How to turn off the startup sound on a Mac
2 min read · 3 steps · Updated 4 October 2026
Open System Settings, click Sound, and switch off Play sound on startup. The Mac then starts without the startup chime. Switch it on again to hear the chime when you restart.
- Device
- Mac
- Shown on
- macOS Tahoe 26
- App
- System Settings
- Path
- System Settings › Sound
- Real screenshots
- 3 of 3 steps
- Checked
- October 2026
- Sources
- 1 official, linked below
A Mac plays a chime when it starts. In a library, a lecture or a bedroom at night that is unwelcome. The switch for it is in the Sound settings, under Sound Effects.
The screenshots show System Settings on macOS Tahoe 26.
Step by step
Open System Settings
Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and choose System Settings.
Click Sound in the sidebar
Sound is in the group with Notifications and Focus. You may need to scroll down in the sidebar.
Switch off Play sound on startup
It is in the Sound Effects group. In the picture it is on.
Good to know
Apple notes that not all options on this page appear on all Mac models.
The two switches below it are for other sounds: Play user interface sound effects, for actions such as dragging an item to the Trash, and Play feedback when volume is changed.
In short: System Settings, Sound, Play sound on startup off.
Links checked on 3 October 2026. Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.