Mac Microphone Not Working? Fix It With These Steps

If your Mac microphone is not working, first check that the correct microphone is selected and that macOS and the app are allowed to use it. Then test the input level and connection; these steps usually reveal whether the cause is an app setting, a privacy restriction, an accessory, or a hardware fault.

Check the microphone and input level

1. Open the Apple menu  and choose System Settings (called System Preferences on older macOS versions).
2. Choose Sound, then open Input. Select the microphone you intend to use, such as the Mac’s built-in microphone, a USB microphone, or a headset.
3. Speak at a normal volume and watch the input meter. If it moves, the Mac is receiving sound. If it does not, raise Input volume if that control is available, and check that the microphone is not muted by a physical switch or headset control.

MacBook models have built-in microphones, but a desktop Mac may need an external microphone, display, or headset for audio input. A device that appears in the input list is not necessarily the device an app is using, so verify the selection in the app as well.

Allow microphone access for the app

macOS asks for permission before apps can access the microphone. If permission is denied, the app may show silence even when the input works in other places.

1. Open System Settings and choose Privacy & Security.
2. Select Microphone.
3. Turn on access for the app you want to use. If the app is already listed and enabled, quit and reopen it before testing again.

The setting is app-specific: allowing one video-call app does not grant access to another. If the app does not appear in the list, open it and try to use its microphone feature so macOS can request permission. Avoid changing unrelated privacy settings. On older macOS versions, microphone permission may be under System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.

Choose the input inside the app

Many apps have their own audio preferences, independent of the Mac’s system-wide input selection. Open the app’s settings or preferences and look for Audio, Microphone, or Input device. Select the intended microphone, then check any in-app mute button, call controls, or input-level meter.

For example, a headset can be selected in macOS while a meeting app remains set to the built-in microphone. Conversely, an app may keep using a microphone that has since been disconnected. If the app provides a test or preview, use it; otherwise, make a short test recording or join a test call if that option is available.

Inspect connections and audio accessories

For a wired microphone, check that the plug is fully inserted and the device is connected to a compatible port or adapter. Some computer audio jacks support a headset microphone, while others may be output-only; a USB connection or compatible adapter may be needed. Consult the accessory’s instructions if the connection type is unclear.

• Disconnect and reconnect a USB microphone, and try another port if available.
• If using a hub or dock, connect the microphone directly to the Mac to test whether the hub is involved.
• For a Bluetooth headset, confirm it is connected in Bluetooth settings and selected as the input in both macOS and the app.
• Check the headset’s mute switch, detachable cable, and battery or charge if applicable.

Bluetooth headphones can have separate playback and microphone behavior, and sound quality may change when their microphone is active. Selecting the Mac’s built-in microphone for input while keeping the headphones selected for output can help identify whether the headset microphone is the issue.

Restart, update, and isolate the cause

Quit the affected app completely and reopen it. If the input still fails, restart the Mac; this can clear a temporary audio or device-recognition problem. Check for macOS and app updates using their normal update settings, especially if the problem began after an update or an app change.

Test the microphone in another app that can record or use audio. If it works elsewhere, focus on the original app’s microphone permission, input selection, mute setting, or configuration. If no app receives sound, return to Sound settings and test another input device if possible. A USB microphone working while the built-in microphone does not—or the reverse—helps narrow down which device or connection is at fault.

Also consider whether the microphone is physically obstructed. Keep the Mac’s microphone openings clear, and do not insert objects or liquids into them. If the problem began after a drop, liquid exposure, or physical damage, stop troubleshooting with improvised repairs and seek qualified service.

When it may be a hardware problem

A microphone that is absent from the input list, never registers sound in multiple apps, or fails after permission and connection checks may have a hardware or compatibility issue. Before arranging service, disconnect external audio devices, restart, and test again. If an external microphone works but the built-in one does not, that is useful information to provide to a service provider; it does not by itself confirm the exact fault.

Do not open the Mac or attempt internal repairs unless you are equipped and qualified to do so. Built-in microphones and other components are inside the computer, and repairs can cause further damage. If the Mac is managed by a school or workplace, its administrator may control app permissions or audio settings, so ask them before changing managed settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Mac microphone work in one app but not another?
Microphone permission and input selection are separate for each app. Enable the app under Privacy & Security > Microphone, then select the correct device in that app’s audio settings.

How do I test my Mac microphone?
Open System Settings > Sound > Input, choose the microphone, and speak while watching the input meter. You can also test it in another app that records or uses audio.

Why is my Mac not asking for microphone permission?
The app may not have tried to access the microphone yet, or it may already have a saved permission choice. Open the app’s microphone feature and check its entry in Privacy & Security > Microphone. If it is missing, quit and reopen the app and try again.

Can I use headphones for output and the Mac microphone for input?
Yes. Select the headphones under Sound > Output and the built-in microphone under Sound > Input, then check that the app uses the intended input.

What if the input meter does not move?
Confirm the correct device is selected, raise its input level if available, and check mute controls and connections. Test another microphone or app; if no input works, restart the Mac and consider contacting qualified service.

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