How to fix Mac microphone not working during calls or recordings

macOS KB-233

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix Mac microphone not working during calls or recordings. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

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Common Causes

If your Mac's microphone has stopped working during Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, or other recording applications, the issue is usually caused by incorrect privacy settings, an input device selection problem, or a permissions conflict. This guide walks you through the most common fixes, starting with the quickest checks before moving on to more detailed troubleshooting.

Quick Fix Steps

Try these steps first, as they resolve the majority of microphone issues on macOS:

Check that your microphone is not physically muted (many headsets and external mics have a mute switch or button).
Confirm the correct microphone is selected in the app you are using (Zoom, Teams, etc.).
Quit and reopen the affected application.
Restart your Mac.

If the microphone still does not work, continue to the detailed instructions below.

Detailed Instructions

Check macOS Microphone Privacy Settings

Since macOS Catalina, applications must be granted microphone permission before they can use it. If permission was denied or revoked, the app will not be able to access your microphone.

Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
Click Privacy & Security.
Select Microphone from the list.
Ensure the toggle next to the affected application (for example, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or FaceTime) is switched on.
If the app is not listed, open the app once and then return to this menu to grant permission.

If you cannot see the Microphone option, click the small i or padlock icon and authenticate with your Mac password or Touch ID to make changes.

Select the Correct Input Device

macOS may be routing audio to a device that is not connected or not functioning. Verify the input source is correct:

Open System Settings and click Sound.
Select the Input tab.
Review the list of input devices and choose the microphone you want to use (for example, MacBook Pro Microphone, External USB Microphone, or your headset name).
Speak normally and watch the input level meter. If the bars move, your microphone is working at the system level.

Test the Microphone in an Application

To confirm whether the issue is system-wide or app-specific, test your microphone using a built-in tool:

Open Voice Memos (found in Applications > Utilities).
Click the red record button and speak for a few seconds.
Stop the recording and play it back.

If the recording plays back clearly, your microphone hardware is working and the problem is likely within the specific application. If there is no sound, continue troubleshooting.

Check App-Specific Audio Settings

Many conferencing apps allow you to choose a microphone independently of the system setting. Verify the correct device is selected within the app:

Zoom: Open Zoom, click zoom.us in the menu bar, choose Settings, then click the Audio tab. Under Microphone, select your preferred input device and ensure Mute my microphone when joining a meeting is unchecked.
Microsoft Teams: Click the three dots next to your profile picture, select Settings, then Devices. Choose the correct microphone from the Microphone dropdown.
FaceTime: Open FaceTime, then choose FaceTime > Settings (or Preferences) from the menu bar. Use the Microphone dropdown to select your input device.

Reset Core Audio and Restart Audio Services

If the microphone still does not respond, restarting the macOS audio daemon can resolve stuck processes:

Open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities).
Type the following command and press Return:
```
sudo killall coreaudiod
```
Enter your Mac administrator password when prompted and press Return.
macOS will automatically restart the audio service. Test your microphone again.

This command is safe to run and does not affect any open applications or recordings. The audio service will restart within a few seconds.

Troubleshooting

External Microphone or Headset Not Detected

If you are using a USB or Bluetooth microphone and it does not appear in the input list:

Disconnect and reconnect the device, or try a different USB port.
For Bluetooth headsets, open System Settings > Bluetooth, click Connect next to your device, and confirm it is selected as the input source in Sound > Input.
Check for firmware updates from the manufacturer, particularly for USB audio interfaces.
Test the device on another computer to rule out a hardware fault.

Microphone Works in Some Apps But Not Others

This typically indicates a permissions or configuration issue within the specific application:

Confirm microphone access is enabled for that app under System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.
Reset the application's preferences by quitting the app and deleting its configuration file from ~/Library/Preferences/. The file is usually named com.developer.appname.plist.
Reinstall the application if the issue persists.

Microphone Picks Up Static, Echo, or Low Volume

Audio quality issues are often caused by environmental or configuration factors:

Move away from sources of background noise such as fans, air conditioners, or open windows.
Reduce the input volume slightly if the level meter is peaking in the red.
Enable noise suppression features within your conferencing app (Zoom and Teams both offer built-in options).
Check that the microphone is not obstructed by a case, sticker, or debris.

Run Apple Diagnostics

If you suspect a hardware fault, Apple Diagnostics can test your Mac's internal microphone and audio components:

Disconnect all external devices except your keyboard, mouse, and display.
Shut down your Mac.
Turn it on and immediately hold the D key until you see a language selection screen or the diagnostics progress bar.
Follow the on-screen prompts and review any reference codes that appear.

If Apple Diagnostics identifies a hardware fault, your Mac will require service. Do not attempt to repair internal components yourself, as this may void your warranty.

Check for macOS Updates

Apple regularly releases updates that address audio driver and Bluetooth connectivity issues:

Open System Settings and click General > Software Update.
If an update is available, click Update Now or Upgrade Now.
Restart your Mac when prompted and test the microphone again.

If you have completed all of the steps above and your microphone is still not working, our support team can investigate further. Please Open a Ticket.

Still Having Issues?

Need more help? If the issue persists after trying these steps, please open a support ticket and our team will assist you.

💻 Open a Ticket