Fix for Mac Videos Playing Too Fast or Without Sound (macOS)

Summary

This article provides steps for Mac users who experience an issue where videos suddenly play extremely fast, play without sound, or behave abnormally after waking their Mac from sleep. This quick guide explains how to fix the problem without needing to restart your computer.

Environment

This article is intended for all USNH students, faculty, and staff using a Mac computer.

 

Issue

Some Mac users may notice one or more of the following:

  • Videos play at hyper-speed or sound “chipmunk-like”

  • Videos have no audio

  • Videos stutter, freeze, or behave strangely after the Mac wakes from sleep

  • Happens in YouTube, streaming sites, or when playing downloaded videos

 

Resolution

How to Fix the Issue (Quick Solution)

Follow these steps:

  1. Open Activity Monitor

    • Go to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor

  2. In the list of processes, find:
    coreaudiod

  3. Click on coreaudiod once to highlight it.

  4. Click the “X” button at the top of the window and choose Force Quit.

  5. The system will automatically restart the audio service within a few seconds.

  6. Close Activity Monitor and try your video again.
    It should now play at normal speed with sound.

This fix takes less than 30 seconds and does not require a reboot.

Optional Advanced Method (Alternative Fix)

If you prefer to use Terminal or cannot find coreaudiod in Activity Monitor:

  1. Open Terminal

  2. Enter the following command:

sudo launchctl stop com.apple.audio.coreaudiod && sudo launchctl start com.apple.audio.coreaudiod
 

Additional Information

  • Keeping macOS up to date may help reduce how often this occurs.
    Go to: Apple Menu > System Settings > General > Software Update

  • A full restart will also resolve the issue, but the steps above are faster.

 

Workaround(s)

 

A full restart will also resolve the issue, but the steps above are faster.

Cause

This problem is caused by a temporary glitch in the Mac’s audio system service, called coreaudiod. When this service becomes stuck or unresponsive, it can affect video playback speed and sound.

The good news: the issue is temporary and can be fixed quickly without restarting.

Need additional help?

Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.  

 

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