Discord has become one of the most popular platforms for online communication, particularly for gamers and communities who want to connect while sharing screens, playing games, or collaborating on projects. However, many users face a challenge when it comes to sharing audio during screen sharing, especially on Mac systems. If you’ve encountered the frustrating problem of “Mac Discord screen share audio not working,” you’re not alone. This article will delve deep into the reasons behind this issue and provide step-by-step solutions to ensure you can share your screen with audio effortlessly.
Understanding Discord Screen Share on Mac
Discord’s screen sharing feature allows users to stream their screen in real time, giving friends or colleagues the ability to see what you’re seeing. While the video quality is often good, one of the common complaints from Mac users is that the audio doesn’t transmit along with the visuals.
Why does this happen? The audio sharing feature usually works flawlessly on Windows; however, on Mac, it requires some extra configurations due to the operating system’s privacy features.
Common Reasons for Audio Issues in Discord Screen Share on Mac
Before diving into the solutions, it’s crucial to understand the potential reasons why audio may not be working during screen sharing on Discord for Mac users.
1. System Privacy Settings
macOS is designed with several security and privacy features that protect users from unauthorized access. One such feature can block Discord from capturing audio during screen sharing. If Discord is not granted permission to access your microphone or other audio sources, the sound will not transmit.
2. Discord’s Audio Settings
Discord provides its own settings for managing audio devices. If these settings are not configured correctly, it can lead to audio issues during screen shares.
3. Browser Issues
If you are using Discord in a web browser rather than the desktop application, there might be compatibility issues or browser settings that prevent audio from being shared.
4. Outdated Software
Using outdated versions of Discord, macOS, or even your browser can contribute to functionality problems, including sound issues. Software updates often fix bugs that might hinder proper performance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Mac Discord Screen Share Audio Issues
Now that we have identified common causes, let’s explore how to resolve the screen share audio problems that many Mac users face when using Discord.
Step 1: Check and Adjust System Preferences
The first method to troubleshoot screen share audio issues is through the System Preferences on your Mac.
1. Grant Microphone Access
- Go to the System Preferences by clicking the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select Security & Privacy.
- Click on the Microphone tab.
- Check the list of apps that have requested access to your microphone. Ensure that Discord is checked. If it’s not, check the box.
- If you change this option, be sure to restart Discord for the changes to take effect.
2. Adjust Sound Settings
- In System Preferences, click on Sound.
- Make sure the correct output device is selected. If you’re using headphones, confirm that they are selected and functioning properly.
Step 2: Configure Discord Settings
Improper settings within Discord can often be the culprit behind audio issues.
1. User Settings
- Open Discord and click on the gear icon (User Settings) located at the bottom left.
- Navigate to the Voice & Video section.
- Under Input Device, choose the correct device that you want to use (like your microphone or headset).
- Under Output Device, select your speakers or headphones.
- Test your audio settings by speaking into your microphone and ensuring the green input indicator moves.
- If you are using a dedicated audio interface, ensure that it is properly configured.
2. Ensure “Use Legacy Audio Subsystem” is Unchecked
Sometimes using legacy audio settings can cause issues:
- In the same Voice & Video section of Discord:
- Scroll down to find the option labelled “Use Legacy Audio Subsystem” and ensure it is unchecked.
Step 3: Restart Discord and Your Mac
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve persistent issues. To do this:
- Close Discord completely.
- Shut down your Mac and restart it.
- Open Discord and check if audio sharing works during screen sharing.
Step 4: Update Discord and Your Mac
Outdated software can lead to numerous issues, including the failure to share audio. Follow these steps:
1. Update Discord
- Open Discord and go to the User Settings.
- In the bottom left corner, under your username, you’ll see the version number. If an update is available, you will be prompted to download it.
- Follow the prompts to install it.
2. Update macOS
- Click on the Apple icon and select System Preferences.
- Click on Software Update.
- If updates are available, click Update Now and follow the instructions.
Advanced Troubleshooting: Additional Solutions
If you’ve gone through the previous steps and still face issues, consider trying the following advanced solutions.
1. Use the Desktop App Instead of the Browser
If you are primarily using Discord in a web browser, switch to the desktop application. The desktop app is often more stable, with fewer audio and video issues compared to various web browsers.
2. Reinstall Discord
If nothing else works, uninstalling and reinstalling Discord might resolve persistent issues.
- Go to Finder and open Applications.
- Locate Discord and drag it to the Trash.
- Download the latest version of Discord from the official website, and install it.
3. Check External Device Connections
- If you’re using external devices (such as USB microphones or headsets), ensure they are securely connected. Sometimes, loose connections can result in issues.
- Try connecting different headphones or microphones to see if the issue is device-specific.
Using Alternatives for Audio Sharing
If for any reason you still encounter audio issues, consider using alternatives that might enhance your screen-sharing experience on Mac.
1. OBS Studio
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) Studio is a powerful open-source software that allows for customizable screen sharing. Though it requires some setup, it can stream both video and audio effectively.
2. Zoom or Skype
Both Zoom and Skype offer reliable screen-sharing features with audio. While they may not have the same gaming-focused features as Discord, they can serve as a temporary solution.
Conclusion
The “Mac Discord screen share audio not working” problem can be frustrating, but with the right steps and understanding of your system settings, you can effectively resolve these issues. Start with checking your System Preferences, adjusting Discord’s settings, and ensuring your software is up-to-date. If all else fails, use alternatives to continue your screen-sharing sessions smoothly.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can enjoy sharing your screen with audio on Discord without interruptions, ensuring that every gaming session or meeting is as seamless as possible.
What are the common audio issues when sharing my screen on Discord for Mac?
When sharing your screen on Discord from a Mac, one of the most common audio issues is the absence of audio during the stream. Users frequently report that while they can share their visuals seamlessly, the audio output is either completely missing or not up to the expected quality. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to stream games, movies, or presentations that rely heavily on sound.
Another typical issue is echo or feedback during screen sharing sessions. This often occurs when the audio output settings are misconfigured or when multiple audio devices are playing the sound concurrently. Ensuring that the audio settings on both Discord and your Mac are properly adjusted can help mitigate these issues and provide a smoother experience.
How can I enable audio when sharing my screen on Discord?
To enable audio while sharing your screen on Discord, first make sure that you select the specific application you want to share rather than the entire screen. When you click on the screen share button, you’ll see a list of open applications; check for the option that indicates ‘Share Audio.’ This setting is essential to ensure that the audio output from the application is captured and shared with the participants in your call.
After selecting the application, you will also want to verify the audio settings within Discord. Go to User Settings > Voice & Video, and make sure that your Output Device is correctly set to your desired speakers or headphones. Adjusting these settings should allow you to share both video and audio without any issues.
Why am I experiencing a delay in audio during screen sharing?
Experiencing a delay in audio during screen sharing can often be related to your internet connection. A slow or unstable internet connection can cause latency in both video and audio, leading to a noticeable lag. To improve this, try using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi, and ensure that no other heavy bandwidth applications are running simultaneously.
Another factor that might contribute to audio delay is the processing power of your Mac. If your device is running multiple processes or has limited resources, it may struggle to effectively manage audio and video data at the same time. Consider closing unnecessary applications and tabs before starting your screen share to free up resources and help reduce any potential lag.
Do I need to change any Mac settings for Discord to work properly?
Yes, there can be specific settings on your Mac that may need adjustment for Discord to function optimally. First, ensure that Discord has permission to access your microphone and any other necessary hardware. You can check this by going to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy tab and ensuring Discord is allowed to access your microphone.
In addition, checking your sound settings is crucial. Go to System Preferences > Sound, and make sure that the Output settings are configured to the correct device you want to use. Discrepancies in settings may often lead to audio issues during screen sharing sessions, so confirming these settings can enhance your performance.
What should I do if my audio is not recognizable on the Discord call?
If the audio you’re sharing is not recognizable or poor in quality during a Discord call, first check the volume levels on your Mac. Sometimes, the volume settings for the application you are sharing might be too low, affecting how the audio is transmitted to other users. Make sure you have the volume adjusted appropriately within both the application and the Mac’s sound settings.
Additionally, inspect your Discord audio settings. Navigate to User Settings > Voice & Video and adjust the Input Sensitivity, which can often help improve the clarity of the shared audio. You may also try switching your Output Device to another audio source and then back again to see if that resolves the issue.
Can I use other audio sources while screen sharing on Discord?
Yes, you can use other audio sources while screen sharing on Discord, but it requires proper configuration to prevent complications. Ensure that the audio playback devices are set to the sources you wish to use during screen sharing. This means setting up your system to capture the sound effectively without causing any echo or overlap, which could disrupt the shared audio for other participants.
Moreover, if you are using external devices like microphones and speakers, make sure they are connected properly and recognized by your Mac. You can check this in System Preferences > Sound. It might also be beneficial to use a headset to minimize background noise, which can help maintain clear audio quality during your stream.
What troubleshooting steps can I take if I still face audio issues?
If you’re still facing audio issues while trying to screen share on Discord, the first step is to restart the Discord application. Often, a simple restart can solve many glitches or bugs that may be causing these problems. If that doesn’t help, consider restarting your Mac, as it can clear any underlying issues that may not be immediately visible.
Another effective troubleshooting step is to reinstall Discord. Sometimes, outdated installations can lead to persistent issues. After uninstalling Discord, download the latest version from the official website and install it anew. Be sure to check all your audio settings again after reinstallation to ensure everything is configured correctly for screen sharing.