If you've opened Activity Monitor to troubleshoot a slow Mac, you might have stumbled upon a process called avconferenced using a surprising amount of CPU or memory. This unfamiliar name can be alarming. Is it a virus? A critical system process? Can you stop it?
This guide will demystify the avconferenced process, explain its purpose, and provide safe, effective solutions to fix high CPU usage related to it.
What is avconferenced on Mac?
avconferenced is a legitimate background process developed by Apple that is part of the macOS operating system. Its name is a shortened form of "Audio Video Conference Daemon." A daemon is a type of program that runs continuously in the background, waiting to handle specific service requests.
You can typically find its executable file at the following path: /usr/libexec/avconferenced
Its primary function is to support continuity camera and handoff features for video and audio conferencing apps. This is the technology that allows you to use your iPhone as a wireless webcam for your Mac (Studio Display and Continuity Camera). It also manages handoff of audio and video calls between your Apple devices (like moving a FaceTime call from your iPhone to your Mac).
In short, avconferenced is a core process that enables seamless audio and video experiences across your Apple ecosystem. It is not malware.
Share the information about the avconferenced process on Mac!
How to fix avconferenced high CPU or memory on Mac?
While avconferenced is a legitimate process, it can sometimes malfunction and consume excessive system resources. This is usually a software glitch rather than a sign of a deeper problem. Here are the most effective fixes, from simplest to most comprehensive.
Fix 1: Restart Your Mac
The first and easiest step is to restart your computer. A restart can clear out temporary software glitches and corrupted cache files that may be causing the avconferenced process to behave erratically. This often resolves the issue immediately.
Fix 2: Check and Quit Conferencing Apps
Since avconferenced is tied to audio and video apps, a bug within one of them could be the culprit.
Quit any open conferencing apps like FaceTime, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, or Slack completely. Don't just close the window; right-click their icon in the Dock and select Quit or use Command-Q. Check if avconferenced CPU usage returns to normal after quitting these apps.
Fix 3: Disable and Re-enable Continuity Camera
A primary function of avconferenced is to manage the Continuity Camera feature. Toggling it off and on can reset the connection.
- Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff.
- Toggle off Continuity Camera.
- Wait a few moments, then toggle it back on.
- Restart your Mac and see if the high CPU issue persists.
Fix 4: Update macOS
Apple routinely releases software updates that include bug fixes for known issues, including those related to background processes. An outdated version of macOS could be the reason for the avconferenced glitch.
Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > General > Software Update. Install any available updates.
Fix 5: Reset the Process (Force Quit)
If the avconferenced process is currently frozen and hogging resources, you can force quit it. This is a temporary fix, as macOS will restart the process when it's needed again.
- Open Activity Monitor (found in Applications > Utilities).
- In the CPU tab, search for avconferenced.
- Select it and click the Stop (X) button in the toolbar.
- Confirm by clicking Force Quit.
FAQs about avconferenced on Mac
- QIs avconferenced a virus?
-
A
No, avconferenced is not a virus, malware, or adware. It is an official Apple process located in the /usr/libexec/ directory, which is a protected system folder. Malware rarely, if ever, uses this exact name or location. However, if you are suspicious, you can verify its location in Activity Monitor by right-clicking the process and selecting Open Files and Ports.
- QCan I disable or delete avconferenced?
-
A
It is not recommended to delete or permanently disable avconferenced. Deleting system files can cause instability and break key features like Continuity Camera and call handoff between devices. The process is designed to be lightweight and only active when needed. Instead of deleting it, use the troubleshooting steps above to address the high resource usage.
- QWhy did avconferenced suddenly start using high CPU?
-
A
A sudden spike in CPU usage is typically triggered by an event, such as:
1. Using a conferencing app like Zoom or FaceTime.
2. Connecting your iPhone to use as a webcam.
3. A recent macOS update that introduced a temporary bug.
4. A corrupted preference file related to audio or video services.
- QShould I be worried about avconferenced in Activity Monitor?
-
A
No, you should not be worried about seeing it listed. Its presence is normal. You should only investigate further if you notice it consistently using a significant percentage of CPU (e.g., over 20-30%) while all apps are closed, which indicates a problem that needs fixing.