# Can't change the volume on an HDMI or DisplayPort monitor? Here's why, and the fixes

By Sheik Ahamed, who makes Earmix. Checked on 5 November 2026.

<strong>Short answer:</strong> When a Mac plays sound through an HDMI or DisplayPort monitor or TV, the volume slider is greyed out and the volume keys do nothing, because those devices don't give macOS a volume control. Use the monitor's own buttons or remote, a DDC app such as MonitorControl, or an app that adds software volume, such as Earmix, which we make, SoundSource, FineTune or eqMac.

## Why the volume is greyed out on HDMI and DisplayPort

A Mac's volume slider and keys change the volume of the output device. Built-in speakers and headphones offer that control to macOS. HDMI and DisplayPort audio devices don't. They expose no volume or mute control, so macOS has nothing to move. The slider in System Settings › Sound goes grey, and the volume keys do nothing.

Macs also don't support HDMI-CEC volume, the system some TVs use so a connected device can change their volume. So the TV remote works, but the Mac can't send it volume commands.

Nothing is broken. The monitor or TV decides how loud it is, using its own controls.

## Fix 1: use the monitor's or TV's own controls

Most monitors with speakers have volume in their on-screen menu, and TVs have the remote. It's free and always works. It's also slow if you change volume often, and some monitors bury it a few menus deep.

## Fix 2: control the monitor over DDC with MonitorControl

Many monitors accept commands from the computer over DDC, the same channel used for brightness. MonitorControl is a free, open-source app that uses DDC to set an external display's brightness, contrast and volume, and makes your Mac's own volume keys work for it (it needs Accessibility permission).

Its limits, from its own documentation:

- DDC doesn't work over the built-in HDMI port on M1 Macs, the entry-level M2 Mac mini or the 2018 Intel Mac mini.
- It doesn't work through DisplayLink docks, or with EIZO displays.
- Version 4.4.0 is needed on macOS 27 Golden Gate.

If your setup is on that list, use the monitor's buttons or software volume below. BetterDisplay is a paid alternative with more display features.

## Fix 3: software volume with a mixer app

A software volume app turns the sound down on the Mac before it reaches the monitor. Set the monitor's own volume fairly high once, then use the Mac's keys for everyday changes.

In Earmix:

1. Install Earmix and open it (macOS 14.2 Sonoma or later).
2. When asked, allow **Accessibility**. Earmix needs it to take over the volume keys.
3. Choose your HDMI or DisplayPort monitor as the output, from Earmix's Output menu in the menu bar or System Settings › Sound.
4. Press the volume keys. Earmix changes the volume in software. Hold ⇧ for fine steps.

![Earmix's Devices tab, listing the Mac's outputs](https://earmix.app/img/devices-light-1x.png "The Devices tab, where each output's settings live.")

You also get a slider per app, so you can [turn one app down](https://earmix.app/per-app-volume-mac.html) without touching the rest.

Other apps that do software volume on HDMI and DisplayPort:

| | Price | HDMI/DP volume | Also |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Earmix** | $12.99 early bird ($49), one Mac | Yes, volume keys | Per-app volume, boost to 400% |
| SoundSource | $49, all your Macs | Super Volume Keys | Per-app volume, boost to 400% |
| FineTune | Free, open source | DDC volume, F10–F12 keys | Per-app volume, boost |
| eqMac | Free basic; Pro $3/month | Volume & Balance, free tier | System EQ, boost |
| MonitorControl | Free, open source | DDC, volume keys | Brightness, contrast |

*From each app's website, checked November 2026. "Not listed" means the website doesn't mention it, not that the app can't do it. All names belong to their owners.*

If HDMI volume is all you want, MonitorControl (if DDC works on your setup) or eqMac's free tier is enough, and FineTune is free with per-app sliders too. SoundSource comes from Rogue Amoeba, a long-established developer, and covers all your own Macs. Earmix is newer, with call ducking, recording and [a mixer like Windows has](https://earmix.app/volume-mixer-mac.html) on top.

## Fix 4: play through something else

If none of that suits you, plug headphones or speakers into the Mac itself and pick them in System Settings › Sound. The Mac's own outputs have a normal volume control.

## If it's still too quiet

Software volume can only turn the sound down from what the monitor is set to. If it's quiet at the top of the slider, turn the monitor up, or see [how to make a Mac louder](https://earmix.app/mac-volume-too-low.html).

## Questions

### Why can't I change the volume on my HDMI monitor from my Mac?

HDMI and DisplayPort audio devices don't give macOS a volume or mute control, so the slider is greyed out and the keys do nothing. Use the monitor's buttons, a DDC app like MonitorControl, or a software volume app.

### How do I get the volume keys to work with a DisplayPort monitor?

Install an app that handles the keys for that output: MonitorControl (DDC), or a software volume app such as Earmix, SoundSource's Super Volume Keys or FineTune. MonitorControl and Earmix need Accessibility permission for the keys.

### Does the Mac support HDMI-CEC to control TV volume?

No. Macs don't support HDMI-CEC volume, so the TV remote is the way to change the TV's own volume.

### Why doesn't MonitorControl change the volume on my M1 Mac?

DDC doesn't work over the built-in HDMI port on M1 Macs, the entry-level M2 Mac mini or the 2018 Intel Mac mini. Use the monitor's own buttons, or software volume instead.

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Earmix gives every Mac app and browser tab its own volume, output and EQ. Free for 14 days, then $12.99 once (early bird, regularly $49). https://earmix.app/