How to restore the startup chimes on the 2016 MacBook Pro

The new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar isn't even out yet, but already it's the center of some controversy -- not related to any new features, but instead to something it's removing: the classic Mac chimes which play when you turn on your machine. The reason for this is that, for the first time ever, your Mac will turn on from a switched off position if you simply open the lid -- meaning there's no need to risk unnecessary finger strain by pressing the power button. Presumably Apple made the decision to disable the chime sound so you don't accidentally disrupt a meeting by just opening the lid of your new MacBook. However, since the chime is a useful bit of shorthand to show that everything is booting correctly, some users are sad that it's no longer switched on as default. But don't worry: if you want to re-enable it there are some simple steps you can follow -- and I'm going to show you what they are.

First off, open up terminal, which can be found in launchpad and then the ‘other’ folder. Once open type
sudo nvram BootAudio=%01

Then enter your password. It’s as simple as that. If you want to turn it back off type in
sudo nvram BootAudio=%00

Follow us!

[sithlordsoup]

Seriously, the only two fun things that separated MacBooks with regularly designed laptops were an iconic startup sound and a glowing logo.

Thanks to (what I'm assuming is) a patch, now the last cool thing is now dead.

I'm sure Apple being the geniuses they are, is going to profit in the far future by bringing that glowing Apple back one day in its lineup. Thus causing an epic nostalgic boost in sales during its launch.

[liamcritchlow]

I remember at primary school in 2007 on my first day powering up the first mac I ever used (indigo iMac G3) and that iconic sound playing. that sound gave you the sense that you owned not just any computer but an apple. it will be missed

[bluevisor]

This doesn't work, however, changing StartupMute to %00 worked for my 2016 touchbar MBP... (sudo nvram StartupMute=%00)

[Keith_Long]

I would be very disappointed if they were removed completely. Its a nod to the original mac so its good to know they can be restored easily. great video.

[kingvon-hs]

DISCLAIMER: this only works with the 2016 macbook pro or earlier this does NOT work with later versions. but this worked for me. thanks!

[SRBAnimate]

It keeps saying that my username is not in the sudoers folder

[drewrosi]

Maybe save your fixes for when you have tried them on an actual machine. This fix was widely reported (all sites just copied each other), but doesn't work at all to restore the chime.

[smsetty]

For some reason, this helped my late 2013 Macbook Pro get the volume back lol.

[LaurenAlexandra]

please help! I've done the terminal code like FIFTY times it's not working!! I want my startup chime :(

[TheRadi]

This method is working for nobody, delete the video since it has no real value.

[blank]

This doesn't work for mine. Did this actually work for anyone?

[AneurisRivas]

I have done this numerous times and it doesn't work very frustrating!

[johnr]

Why didn't you prove that it works???

[DelrioUK]

bit silly to post this without having tried it first. Ive tried it on both 2016 and 2017 models, and it worked on neither. I was hoping this video would tell me an actual working technique, not the same lie that websites tell you.

[AVINIDE]

For those who are complaining that it doesn't work, Apple has probably patched that, so you can't enjoy this chime any more.

[alcaponed]

Does not work on my 2017 tbMBP 15, but my 2016 MacBook 12 had the sound enabled out of the box.

[itsmejacobw]

For anyone asking, the new command in macOS Catalina is "sudo nvram StartupMute=%00".

[jeethuutube]

Worked for me in 2019 macbook thank u soo much

[olmocuaron]

Did anyone notice that he’s doing this on a 2012/2015 model?

[clementrodrigue]

While listening to your video, we notice that you probably forgot the microphone on the desk behind.