MAC not switching to HDMI audio after turning off TV and back on.

I have my MAC mini connected to a Samsung TV with a HDMI cable. In audio I have selected the TV as output.


This works perfectly, Music etc etc plays through the TV Speakers, thus NO issues.


Now my Issue: I leave my MAC Mini on 24/7 and only turn off the monitor either in standby mode or cut the power completely. In the morning I turn the monitor back on and all sounds ONLY play through the INTERNAL MAC Mini M4 speakers. I try to change the audio settings but is doesn't matter how what I change, the sound keeps coming through the Internal Audio speakers of the MAC.


I thought the issue was with the HDMI cable and I bought several even a "high end" one, but NOPE that doesn't change a thing. The only way for me to solve it is by rebooting the MAC as even a sign out and sign in doesn't help.


Any ideas?


PS: It's a MAC Mini M4 with the latest update 15.6.1

Mac mini (M4)

Posted on Aug 23, 2025 11:21 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 24, 2025 06:20 AM

I think that problem happens because the Mac mini looses connection with the TV when the TV goes Off or into Standby mode.


With that Mac mini and TV setup.

It might be best to Shut Down the Mac mini and turn off the TV at night.

Then first turn on the TV and Startup the Mac mini in the morning.

8 replies

Aug 24, 2025 05:53 PM in response to mjcm_nl

Thanks, but I just find it strange that it does that. I was using my Windows PC the same (leaving it turned on and turn off the TV) that one was also connected to the same TV and in the morning it would still play music.


Isn't there a Key, FN, Control, Option, Command etc combo that I can use to revive this?


Ps: Only rebooting the Mac in the morning to get the sound back, not leaving it turned off during the night as already said.


Aug 24, 2025 06:12 PM in response to den.thed

Yeah I understand that windows works differently and I am getting to know that definitely as I am switching to MAC, Thx, but that doesn't work as stated in my OP, I can click till my mouse runs out of battery *pun intended* but nothing manages to change it. Only a reboot, as stated, solves it.


I have tried your solution and of course via Settings - Sound - Output. but no dice



MAC not switching to HDMI audio after turning off TV and back on.

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