Mac microphone not working? 5 fixes to try

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

If people cannot hear you in a call or a recording stays silent, the app usually has no permission to use the microphone, or the Mac is listening to the wrong device.

Menu names are from recent versions of macOS, where the settings app is called System Settings. The pictures are our own screenshots from macOS Tahoe 26 on a MacBook Pro.

Step by step

1. Quit the app

   Close the app you use for the call or recording completely. Permission changes only apply when it starts again.

   Done

2. 

   Open Privacy & Security, then Microphone

   Click the Apple menu, System Settings, Privacy & Security, and then Microphone.

   Done

3. Switch on the app

   Turn on the switch for every app that should use the built-in microphone, a USB microphone or an audio interface. Open the app again and test.

   Done

4. Choose the right microphone

   Open System Settings, Sound and click Input. Select the microphone you want. Speak and watch the input level. If the bars do not move, raise the input volume.

   Done

5. Check the app and the headset

   Many call apps have their own microphone menu and a mute button. Bluetooth headphones take over the microphone when they connect. Disconnect them for a test.

   Done

Good to know

On macOS Monterey and earlier, the permission is under System Preferences, Security & Privacy, in the Privacy pane.

Websites ask for the microphone separately in the browser. In Safari, look under Safari, Settings, Websites, Microphone.

An orange dot in the menu bar shows that an app is using the microphone right now.

If you hear nothing either: no sound on your Mac: 7 fixes to try.

In short: Quit the app, Privacy & Security > Microphone, switch the app on, check Sound > Input.