), the switch is pushed out of the hole, thus giving the computer signal to switch to digital output. So for whatever reason your switch got stuck on 'external position' and you need to pull it back in.
The metal clip is positioned on the right part (3 o'clock, as someone said), considering the computer normally laying with the keyboard on the upper part. The way I did it is trying to get the bent part of the pin under the metal clip, to pull it in. I actually only got it on the edge of the metal clip, but the friction was enough to slightly pull the clip towards the inside of the jack hole. I tried to do it using the lower edge of the clip but didn't manage, then I tried the upper part and after a few minutes of trying, it finally worked. Red LED turned off and music started playing.
Here's a drawing I made to explain this:
I suggest that you do this with the computer on and music playing (like iTunes), so that you immediately see if you did it.
I was able to fix it by doing an SMC reset, as described here, or at least I think that's what fixed it... it didn't actually work right away, so I thought it hadn't helped, but a couple hours later it started working again.
It's possible it may have actually been fixed because it went to sleep for the first time since the issue started, and it started working again when the computer woke up. I think I may have left the speaker cord plugged in the previous time the computer went to sleep ("deep sleep", actually - I use a free program that puts the computer into deep sleep, known in the PC world as hibernating), so I'm thinking that may have had something to do with it.
It's possible it may have actually been fixed because it went to sleep for the first time since the issue started, and it started working again when the computer woke up. I think I may have left the speaker cord plugged in the previous time the computer went to sleep ("deep sleep", actually - I use a free program that puts the computer into deep sleep, known in the PC world as hibernating), so I'm thinking that may have had something to do with it.
I've had this problem for 3 years and tried everything. This post is the first one that's worked for me. It's like being deaf for 3 years and suddenly hearing again. Thanks.
Trick now is to keep it in this state after the next time I need to use headphones.
STOP THE POKING!! Hackintosh Methodology Fix...
STOP POKING
This fix works like a charm!
https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=20146330
STOP POKING
This fix works like a charm!
https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=20146330
I tried the headphones solution. But I tried it with iPhone headphones. It did not work at first, even after almost 20 - 30 times. It worked only after I tried clicking the headphones volume buttons. Then I removed the headphones, internal speakers worked fine.
red light fix
I found a fix for the red light problem. I'm not sure if I like it, but it works. After reading forum thread after forum thread of users that had this problem, I found a dude who fixed his jack with a rubber ended bobby pin. It seems a sensor gets bent (?) and the system thinks your digital external line is still plugged in. I took the butt end of a matchstick and tickled inside the jack. My red light went out. My internal speakers work again. Whatever.
