“Can you hear me?” is the most common sentence on video calls for a reason. When your microphone is not working, the cause is usually simple: the wrong input is selected, the browser is blocked, or a mute switch is on. This guide starts with a quick browser test, so you know whether the mic picks up sound at all, and then walks through the fixes that solve most problems on Windows and Mac.
Why Is My Microphone Not Working?
A microphone has to pass several checkpoints before your voice reaches a call: the hardware, the cable or Bluetooth link, the system’s input device, the privacy permission and finally the app or browser. If any one of them blocks the sound, nobody hears you.
That’s why testing helps first. If our Microphone Test shows sound bars moving when you speak, the microphone works, and the problem is in the call app’s settings. However, if the bars stay flat, follow the steps below. Microsoft also has step-by-step microphone help in its Windows help pages.
In short
- A browser mic test shows a live sound level, so you know the mic is working
- The wrong input device is the most common cause
- Check the mute switch on headsets and the mute key on laptops
- Browser and system permissions must both allow the microphone
Microphone Not Working? How to Fix It Step by Step
Step 1
Test the microphone in your browser
First, open the microphone test, allow access and speak normally. Then watch the level bar. After that, switch between input devices on the test page, if you have more than one, to find the right one.
Step 2
Choose the right input device
On Windows 11, open Settings, System, Sound and pick your microphone under Input. On a Mac, open System Settings, Sound, Input. Also, laptops with a headset plugged in often keep using the built-in mic until you change it.
Step 3
Allow microphone access
On Windows, open Settings, Privacy & security, Microphone and allow access for apps and desktop apps. On a Mac, open Privacy & Security, Microphone and allow your browser or app. Finally, in the browser, click the lock icon and set Microphone to Allow.
Step 4
Check mute switches and volume
Many headsets have a mute button or a flip-up boom that mutes the mic. In addition, laptops often have a mute key with a crossed-out microphone. Also check that the input volume isn’t at zero.
Step 5
Check the cable or Bluetooth
First, plug USB headsets straight into the computer. For 3.5 mm jacks, also make sure you use the headset or mic port. Bluetooth headsets sometimes switch to a lower-quality “headset” mode for the mic, so reconnect them if sound is missing.
Step 6
Update or reinstall the driver
On Windows, open Device Manager, Audio inputs and outputs, right-click the microphone and choose Update driver. However, if that doesn’t help, uninstall it and restart.
Microphone Not Working: Problems and Fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Level bar doesn’t move | Wrong input or mic muted | Choose the right input, unmute |
| Works in one app only | App permission or app settings | Allow access, pick the mic inside the app |
| Very quiet voice | Low input volume or far mic | Raise input volume, move closer |
| Echo or noise | Speakers too loud, noisy room | Use headphones, lower speaker volume |
| Robotic sound on Bluetooth | Weak connection | Move closer, reconnect, charge the headset |
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Stop Your Microphone Not Working Mid-Call
- Use headphones to stop echo
- Keep the mic about a hand’s width from your mouth
- Turn off noise suppression in two places at once (app and headset) if your voice sounds cut off
- Check your speakers too with our Speaker Test
Microphone Not Working Well? Clean Up Noisy Audio
If your microphone works but recordings have hum, fan noise or traffic in the background, our free Audio Noise Remover cleans the recording in your browser. Even so, a quiet room and a closer mic still give the best results, but cleanup helps a lot when you can’t re-record. Whenever your microphone is not working again, start with the quick test before changing anything else.
Microphone Not Working: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my mic work on Discord but not in the browser?
Most likely, the browser doesn’t have microphone permission. Allow it in the address bar, and check that the browser is allowed in your system privacy settings.
How do I know which microphone my computer is using?
Open your sound settings and look at the Input section, or run the browser mic test, which lists the available microphones.
Why is my microphone so quiet?
The input volume may be low, the mic may be far from your mouth, or the app may be using a different microphone. So raise the input level and test again.
Is the online microphone test private?
Yes. The sound is analysed on your device only and isn’t recorded or uploaded.