Volume icon keeps popping up on Desktop!

[Brittp]

For the last 2 days the volume icon keeps popping up on my MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020) out of the blue. I have rebooted many times, I have disconnected external devices. I am running latest macOS 12.6 (21G115). Can't find anything useful online so far. It's really annoying. I am in the middle of intricate work and the thumbnail pops up!

 

[BrianBaughn]

Do you notice if the volume (dotted line) actually changes when this happens?

 

[Brittp]

I can actually see it move up...

 

[Boyd01]

Perhaps a problem with the volume key? Maybe try "jiggling" it to see if that helps?

 

[BrianBaughn]

Perhaps a problem with the volume key? Maybe try "jiggling" it to see if that helps?

The model specified has no volume keys (function keys)…it has the Touch Bar.

Seems like a gremlin in the works. If it's happening a lot then the standard "test in a new user account" would be something you could try when you get a chance. I don't know what user file could get corrupted to cause that behavior but if it's OK in a new account one would have to say it's something in yours somewhere.

 

[rpmurray]

If it's happening a lot then the standard "test in a new user account" would be something you could try when you get a chance.

Could also try booting into Safe Mode and see if it happens there.

Start up your Mac with Apple silicon in safe mode​

1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu > Shut Down.
   Wait for your Mac to shut down completely. A Mac is completely shut down when the screen is black and any lights (including in the Touch Bar) are off.
2. Press and hold the power button on your Mac until “Loading startup options” appears.
3. Select a volume.
4. Press and hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.
   The computer restarts automatically. When the login window appears, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

Starting up a Mac in safe mode does the following:

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed.
• Loads only required kernel extensions.
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically.
• Disables user-installed fonts.
• Deletes font caches, Kernel cache, and other system cache files.