Mac microphone not working? Here are three easy fixes

Most of us rely on speaking to our Macs and using them for calls for zoom or Google Meet. It is the most frequently used output device for your business meetings.

But your call won’t make sense because people won’t be able to capture your voice if you have a shaky microphone. It is the most embarrassing situation and I have been there. A simple bug or a problematic microphone setup could be to blame for this. 

Don’t worry; this guide will resolve the Mac microphone not working issue in no time.

Inspect which Microphone Your Mac Is Using First:

Listed below are the possible microphones that you will come across while taking calls:

• The built-in microphone: It is available with every MacBook or iMac.
• USB-enabled external microphone: It is a self-powered mic that is immediately connected to a USB port.
• A 3.5mm external microphone: Connected to an external audio interface, which may need more power or the microphone input on your computer.
• Bluetooth headsets comparable to AirPods: They are wirelessly linked to your Mac.

Possible reasons for your Microphone stopped working:

• Your microphone’s settings could be off.
• Parameter RAM problems could be to blame.
• Apps from third parties might conflict with your mic
• This issue might be brought on by particular games or apps.
• It could even be your Macbook’s microphone. You can test your mac microphone on mictester.org

Easy Fixes for Mac Microphone Not Working during Meetings:

Make microphone adjustments:

• The issue with the Mac microphone may usually be resolved in this manner.

• Select System Preferences by clicking the Apple icon in the navigation bar (in Applications or you can Spotlight Search or Siri to find it). then select Sound from the Hardware group.

• The window’s top tab, Input, should be clicked. To change the mic settings for the internal microphone of your MacBook, click Internal Microphone in the devices list. Alternatively, Select the external USB mic that you have installed.

• To increase or reduce the level of the microphone, move the  Volume bar to the right or left.

Look at the sound input options:

• Mismatched sound input is a frequent reason for microphone issues.

• Select the “Input” tab by going to System Preferences > Sound. A list of gadgets that you can utilize as sound sources ought to appear.

• Click on a tool to utilize it, such as “Internal Microphone.” If everything works as planned, as you talk, the bars adjacent to “Input Level” should fill up, and the same should be true for your AirPods.

• However, if nothing appears, turn up the “Input Volume” slider and try speaking once more. Your Mac won’t be able to hear anything if the slider is set too low.

Examine the Application Permissions:

• A menu bar will appear on your Mac. Click the Apple logo there.

• Using the drop-down menu, select “System Preferences.”

• A menu will appear; choose “Security and Privacy.”

• In the window’s top bar, click the “Privacy” tab.

• “Microphone” can be chosen from the menu selections on the window’s left side.

• Choose the applications you want to be able to use the microphone, and uncheck the ones you wish to prevent access to.

Reboot your Mac’s PRAM:

• To shut down, click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner.

• Wait until the Mac has shut down;

• In the future, press the power button along with the following keys (all at once): cmd + alt + P + R.

• 20 seconds of holding

• Release the keys, and the PRAM should be reset and the engine should start normally.

Verify the internal microphone settings for the Mac application:

A few video editing, audio recording, and video calling software feature an internal microphone setting. Check to see that everything is operating properly. The app’s options are most likely where you’ll find the mic settings. Press the Command key + while the app is open to access the preferences (comma key).

Switch on the Dictation:

• Launch System Preferences as before.

• As shown, choose the Keyboard option.

• Select the Dictation tab by clicking there.

• Select the On radio button in the Dictation: field. The required language packs and drivers will be automatically searched for and downloaded by your Mac.

• A spinning box displays below the Dictation option once the downloads are complete. If the microphone issue still exists, try using your microphone again to see if it has been fixed.

Restarting Mac in safe mode: 

• Restart your Mac.

• As soon as Mac’s Power button is pressed, hold down the Shift key until the login screen appears.

• Your password may need to be entered a few more times after that for Mac to start in Safe Mode.

Stop using ambient noise reduction:

Under “Input Level” in the sound settings menu, users of macOS Mojave can find an option to turn off ambient noise reduction. This feature was designed to suppress background noise and concentrate on speech, but it can also mistake voices for background noise and filter you out. To test whether your Mac’s microphone performance improves if you’re using Mojave, set that option off.

Reinstall the broken application:

• The issue is most likely caused by faults in the app if the microphone on your MacBook works for some applications but not for others.

• Finder: Select the Applications folder.

• Drag the problematic app’s icon to Trash, for example, Skype.

• As shown below, click Trash, then click Empty Bin.

• To make sure that all of the application servers have been deleted, restart your MacBook.

• Download the software again from the Mac App Store.

Your external microphone’s levels should be checked:

While some external mics feature a Mute toggle, the majority let you adjust levels directly on the device. Make sure the gain on your microphone is set high enough and that you haven’t unintentionally silenced it. There may be a need to change the gain if you’re using an audio interface.

FAQs:

Q1. Why is my microphone no longer working?

Ans:  Ensure that your mic is properly connected to your MacBook. See if the inbuilt microphone is muted or not. Ensure that the system’s default recording device is your microphone or headset.

Q2. Why is my Mac not picking up the audio?

Ans: With a click. Then choose the built-in speakers by clicking the Output tab. Contact Apple Support if you don’t see the option for built-in speakers in the Output window. Adjust the Output volume slider to the right and retest if it is low.

Q3. Why can’t I unmute my Mac?

Ans: Click Sound under System Preferences. Select Internal Speakers from the Output tab. Verify that the Mute icon next is not muted (Look for the checkbox, it should be unticked). Ensure that the Output Volume slider is positioned to the right.

Q4. Why my audio is not working?

Ans: You may have the app’s sound muted. It is also possible that the volume is down. Check the media volume and turn it on if it is off.

Q5. How do I Undisable my mic?

Ans: To access the microphone, go to Start > Settings > Privacy. Make sure Microphone access for this device is turned on Allow access to the microphone on this device by selecting Change.

Conclusion:

A program or faulty configuration is likely preventing your Mac’s microphone from functioning properly. When those problems are brought on by system garbage, several people advise utilizing CleanMyMac X to resolve them. If none of the tips seem to be helping, your Mac may have a hardware problem. In such circumstances, you must schedule an appointment at the closest Apple shop.