BenchReady — Built-in speakers versus redirected audio MacBook Air (M1, 2020), Apple M1 chip · 2.0.0 Compare selected output and local playback before a speaker service request. MODEL FIT Choose Apple menu → About This Mac. Confirm MacBook Air (M1, 2020) and Chip: Apple M1. An Intel processor or another chip does not match. macOS Big Sur or later; Ventura and later call the preferences app System Settings. Diagnostic screens vary by macOS. Excluded: MacBook Air Intel 2020; MacBook Air M2; MacBook Pro M1 PREPARATION [ ] Local audio can play [ ] Volume can remain comfortable [ ] Two known local audio files [ ] Keep any existing backup accessible to you. [ ] Keep credentials and personal files outside this record. GUIDE 1. Try a known local file and inspect the app volume. Select a second file to distinguish one silent source from a silent output. Sources: https://support.apple.com/en-nz/guide/mac-help/mchlp1439/mac; Opening → app volume / different file 2. Disconnect headphones and external speakers. Record the currently selected output category; a display or USB device may be receiving the sound. Sources: https://support.apple.com/en-nz/guide/mac-help/mchlp1439/mac; Built-in / external / display outputs 3. In System Settings → Sound → Output, select the Mac speakers, set a comfortable level and clear mute. Earlier macOS uses System Preferences; use its matching guide. Sources: https://support.apple.com/en-nz/guide/mac-help/mchlp1439/mac; Built-in speakers, steps 2–4 4. Replay both local sources on the same built-in output. If compatible owned headphones are available, compare them afterward without increasing volume excessively. Sources: https://support.apple.com/en-nz/guide/mac-help/mchlp1439/mac; Built-in and external audio output; original controlled comparison 5. If local playback works but calls do not, retain the call-only distinction. If built-in output is absent or silent across local sources, take that observation to Apple. Sources: https://support.apple.com/en-nz/guide/mac-help/mchlp1439/mac; Output and app-volume guidance; original service routing EVIDENCE TO RECORD Selected output: Not recorded Mute and level: Not recorded Failure scope: Not recorded First local file — Built-in speakers, comfortable volume: Not checked Second local file — Same output and volume: Not checked Optional headphones — Same file; owned compatible headphones: Not checked STOP CONDITIONS Stop using and charging equipment with swelling, casing separation, smoke, a burning smell or suspected battery damage. Do not open or press on it. Set damaged accessories aside. Do not open mains adapters or force connectors. Do not erase, reset, flash firmware or bypass a lock as a default diagnostic step. OUTCOMES Built-in audio baseline saved: Use the working local result when reviewing call-only audio. - Record the selected output category. - Review the meeting app output privately if calls remain silent. Review the silent source: One local source works through the same output. - Retain the working source category. - Contact the affected app provider before a speaker replacement. Request output support: Built-in output is absent or remains silent across local sources. - Report output visibility and mute state. - Include headphone comparison if available. Confirm the output first: A silent redirected route does not establish a built-in speaker fault. - Identify the selected route. - Mark unplayed files Not tested. Keep the unanswered checks visible: Selected output, mute state or local playback is unconfirmed. - Provide output visibility and local playback results. - List connected audio routes and omitted comparisons. - Keep unperformed conditions marked Not tested. Ask the provider to confirm these before further changes. Stop the powered checks: Stop using or charging damaged equipment. Keep away from hot or smoking equipment; obtain emergency help for an immediate fire risk. Arrange manufacturer guidance before handling or transport. - Tell Apple about the visible damage before arranging a MacBook Air service. - Provide output visibility and local playback results. - Do not open the case, remove the battery, press a lifted surface, or continue a test to complete this record. SOURCES No sound from Mac speakers: https://support.apple.com/en-nz/guide/mac-help/mchlp1439/mac (Opening / Built-in speakers / External outputs; checked 2026-10-13) Important safety information for your Mac: https://support.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/important-safety-information-apd9b8f7aa11/mac (Handling / Built-in battery / Charging; checked 2026-10-13) Identify MacBook Air model: https://support.apple.com/en-ie/102869 (Find model / MacBook Air M1 2020; checked 2026-10-04) MacBook Air (M1, 2020) technical specifications: https://support.apple.com/en-us/111883 (Charging and Expansion / Display Support; checked 2026-10-13) Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102550 (Prepare / Apple silicon / Run Apple Diagnostics / Results; checked 2026-10-13) Mac does not respond to key presses: https://support.apple.com/en-sa/guide/mac-help/mchlp1240/mac (Built-in keyboard / Other keys; checked 2026-10-13) Mac sleeps or wakes unexpectedly: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/-mchlp2995/mac (Check sleep settings / Network access / Sharing / Activity / Something else is waking your Mac; checked 2026-10-13) This is a blank guide. Use the website to save observations and export an importable record. No physical repair has been verified.