MacBook microphone not working? 5 steps to fix it

⚡ Fast fix

• No one can hear you? Check System Settings > Sound > Input and select the correct microphone.
• Fix permissions—Go to Privacy & Security > Microphone and allow access for your apps.
• Muted or too low—Increase the Input volume and watch the input level bar while speaking.
• Still not working? Restart your MacBook® or test with another app to rule out app issues.

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You're getting ready for an important Zoom® meeting and want everything to work perfectly. You've gotten dressed early, set up your laptop at a flattering angle, and even made sure you've got good lighting.

But when you log on, you notice something's wrong: People can see you on video, but no one can hear your voice. Your MacBook® microphone isn't working. Stressful, right? Don't worry, there's usually a quick, easy fix. We'll walk you through it.

At Asurion, we help fix and protect the tech you love, including your MacBook. If your machine's keyboard isn't working or it won't turn on, we can show you how to get back up and running. Here's our guide on what to do if the microphone isn't working on your Mac®.

Why isn't your MacBook mic working?

There are various reasons your built-in Mac microphone may not be working. Here are some of the most common:

• The volume is turned down.
• An app needs permission to use the mic.
• There's a temporary glitch.
• Your computer needs a software update.
• Your Mac has a hardware issue.

How to test the microphone on your MacBook

Before you start troubleshooting, test the microphone on your MacBook to help diagnose the problem.

1. Say “Hey Siri," if Siri is turned on, or press and hold Command + Spacebar to open Siri®.
2. Ask Siri a question, like, “When is Mother's Day this year?"
3. If you see a transcript of your voice command in the window—good news—your microphone likely doesn't have a hardware issue. Follow the simple steps below.

How to fix your MacBook microphone

If your mic suddenly stops working, it’s usually not broken—it’s just stuck, muted, or being used by something else. Start here.

1. Restart your Mac

It sounds basic, but it works more often than you’d think. Restarting clears the background audio process (Core Audio), which can get stuck and block your mic across apps.

2. Make sure the right mic is selected

Your Mac might be trying to use something else—like AirPods or a monitor—instead of the built-in mic.

Go to System Settings > Sound > Input, then:

• Select MacBook Microphone
• Check the Input Volume slider—if it’s all the way down, your mic is basically muted
• Speak and watch the input level—if it moves, your mic is working

3. Check app permissions

macOS is strict about privacy, and updates can reset permissions without you realizing it.

Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone, then:

• Make sure your app (Zoom, Teams, Safari, etc.) is turned on
• If you just changed it, close and reopen the app

4. Check mic mode settings

If people say you sound weird, robotic, or too quiet, this could be the reason.

While your app is open:

• Click the Control Center icon in the top-right
• Select Mic Mode
• Set it to Standard or Voice Isolation

Avoid Wide Spectrum unless you actually want background noise picked up.

5. Look for apps using your mic

Sometimes another app grabs your mic in the background.

• Look for the orange dot in the top-right corner
• Click it to see what’s using your mic
• Close that app if it’s not the one you need

6. Update your Mac

Outdated software can cause audio issues, especially after app updates. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update and install anything available.

7. Reset your audio settings 

If everything looks right but your mic still isn’t working, try this:

• Press Command + Space, search for Audio MIDI Setup
• Select your microphone
• Set the format to 48,000 Hz

That’s the standard most apps expect, and it can fix weird compatibility issues.