7 Fixes Spatial Audio Not Available On Mac (Greyed Out)

Apple first introduced this Audio Mode, which seems to be the game changer in Surround Audio World. Now and forever, the user always appreciates it, as they are piqued with something they desire in the dream. But over time, many of the users encountered that spatial audio greyed on the Mac computer. And that footing leads them to remain a stunt as they never consider such issues. 

If you are one of those users, going through Spatial audio shows “not playing” even when playing supportable audio on Mac or any other related problem too. Here are some of the troubleshooting procedures that you should definitely try on your Mac Computer.

How To Fix Spatial Audio Mode Not Working On the Mac Computer

In this article, we have tried to cover as much information as about what are the requirements of Spatial Audio and why it is greyed out on the Mac computer.

For iPhone, iPad: Spatial Audio Not Working on AirPods on iPhone

Requirements

Unfortunately, this Audio Mode On Mac was launched out with some of limitations. I mean that the feature is compatible with limited Apple Gadgets. So let’s check What other Media Player Apps and Apple music spatial audio-supported devices are? Before moving ahead to any further steps!

List Of Spatial Audio Compatible Mac And Airpods  

If you have Mac Intel, then you must completely ignore this feature as of now and forever, Apple launched the feature only for Mac with Apple Silicone Chip. Below is the list of Macs with Apple Silicone Chip.

Tip: If you want to see if your Mac is equipped with Apple Silicone Chip. Navigate to the Apple Icon > About This > just for illustration, if there is Chip Apple M1 mentioned, it means your Mac computer consumes Apple Silicone Chip.

Mac,

  • Mac – M2 chip (2023)
  • Mac Studio (2020)
  • MacBook Pro (14-Inch, 2021)
  • MacBook Pro 914-Inch, 2021)
  • iMac (24-Inch, M1, 2021)
  • Mac mini (M1, 2020)
  • MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
  • MacBook Pro (13-Inch, M1, 2020)

Airpods, 

  • Airpods Pro (3 Generation)
  • AirPods Max
  • AirPods Pro

Third-Party Headphones

  • BeatsX
  • Beats Solo3 Wireless
  • Beats Studio3
  • Beats Studio Buds
  • Powerbeats3 Wireless
  • Beats Solo Pro
  • Beats Flex
  • Powerbeats Pro

Before using Spatial Audio on any Apple Device, demonstrate the list above. If your device appears in the list, it’s time to know more about Spatial Audio.

Spatial Audio Compatible macOS Versions

The same goes with the macOS versions, as limited devices are compatible with this mode. Apple highlights the hint that Spatial Audio is now available only for the macOS Monterey and macOS Ventura later versions. Considering this, here are the steps to update the macOS version.

Step. 1→ Select the Apple Logo > System Preferences (Here, you have to select System Settings… for macOS Ventura And Later)

system-settings-on-macos-ventura-on-mac

Step. 2→ Choose (General in macOS Ventura) > Software Update > Choose Update Now or Upgrade Now.

With these simple steps, you can upgrade the macOS version, and grab the new interesting feature of macOS. After knowing deeply about Spatial Audio compatibility, now it’s time to fix the issue.

Why Spatial Audio Greyed Out

Solution 1: Update macOS

Currently, the most common problem that users usually go through when they encounter spatial Audio not working is outdated macOS versions. As I have mentioned above, this Audio is only compatible with the macOS Monterey and above versions. So check if your device consumes the latest version of the software. If not, immediately update and check whether the greyed-out issue is solved or not. 

Step. 1→ Go to the Apple Icon present in the Apple Menu Bar.

Step. 2→ Select System Preferences… (Here, you have to select System Settings… for macOS Ventura) > About This Mac.

On the next screen, your Mac will represent the name of macOS; if the device consumes an older version, update it by following the steps below.

Step. 1→ Go to Apple Icon > System Settings (choose System Preferences… in case of macOS Monterey And Earlier)
Step. 2→  Choose General > Software Update > Choose Update Now or Upgrade Now. Doing so will begin the update procedure.

After completing the update procedure, check if spatial Audio head tracking is not working. If not, move to the next solution.

Solution 2: Active Subscription Of Apple Music

If you are always on Apple Music, but suddenly got to know spatial Audio not with Apple Music Not Working On macOS, is one of the frustrating issues. The common logic behind the issue is you have an inactive Apple Music subscription plan. In this case, you have to subscribe to Apple Music. 

Note: Always try to pay for the Apple Music subscription plan on time, because being late will vanish the Songs that you have downloaded in the library of Apple Music. 

Step. 1→ Go to the Apple Music App > For You or Listen Now.
Step. 2→ Choose a Trail Offer. (single trial for Family or individual)

activate-apple-music-subscription-on-mac
activate-apple-music-subscription-on-mac

There are four types of subscriptions to Apple Music, but the most commonly used are Individual Plan ($9.99/Month) and Family Plan for up to 5 Users (14.99/Month). At the same point, it allows you to Cancel Apple Music Subscription Plan if you are not convinced with the plan you have bought.

Step. 3→ Sign-In with Apple ID. In case, if you don’t have Apple ID, create one
Step. 4→ Re-check the billing credential and cast the appropriate Payment Mode.
Step. 5→ Select Join

Solution 3: Turn On Dolby Atmos Not Showing

dolby-atmos-not-showing-or-missing-on-mac
dolby-atmos-not-showing-or-missing-on-mac

Note: Before Turning on Dolby Atmos for Apple Music, make sure Apple Music subscription is on and Loggin in with the correct apple ID.

Sudden tweaks in the device or Apple music settings can result in the Dolby atmos icon not showing. In this case, there are two preferences to be played, so go with any of them as per your need.

Choose Quality Dolby Atmos (Spatial) Quality Preference

Step. 1→ In the Apple Music App > Music > Settings/Preferences in macOS Ventura from the top menu.

music-settings-on-mac
music-settings-on-mac

Step. 2→ Perform any of the following,

​​Play Compatible Music In A Dolby Atmos Audio format: select PlayBack and then select any options from the pop-up of Dolby Atmos to Automatic or Always On.

turn-on-dolby-atmos-on-mac-for-spatial-audio
turn-on-dolby-atmos-on-mac-for-spatial-audio

Select Dolby Atmos Audio Quality When Downloading Songs: Choose General > check box present next to the Download Dolby Atmos.

download-dolby-atmos-on-mac-music-app
download-dolby-atmos-on-mac-music-app

Playing around with these settings will fix any issue related to the Dolby Atmos; moreover if you need something new, this feature will go through the following solutions.

Change the Dolby Atmos (spatial) audio quality for a song

Step. 1→ Go to Apple Music on the Mac device. The Songs need to be in playing mode before altering the desired settings.

Step. 2→ Choose the Dolby Icon present in the Playback Control to enable or disable the Spatial Audio

turn-off-dolby-atmos-on-music-app-on-mac-from-player
turn-off-dolby-atmos-on-music-app-on-mac-from-player

Here we end up with the simple steps to fix Dolby Atmos (Spatial) greyed out on Apple Music. 

Solution 4: List Of Spatial Audio Compatible Services & Apps

Disastrously, Spatial Audio is not universally supported by all Third-Party Apps For Mac. So to save your golden time and to prevent you from scrolling through the internet to get the wrong information. Nevertheless, we have listed some of the popular apps that are compatible with this Audio mode. 

  • Netflix
  • Hulu
  • Apple TV’s App
  • Disney +
  • Foxtel (Australia)
  • HBO
  • Air Video HD (Enable Surround From Audio Settings)
  • Peacock 
  • Discovery+
  • Paramount+
  • Vudu
  • Plex (Turn On Old video Player From Settings)
  • Some TIDAL Songs
  • Apple Music (Paid Version)
  • Safari
  • Youtube (Safari)
  • FE File Explorer (DTS 5.1 Incompatible)

That’s over and above, out of this list, Spatial Audio is not compatible with any of the third-party applications. So if you are using any services and applications out this array will definitely result in My Mac spatial Audio greyed out.

Solution 5: How To Enable Spatial Audio On Mac

I bought the latest Mac, and want to experience spatial Audio. But I don’t know how to turn on Spatial Audio. Here are the steps to enable it on all macOS versions. 

But before using, you should use spatial-compatible applications and services. If you are not familiar with those, go through the above-mentioned list. 

Step. 1→ Go to Control Center > Sound > Spatialize Stereo.

sound-settings-in-control-center-on-mac
sound-settings-in-control-center-on-mac

Click on Down Arrow to see the “Spatial Audio” Settings > “Head Tracked” (Head Tracked Option is not Showing, Enable – Spatial audio follows head movements, given in next solution). Ensure both the AirPods (Left and Right AirPods into Ear and Working). If it’s not charged any of them or Won’t Turn on, then Try after resetting it.

On the next screen, you will encounter three different options.

turn-on-spatial-audio-on-mac-control-center
turn-on-spatial-audio-on-mac-control-center
  • Off: Choosing this option will disable the Spatialize Stereo on your Mac computer.
  • Fixed: Configuring the Spatialize Stereo Audio using this option will offer you the virtual direction audio. This means it will not change according to the head movement.
  • Head Tracked: Spatial audio with unique head tracking offers to surround sound from the video or series you’re watching, it makes you feel like watching the movie in a theatre.

Solution 5: Head Tracking Option Not Showing up in Spatial Audio on AirPods Pro on Mac

Dynamic Head Tracking Option Not Showing up under the Spatialize Stereo (Spatial Audio) section on Mac. That means “Spatial audio follows head movements” is Turned off on Mac under the AirPods Pro Audio settings. Follow the below steps to turn on following head movements on Mac…(For Supported Macs listed above)

  1. Go to the Apple Logo from the top menu > System Settings.system-settings-on-macos-ventura-on-mac
  2. Scroll to Accessibility > Audio.airpods-audio-settings-on-mac
  3. Under the General Section, Spatial audio follows head movements, Enable the toggle.follow-spatial-audio-follows-head-movements-for-airpods-on-mac
  4. Now, the Option “Head Tracked” is Visible under the Spatial audio section – See the below screen.head-tracked-enable-on-mac
  5. To Stop Head Tracked, turn off the “Spatial audio follows head movements” and “Head Tracked” Option will not available.head-tracked-disable-on-mac

That’s it.

For iPhone, iPad users: Enable Head Tracking on AirPods Pro for iPhone

ENJOY SPATIAL Audio ALL THE DAY!

Enjoying the spatial Audio is like a theatre experience at home, here after all your doubt regarding the spatial Audio not working or greyed out on Mac will be cleared out after going through the complete guide!

FAQs

Is Spatial Audio Compatible With Apple TV?

Well, the spatial Audio isn’t compatible with the Apple TV but the application launched in the Apple TV supports the Spatial Audio.

Does Intel mac support Spatial audio? 

As mentioned above the Intel Mac Computers are not compatible with this Audio. Apple introduced this feature only to Mac computers equipped with Apple Silicone Chipset.

Dolby Atmos Format Settings Missing?

There is a possibility that your Apple Music subscription might be over, or else there is a sudden tweak in the settings of apps. In the second case, we mentioned the tips and tricks to fix it in this article.

Do Spatial Audio Work With Any Headphone?

Not all headphones, only work with Beats Fit Pro. 

Does Spatial Audio Work On Youtube?

Unfortunately, using Youtube through Google Chrome doesn’t support spatial Audio. But you still enjoy the spatial Youtube only when browsed through Safari. Also, there are many other applications in an array that supports spatial Audio, to know it! Go through the line-up mentioned above.

Does Spatial Audio Work On MacBook?

Yes, but only MacBook has Apple Silicone Chipset (M1, M2).

Does Spatial Audio Work With Airpods?

Unlike the MacBook, the spatial Audio is only compatible with limited Airpods; such as AirPods Pro (3 Generation), AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro.

Does Spatial Audio Work With Netflix?

Yes, this Audio of audio is compatible even with Netflix.

Does Spatial Audio Work With Apple Music?

Yes, the spatial Audio works with the active Apple Music plan and with the Dolby atmos option [Just turn it on as per showing the steps appear in this article].

Does spatial audio work in Spotify?

No, but in case if you want to enjoy spatial Audio, go with Apple Music but you must have an active plan. 

Photo of author

Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at [email protected] or through (Facebook)

2 thoughts on “7 Fixes Spatial Audio Not Available On Mac (Greyed Out)”

  1. I have the Airpods 2 Pro. Is it compatible with them? And how to use it for Netflix? Do I need to use it on Safari?

    Reply

Leave a Comment