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How to Resolve 'Cannot Change Audio Device on macOS'

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How to Fix the Annoying 'Cannot Change Audio Device on macOS' Issue

Ever been jamming to your favorite tunes or about to start a vital Zoom call on your Mac only to find you can’t switch your audio output device? Frustrating, right? macOS is well-regarded for its intuitive design and reliability, yet, now and then, users can stumble upon perplexing issues like the inability to change the audio device. But fear not! Here’s a straightforward guide to get your Mac’s audio settings back on track.

Restart Your Sound Controller

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the right one. Restarting the Core Audio, essentially the brain behind macOS’s sound control, can resolve numerous audio hiccups, including our current predicament. Here’s how:

  1. Open Terminal: You can find Terminal in your Utilities folder within Applications. Alternatively, hit Command + Space to open Spotlight Search, type in "Terminal," and press Enter.
  2. Restart Core Audio: Type the following command and hit Enter:
sudo killall coreaudiod

You may need to enter your password. This command gently nudges your Mac's audio system to restart, potentially fixing the issue without further ado.

Check Your System Preferences

It’s always good to double-check your System Preferences, as sometimes the solution might be hiding in plain sight.

  1. Open System Preferences: You can find this by clicking on the Apple logo at the top left corner of your screen and selecting “System Preferences.”
  2. Go to Sound: Here, you’ll see tabs for Output and Input. Make sure you have the correct device selected for audio output. Sometimes, simply re-selecting the device can do the trick.

Update macOS

Sticking to the latest version of macOS ensures not only that you have the freshest features but also that many bugs (like our audio issue) are fixed. Here’s how to check if you’re up to date:

  1. Open System Preferences.
  2. Click on Software Update. If there's an update available, proceed to download and install it. This might take some time, but it could well resolve your audio woes.

Reset NVRAM or PRAM

NVRAM (nonvolatile random-access memory) or PRAM (Parameter RAM) on older Macs, stores certain settings in a location that macOS can access quickly. Resetting it can solve a range of problems, including audio issues:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. Hold them for about 20 seconds. During this process, your Mac might appear to restart.
  3. Release the keys.

After your Mac starts, check if you can change the audio device.

Create a New User Account

Sometimes, your current user account may experience specific corruption or settings issues, impacting functionalities like audio output selection. Try creating a new user account to see if the problem persists:

  1. Open System Preferences and go to Users & Groups.
  2. Click the lock to make changes and then on the plus sign to add a new user.
  3. Fill in the details and create the account.

Log into this new account and check if you're able to change the audio device. If you can, the issue might be related to your primary account’s settings.

Use the Audio MIDI Setup Tool

macOS includes a utility specifically for managing audio devices called Audio MIDI Setup. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open Audio MIDI Setup. You can find it in the Utilities folder within Applications.
  2. Check your devices: You should see a list of audio devices. Ensure your desired device is listed and configured correctly. You can also try changing the format and sample rate.

Final Resort: Contact Apple Support

If none of the above steps work, it might be time to call in the cavalry. Apple Support is usually helpful, and they can guide you through more advanced troubleshooting steps or repair options if necessary.

Wrapping It Up

Navigating through audio issues on macOS can be annoying, but most problems have simple fixes once you know where to look. Whether it’s performing a quick restart of the core audio system, checking system settings, updating your OS, or resetting system parameters, there’s often a way to restore harmony to your Mac’s sound system. Always remember, if you’re stuck, Apple Support is just a call or click away.

By using this guide, you're well on your way to solving the 'Cannot Change Audio Device on macOS' issue and getting back to enjoying seamless audio on your Mac. Happy listening!