Likely fix
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.
Quick answer
Open System Settings → Sound → Input, select the correct microphone, raise input volume, then allow microphone access for the app in Privacy settings.
Important warning
After changing Mac microphone permissions, you often need to quit and reopen the app before the microphone works.
Try this
- 1 Check whether your microphone or headset is muted.
- 2 Open System Settings → Sound → Input.
- 3 Select the microphone you want to use.
- 4 Speak and check whether the input level moves.
- 5 Raise input volume if it is very low.
- 6 Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone.
- 7 Allow microphone access for the app you are using.
- 8 Quit and reopen the app.
- 9 Restart the Mac if the input level still does not move.
Common causes
Wrong input device selected.
Input volume is too low.
App permission is denied.
Bluetooth headset is selected instead of built-in mic.
External mic is not fully connected.
App needs to be restarted after permission change.
What to check next
- Check Sound Input settings.
- Check Privacy & Security microphone permissions.
- Check input volume.
- Check whether another app can record audio.
- Check whether Bluetooth devices are connected.