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Likely fix

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.

Quick answer

Open the broken app's audio settings, select the correct microphone, check app permission, then restart the app.

Important warning

Many meeting and chat apps ignore the system default microphone and use their own saved device choice.

Try this

  1. 1 Confirm the microphone works in another app.
  2. 2 Open audio or device settings in the app that fails.
  3. 3 Select the correct microphone.
  4. 4 Check whether the app is muted or using push-to-talk.
  5. 5 Check system microphone permissions for that app.
  6. 6 Quit and reopen the app.
  7. 7 Update the app.
  8. 8 Reinstall the app if permissions and settings look correct.

Common causes

Wrong input selected inside the app.

App permission denied.

App is muted.

Push-to-talk enabled.

App needs restart after permission change.

App has an audio bug.

What to check next

  • Check the app's input device.
  • Check the app's mute state.
  • Check system permissions.
  • Check whether push-to-talk is enabled.
  • Check whether updating the app helps.

FAQ

Why does my mic work in one app but not another?

The app that fails probably has the wrong input selected, lacks permission, is muted, or has push-to-talk enabled.

Does each app have its own microphone setting?

Many apps do. Zoom, Teams, Discord, games, and browsers can choose a different microphone from the system default.

Should I reinstall the app?

Only after checking input selection, mute, permissions, and restarting the app.

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