All Mac models include a built-in microphone. What's more, you can add an external microphone to any Mac model. This way, you can use FaceTime to talk, make phone calls, record videos, and ask Siri questions on macOS. Built-in microphones are found on Apple MacBooks and many desktop Macs. Headphones and microphones can be connected via USB, a 3.5mm audio jack, or Bluetooth. The microphone, like other audio devices, is plug-and-play. But, what should you do if you encounter a microphone not working on your Mac? Don't worry, we have a helpful guide that will teach you how to fix a microphone not working on your Mac and how to run a microphone test.
How to Fix Microphone Not Working on Mac
Setting up an external microphone on a Mac is easier than doing so on a Windows 10 computer, as you may need to download the correct audio driver. However, it's essential to know which microphone your computer uses to successfully diagnose microphone problems.
- Internal microphone: Any MacBook or iMac comes with a built-in microphone.
- External USB Microphone: Self-powered external microphone that connects directly to a USB port.
- External 3.5mm microphone: It connects to the microphone input on your computer or to a separate audio interface, which may require more power.
- AirPods or any Bluetooth headset: It can be connected wirelessly to your Mac via Bluetooth.
Reasons why your Mac microphone isn't working
Some reasons why your microphone might stop working are:
- Your microphone may be configured incorrectly.
- Due to PRAM issues.
- Third party apps are conflicting.
- Some games or apps may cause this issue.
Pro Tip: Run an online microphone test.
You can test your Mac's microphone sound by running a microphone test from your web browser.
- Close any other applications that may be using your microphone, such as Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime etc., if the microphone fails the device test or if you cannot hear your voice.
- Also make sure it makes noise while testing the device.
Follow the steps below to perform a microphone operation test:
1. Visit Microphone Test App This is on your web browser.
2. To get started, click the button. "employment" , as shown.
3. Your browser will ask you for permission to use your microphone. Click Allow To grant it.
4. Speak into the microphone after the browser has accessed it.
5. The audio input will be displayed through a small window below the test area, with the font changing to reflect the loudness of the sound.
Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting
The microphone on your Mac isn't always visible and can be difficult to locate, especially if you don't know where to look! Built-in microphones on your PC are almost imperceptible because they're so small. Check the technical specifications and diagrams for your MacBook, iMac, or desktop Mac model to find your Mac's microphone.
- On Macs, microphones are generally small holes On the sides of your MacBook Yours, under the speaker grille near the keyboard.
- It can also be found atNext to the FaceTime or iSight camera On iMac.
- Once found, Clean it with a cloth. Microfiber or lint-free to remove any dirt that might clog it.
- You can too Blow out any lint or dust. Interferes with the microphone's ability to pick up sound with compressed air.
- Some readers suggest Cleaning lint, dirt, or dust Using a very soft toothbrush.
Method 2: Reset PRAM
PRAM, or parameter RAM As the name suggests, it contains a variety of minor parameters on your MacBook, such as brightness, volume, startup disk, and various microphone settings. All of these settings will be reset when you reset the PRAM on your MacBook, potentially addressing your MacBook microphone issues. Follow the steps below to fix your microphone not working on your Mac by resetting the PRAM:
1. Click on Apple icon in the upper left corner
2. Select Shut Down… To turn off your computer, proceed as shown. Wait until your MacBook shuts down completely before continuing.
3. Press and hold power button and press the keys Command + Alt + P + R At the same time.
Note: Continue holding the buttons for 20 seconds or until you hear beeps.
4. Wait for your MacBook to restart normally when you release the buttons.
Method 3: Troubleshoot audio input settings
The system's native microphone volume settings can be found in System Preferences to run a microphone test. To check and correct your microphone settings to fix a microphone not working on your Mac, follow these steps:
1. Launch the app System Preferences After clicking on Apple icon , as shown.
2. Go to Sound Preferences.
3. Here, switch to the tab "Input" , as shown.
4. Select the input device. viz microphone Under Select an audio input device.
5. Adjust the input volume using the selected slider.
6. Speak into your microphone and see if there are any changes in the Input Level: field.
Note: The bars will light up to indicate which inputs have been detected. If they are not lit, the microphone is not picking up any input.
Method 4: Allow access to the microphone
Since the microphone is an input device, access to it is granted by the user. If you run a microphone test and find that your Mac can detect microphone input through the System Preferences app, but the app can't, it could be a permissions issue or a software issue. Follow these steps to grant microphone access to a specific app to fix the microphone not working issue on your Mac:
1. Go to System Preferences , as shown.
2. Select Security and privacy.
3. Click “Privacy” and select "microphone" from the sidebar.
4. Here, you'll see a list of apps. Check the box next to the specific apps to allow the apps below to access your microphone.
Note: Similarly, you can grant camera app permission to desired apps, as shown below.
Method 5: Reset permissions
We've noticed a unique bug in the beta versions of macOS Mojave and Catalina. With the exception of a few programs, the microphone on a MacBook works perfectly. Users who use the microphone with gaming apps have reported the issue of the microphone not working on their Mac. Here's how to reset permissions and force apps to request microphone permissions again:
1. Open an app Bus Terminal From a volume Utility , as shown.
2. Type the following command and press the key: Input.
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/com.apple.TCC
3. When asked, enter Credentials Your own.
4. Finally, Restart your MacBook.
Note: If the above terminal command doesn't work for you, try again with sudo in front of it.
Method 6: Turn on dictation
Not only will enabling Dictation allow you to dictate to your MacBook and have it type for you, but it will also download the necessary drivers, which may help you fix any microphone issues. Here are the steps to fix a microphone not working on your Mac by enabling Dictation on your MacBook or MacBook Pro:
1. Open System Preferences , as above.
2. Select an option keyboard , as shown.
3. Click on the tab Dictation In the right corner.
4. In dictation: field , select option employment. Your Mac will automatically search for the necessary language packs and drivers to download.
5. When the downloads are complete, a swirling box will appear below the Dictation option. Try using your microphone again to see if the microphone issue has been resolved.
Method 7: Create a new account
Your MacBook microphone may have stopped working due to a malfunction with your Mac account. It's easy to test this by creating a new account and checking if the microphone works there.
1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. To conduct adjustment , Click lock and enter Administrator password.
3. To create New user account Click the + icon in the lower left corner and fill out the form.
4. Once you have created the new account, log out of Your current account.
5. Click Apple icon In the upper left corner to log out.
Note: You must log out instead of switching users for this to work.
6. Open the new account and log in to run the microphone test again.
7a. If your new account's microphone is working, you have two viable options:
- Either you doTransfer all data To the new account and delete the old account.
- Or doRestore Macbook Restore to factory settings and restore your data from backup.
7b. If the Mac microphone test fails, try the following solutions instead.
Method 8: Reinstall the crashed app
If the microphone on your MacBook works but only works for one specific program, the problem is likely caused by an application error. You should uninstall and reinstall the program.
1. Go to the folder Applications in Finder.
2. Drag the icon The alarming application , for example skype To the trash.
3. Click "trash can" And click empty basket , As shown below.
4. Restart your MacBook To ensure that all app data is cleared.
5. Reinstall the application from Mac App Store.
Method 9: Contact Apple Support
If none of the above methods work, your MacBook microphone may be physically damaged. For more comprehensive troubleshooting information or to schedule an appointment with Authorized Service Provider Or callApple Support.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why isn't my Mac picking up the microphone?
answer. Mismatched audio input is a typical source of microphone problems. Select Input From the Input tab in System Preferences > SoundYou should see a list of audio-producing devices, hopefully including the microphone you want to use. Your Mac won't detect any sound if the slider is set too low.
Q2. Is it possible to connect a condenser microphone to my MAC?
answer. Almost all computers include a microphone port, which is usually paired with a headphone port. Provided you have a suitable jack for the jack, you should be able to connect a dynamic microphone directly. Also, a condenser microphone cannot be connected directly to a computer's microphone port; it will not work.
Q3. How do I use my Mac's internal microphone with headphones?
answer. If you're looking for a headphone splitter, you'll discover dozens of options for under $5. Double-click the internal microphone to select it in the Audio Input preferences tab, then plug in your headphones. You should be able to bypass the headphone microphone and use your Mac's internal microphone.
We hope this information was helpful in fixing the microphone not working issue on your Mac. Let us know which strategies you found most effective. Also, if you have any questions or suggestions regarding this article, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
