Volume low after updating to MacOS 15.4.1

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Level 2

255 points

Volume low after updating to MacOS 15.4.1

After updating to MacOS 15.4.1, I got on a Zoom call and could barely hear anyone. I had to crank the volume of both the computer and my speakers to the max, and it was still hard to hear.

Normally, when watching Facebook Reels, having the volume at the very lowest level above muted was ideal, but, again, I had to crank it to hear anything.

A restart solved the problem, but only temporarily, and it is continuing to be an issue.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Mac Studio, macOS 15.4

Posted on Apr 21, 2025 9:55 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Old Toad

Level 10

215,382 points

Apr 21, 2025 3:39 PM in response to Dan Radmacher

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

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Answer 2

Dan Radmacher Author

Level 2

255 points

Apr 22, 2025 5:11 AM in response to Old Toad

I booted into safe mode late yesterday afternoon. As of this morning, volume is behaving normally — but I haven't been actually using the computer much since I rebooted. I'll see what happens as I use it this morning.

This is probably an unrelated issue, but my Music app is also behaving oddly (even in Safe Mode). It is taking forever to load the Cloud Music Library, and I've been getting errors trying to download purchased songs. As I said, probably unrelated, but thought I'd mention it as another data point.

Maybe I just need to do a fresh reinstall and a restore from backup.

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Answer 3

Dan Radmacher Author

Level 2

255 points

Apr 22, 2025 9:03 AM in response to Dan Radmacher

The Zoom update helped, BUT the volume ducked down when I pulled up a camera in the Home app, which is new behavior. The volume was restored when I minimized the camera window. (The camera was muted.)

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Answer 4

dialabrain

Level 10

135,935 points

Apr 21, 2025 3:44 PM in response to Dan Radmacher

I don't really use Zoom Workplace but make sure you're using the latest version.

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Answer 5

Dan Radmacher Author

Level 2

255 points

Apr 22, 2025 7:06 AM in response to Dan Radmacher

UPDATE: After using Zoom, the volume issue is back, even in safe mode. I'm on 6.3.11 and 6.4.6 is out, so I'll try upgrading to that.

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