Why Mac Screen Recording Has No Sound (Fix Internal Audio Fast)

If your Mac screen recording has no sound, you’re not doing anything wrong.

There are actually two types of audio involved when you record your screen:

1. Microphone audio — your voice
2. Internal audio — the sound coming from your computer (YouTube, Zoom, Spotify, a video, etc.)

Most Mac users have no problem recording their microphone.

The issue is internal audio.

That’s why your recordings come out silent when you try to capture what’s playing on your screen.

Mac users use the term "internal audio". You will also read terms like "computer audio" or "system audio". All three terms mean the same thing.

Why Mac Screen Recording Has No Sound

macOS blocks internal audio recording by default.

This is a deliberate design choice by Apple.

The reason is security and privacy.

If apps could freely record internal audio, they could potentially capture:

• private calls

• meeting audio

• system sounds without your knowledge

So Apple restricts access to internal audio unless you use special routing tools.

As a result:

• QuickTime only records your microphone

• The built-in screen recorder doesn't record internal audio

• Most simple tools don’t capture what’s playing on your Mac

So when you record your screen, your voice will be there (unless you didn't toggle on your mic - lol) —but your video or app audio will be missing.

Fix Option 1 (The hard way): Use BlackHole (Manual Workaround)

One way to solve this is by using tools like BlackHole, Soundflower, or Loopback.

These tools create a virtual audio device that reroutes your system audio into your recording.

But this comes with friction.

You have to install drivers, configure Audio MIDI settings, and manage output devices. It’s easy to misconfigure, and small changes can break your setup.

If you’ve tried this and ended up with no sound—or the wrong sound—you’re not alone.

For a simpler approach, see:
Easist blackhole alternative for recording internal audio on Mac

Fix Option 2 (Easy way): Record Internal Audio Directly

The easier solution is to use a tool that captures internal audio without routing it manually.

Podsplice screen recorder records:

• internal audio (what’s playing on your Mac)

• your microphone

• your screen

• your camera

Everything is captured together and saved as separate synced tracks.

There’s no need to install drivers or configure audio devices.

You just record.

Here is a video I made showing the easiest way to record your mic and internal audio on a Mac.

When This Matters

This problem shows up anytime you need both your voice and your internal audio in the same recording.

For example:

• recording a YouTube reaction video

• teaching from slides or a video

• creating tutorials or demos

• recording a Zoom or remote conversation

If internal audio is missing, the recording isn’t usable.

It's not only about internal audio. Learn more about the best screen recorder with system audio

Quick Summary

Mac screen recordings have no sound because macOS blocks internal audio recording by default.

Your microphone works, but your system audio doesn’t get captured.

You can work around this with tools like BlackHole, or use a tool like Podsplice that records internal audio directly without setup.

Bottom Line

This isn’t a bug. It’s how macOS is designed.

Once you understand the difference between microphone audio and internal audio, the problem becomes clear.

The fix is simply choosing a method that captures both.

If you want the easiest way to record internal audio, mic, and screen together without setup, Podsplice is built for exactly this.