Background Music App Not Working on macOS? Fixes

Background Music is a free, open-source Mac app that many people use for per-app volume. If it has stopped working for you (no sound, apps missing from its list, or it won't open), here's how to get your audio back and what to try next.

1. Get your sound back first

If you have no sound at all, check where your Mac is sending audio:

1. Open System Settings > Sound > Output.
2. Select your real speakers or headphones (for example your MacBook speakers, AirPods or USB headset), not a virtual or unfamiliar device.
3. Check that the output volume is up and not muted.

Also check System Settings > Sound > Input if your microphone stopped working in calls.

2. Quit and relaunch

Quit Background Music completely, then open it again. If an app you want to control doesn't show up, quit and reopen that app too, then play some sound in it.

3. Restart Core Audio

The macOS audio service can get stuck, especially after sleep, an update or switching devices. Open Terminal and run:

sudo killall coreaudiod

Audio cuts out for a moment and restarts. Then relaunch Background Music and test again. If that doesn't help, restart your Mac.

4. Update or reinstall

• Check for a newer version: Background Music is an open-source project, so look at its project page for the latest release and any notes about your macOS version.
• Reinstall cleanly: follow the uninstall instructions in the project's own documentation, restart your Mac, then install the current version.
• Check permissions: look in System Settings > Privacy & Security for any permission the app asks for, and make sure it's granted.

If you just updated macOS, it's worth checking the project page for known issues before reinstalling repeatedly.

5. If you just need per-app volume: an alternative

If you mainly used Background Music to turn one app down, boost another or mute something, a dedicated mixer can do that job.

SoundDial is a menu-bar app that gives every running app its own slider:

• Per-app volume from 0% to 200%: lower a loud app or boost a quiet one above 100%
• Per-app mute with one click while other apps keep playing
• Works per app, not per browser tab (all tabs of a browser share one slider)

The trade-off is simple: Background Music is free, SoundDial is a paid one-time purchase. If Background Music works well for you again after the steps above, there's no need to switch. A side-by-side is on our Background Music alternative page, and a longer comparison is in Background Music vs SoundDial.

SoundDial, a per-app volume mixer for Mac needs macOS 14.2 or later and costs €14.99 one-time purchase on the Mac App Store, no subscription.

Get SoundDial on the Mac App Store.