Mac OS · macOS
Fix a microphone that is not working on Mac
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Select the intended input in Mac Sound settings, check its input level, then allow the specific app to use the microphone. These checks separate a disconnected or wrong input device from an app permission problem.
Open Sound input
Choose Apple menu > System Settings, select Sound in the sidebar, then select Input. macOS lists available internal, display, iPhone, and external microphone devices here.
Select the intended microphone
Click the microphone you actually want to use. If a headset is connected, verify that macOS did not select the display microphone or a different Bluetooth device instead.
Check the input level
Speak at a normal volume and watch the input level. Adjust the input-volume slider only enough to avoid a very quiet or distorted signal.
Test in the affected app
Open the app’s own input selector and choose the same microphone. Make one short test recording or call before changing other sound settings.
Allow the app
Choose Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone, then turn on access for the affected app. If it is not listed, trigger its microphone request in the app and respond to the macOS permission prompt.
Check the physical path
Reconnect a wired microphone, charge a wireless one, or test another port or cable where appropriate. If the input level never moves in Sound settings, the problem is below the app layer.
Verify the result
Repeat the same in-app test and confirm the meter and recording use the selected microphone. Record the app name, selected device, and remaining symptom if support is needed.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If macOS shows input activity but the app does not, recheck that app’s own input selection and privacy permission before changing system audio drivers.
- If no device appears in Sound > Input, test its cable, power, adapter, or manufacturer guidance instead of granting microphone access to unrelated apps.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: macOS.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.