Why are the Touch Bar volume controls grayed out (disabled)

sound-volumetouch-bar

I’m unable to adjust the volume using my Touch Bar, how do I get out of this mode?

enter image description here

(as you can see the volume buttons are disabled).

Best Answer

I experienced the same problem. The fix:

  • Open System Preferences > Sound
  • Select the Output tab
  • Select MacBook Pro Speakers (or another working output) under Select a device for sound output.

The cause: I connected my MBP to an external monitor, which, unbeknownst to me, had speakers of its own.