Where to find audio output settings on your Mac

Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs), then go to Sound. Click the Output tab. You will see a list of all audio devices your Mac can send sound to — built-in speakers, external speakers, headphones, AirPods, or any USB audio device you have plugged in. Select the one you want to use.

The output you choose stays active until you change it again. If you switch devices often, you can also use the volume icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen for faster access without opening System Settings each time.

Key Takeaways

  • Audio output settings live in System Settings under Sound, in the Output tab, where you select from all connected devices.
  • The menu bar volume icon offers a faster way to switch outputs if you change devices regularly.
  • Bluetooth devices like AirPods must be paired first before they appear in the output list.
  • Some apps let you choose a different output just for that app, overriding your system default.
  • If a device does not appear in the list, check that it is powered on, in range, and properly connected.

Using the menu bar for quick switching

Click the volume icon in the top-right corner of your screen. Hold down the Option key (also called Alt) while you click the volume icon. A menu will drop down showing all available audio outputs. Select the one you want without opening System Settings.

This method is faster if you switch between headphones and speakers throughout the day. The output you pick becomes your default until you switch again.

Connecting Bluetooth devices before selecting them

Wireless devices like AirPods, Bluetooth speakers, or Bluetooth headphones must be paired with your Mac before they show up in the output list. Go to System Settings > Bluetooth, make sure Bluetooth is on, and look for your device in the list. Click Connect next to it.

Once paired, the device will appear in your Sound output options. If your Bluetooth device is already paired but does not show in the output list, make sure it is powered on and within range of your Mac. Some Bluetooth devices go to sleep after a few minutes of inactivity — turn them back on and they should reappear.

Setting different outputs for different apps

Some applications let you pick an audio output just for that app, separate from your Mac's system default. Open the app, look for Preferences or Settings (usually under the app name in the menu bar), and search for audio or sound options. Not every app offers this feature, but music players, video editors, and video conferencing tools often do.

This is useful if you want Zoom calls to go through your USB headset while music plays through your speakers, for example. The app-level setting overrides the system default only while that app is running.

Troubleshooting when a device does not appear

If you plugged in external speakers or headphones and they do not show up in the output list, try these steps in order. First, unplug the device and plug it back in — sometimes the Mac needs a moment to recognize it. Second, restart your Mac. Third, check that the device itself is powered on if it has a power switch.

For USB devices, try a different USB port. For Bluetooth devices, forget the device in System Settings > Bluetooth, then pair it again from scratch. If the device still does not appear after these steps, the device may be faulty or incompatible with your Mac model.

Understanding audio output vs. input

Output is where sound comes out of your Mac — speakers, headphones, or external audio systems. Input is where sound goes into your Mac — a microphone, line-in jack, or USB audio interface. The Sound settings have separate tabs for each. If you are trying to change where your Mac listens rather than where it speaks, you need the Input tab instead.

Many USB audio devices handle both input and output, so you may see the same device listed in both tabs. Choose the output tab to control where your music, videos, and system sounds play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Mac keep switching back to built-in speakers?

Some apps force the output back to built-in speakers when they launch or when you receive a call. Video conferencing apps and phone apps do this often. Check the app's preferences for an audio output setting and lock it to your preferred device. You may also need to restart the app after changing the setting.

Can I use two audio outputs at the same time?

Not through the standard Sound settings. However, you can create an Aggregate Device in the Audio MIDI Setup app (found in Applications > Utilities) to combine multiple outputs and send sound to all of them at once. This is an advanced feature and requires some setup, but it works for speakers and headphones together.

What if my AirPods are paired but won't show as an output option?

Make sure your AirPods are powered on and within Bluetooth range of your Mac. Open System Settings > Bluetooth and check that your AirPods show as Connected. If they show as paired but not connected, click them and select Connect. If they still do not appear in the Sound output list, forget them and pair again.

Does changing audio output affect the volume level?

The volume slider in System Settings controls the overall loudness sent to whichever output is active. When you switch outputs, the volume setting stays the same, but the actual loudness you hear may differ because different devices have different maximum volumes. Adjust the volume slider after switching if the new output sounds too loud or too quiet.