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Likely fix

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.

Quick answer

In Zoom, click the arrow next to the microphone button, choose the correct mic, test it, and check system microphone permissions.

Important warning

Zoom can use a different microphone than the system default, so always check Zoom's own audio menu.

Try this

  1. 1 Check that you are not muted in the Zoom meeting.
  2. 2 Click the arrow next to the microphone button.
  3. 3 Select the correct microphone.
  4. 4 Choose Test Speaker & Microphone if available.
  5. 5 Check Windows or Mac microphone permissions for Zoom.
  6. 6 Disconnect and reconnect your headset or USB microphone.
  7. 7 Restart Zoom.
  8. 8 Restart the computer if Zoom still cannot detect the mic.

Common causes

Zoom is muted.

Wrong microphone selected in Zoom.

System permission blocked.

Headset mute switch is on.

Bluetooth headset is connected in the wrong mode.

Another app is using or controlling the mic.

What to check next

  • Check Zoom microphone menu.
  • Check Zoom audio test.
  • Check system microphone permissions.
  • Check headset mute button.
  • Check whether the mic works in another app.

FAQ

Why can no one hear me on Zoom?

You may be muted, Zoom may be using the wrong microphone, or Zoom may not have microphone permission.

Where do I choose the microphone in Zoom?

Click the arrow next to the microphone button and select the correct input device.

Why does my mic work elsewhere but not Zoom?

Zoom may have its own microphone selection or permission issue separate from the system default.

Related fixes

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: 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: 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: 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: 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.