Interactive fix flowchart
Microphone not working
Fix microphone not working on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, Zoom, Teams, Discord, browsers, headsets, Bluetooth earbuds, USB mics, and apps that cannot hear you.
All fixes in this guide
Fix: Microphone not working on Windows
A Windows microphone usually stops working because the wrong input device is selected, app permission is blocked, the mic is muted, or the audio driver is stuck.
Fix: Microphone not working on Mac
A Mac microphone usually fails because the wrong input is selected, app microphone permission is denied, input volume is too low, or a Bluetooth/headset device is being used instead.
Fix: Zoom microphone not working
Zoom microphone problems usually happen because Zoom is muted, using the wrong microphone, blocked by system permissions, or the headset/Bluetooth device is connected incorrectly.
Fix: Microsoft Teams microphone not working
Teams microphone problems are usually caused by mute, wrong device selection, blocked system permission, browser permission, or Teams holding on to an old audio device.
Fix: Discord microphone not working
Discord microphone problems are often caused by the wrong input device, input sensitivity, push-to-talk, permissions, noise suppression, or headset/Bluetooth issues.
Fix: Microphone not working in browser
A browser microphone usually fails because the website permission is blocked, the wrong mic is selected, the browser is blocked by system privacy settings, or another tab/app is interfering.
Fix: Microphone works in one app but not another
If the mic works in one app but not another, the microphone hardware is probably fine. The broken app likely has its own mute, input device, permission, or privacy issue.
Fix: Wired headset microphone not working
A wired headset mic often fails because the plug is not fully inserted, the device has separate headphone and mic jacks, the headset needs a splitter, or the app is using the wrong input.
Fix: Headset with pink and green plugs not working
Headsets with separate pink and green plugs need the green plug in headphone/speaker output and the pink plug in microphone input. Reversing them can make audio or mic fail.
Fix: Bluetooth microphone not working
A Bluetooth headset mic often fails because the app is using the wrong input, the headset is connected for audio output only, call mode is not active, or the Bluetooth profile is stuck.
Fix: USB microphone not working
A USB microphone usually fails because it is not selected as input, the USB port or hub is unreliable, app permission is blocked, gain is too low, or the mic needs to be reconnected.
Fix: Phone microphone not working on calls
A phone mic can fail on calls because Bluetooth is connected, the mic opening is blocked, the case covers a microphone, the phone app is stuck, or the microphone hardware is damaged.
Fix: Phone app cannot use microphone
A phone app usually cannot use the microphone because microphone permission was denied, privacy settings changed, the app is stuck, or another audio device is connected.
Fix: Phone microphone sounds muffled or quiet
A muffled phone microphone is usually caused by a blocked mic opening, dirty case, dust, water, screen protector, Bluetooth routing, or microphone damage.
FAQ
Why is my microphone not working?
The most common causes are muted mic settings, wrong input device, missing app permission, Bluetooth using the wrong profile, browser permission blocks, loose headset cables, privacy settings, or driver problems.
What should I check first when my microphone does not work?
Check mute, choose the correct input device, allow microphone permission for the app or browser, and test the microphone in another app.
Why can people not hear me on Zoom, Teams, or Discord?
The app may be muted, using the wrong microphone, blocked by system privacy settings, or using a headset/Bluetooth device that is connected only for audio output.
Can a browser block microphone access?
Yes. Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox can block microphone access per website even when the microphone works in other apps.
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