Thunderbolt Display audio

Question

Level 1

4 points

Thunderbolt Display audio

Microphone and speaker on Thunderbolt Display stopped working after upgrading to macOS Tahoe 26.1

Hi everyone,

I’m using a Mac mini M2 Pro with an Apple Thunderbolt Display. Before the update, everything worked well including the webcam, speakers, and microphone.

After upgrading to macOS Tahoe 26.1, only the webcam is working. The microphone and speakers from the Thunderbolt Display no longer appear as available devices.

Has anyone experienced this or knows how to fix it? Any help would be appreciated.

Mac mini, macOS 26.1

Posted on Nov 12, 2025 2:19 PM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

102,601 points

Dec 17, 2025 4:34 AM in response to febdao

You may consider updating to current Tahoe 26.2 and test if the current issues persist.

If nothing else, some Fixes and Bugs may have been addressed

Always make a Time Machine Backup before doing any upDates

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Answer 2

Dec 17, 2025 6:49 AM in response to febdao

Try this:

Shut down the computer.  > Shut Down...

Disconnect the monitor from the Mac.

Disconnect the monitor from ac power. Wait 1-2 minutes.

Reconnect the monitor to the Mac.

Reconnect the monitor to ac power.

Reboot the Mac.

Reevaluate the problem.

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

102,601 points

Dec 18, 2025 3:27 AM in response to febdao

The only other thing apart for D.I., Johnson's suggestion

Apple Thunderbolt Displays are legacy hardware (last sold in 2016) and rely on older Thunderbolt audio drivers.

With major macOS updates:

The issue is software, not the display

Apple has historically fixed this in subsequent point releases (e.g. .2 or .3).

I am aware there is a Beta Tahoe point 3 in Beta Testing

I do not suggest enrolling in Beta Testing on a Production or on an Only 1 computer setup

Wether this will be fixed in the point 3 update is unknown

Ao again give this issue some time if nothing else works

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Answer 4

Owl-53

Level 10

102,601 points

Dec 18, 2025 6:43 AM in response to febdao

Last thought and then I am out of new ideas

Reset Core Audio

Open Terminal and run:


sudo killall coreaudiod

Your audio will restart automatically after a few seconds.

This may or may not work for a prolonged period of usage and time .

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Answer 5

Dec 18, 2025 6:46 AM in response to febdao

That’s unfortunate.

Our friend, @Owl-53, has raised a good point about legacy hardware.

I can only suggest finally to add a USB data cable between the back of the display and the Mac mini. That would be a USB-A male to USB-C male cable. The mic and speakers might become available on the USB that way. If you try this make sure it’s a data cable and not just a cheap “power only” charging cable.

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Answer 6

Owl-53

Level 10

102,601 points

Dec 18, 2025 6:56 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

D.I. Johnson wrote:

That’s unfortunate.

Our friend, @Owl-53, has raised a good point about legacy hardware.

I can only suggest finally to add a USB data cable between the back of the display and the Mac mini. That would be a USB-A male to USB-C male cable. The mic and speakers might become available on the USB that way. If you try this make sure it’s a data cable and not just a cheap “power only” charging cable.

Good idea

Always a pleasure working with you my friend

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