If you’re trying to join a Zoom call or record a voice memo on your Mac and no one can hear you, you’re not alone. One of the most common frustrations Mac users face is when the built-in or connected microphone isn’t working—or worse, not even recognized by the system.
Whether you’re using your Mac for work meetings, school, or content creation, having a functioning microphone is essential. At GCOM Support, we help customers daily with similar issues, especially when things get tricky beyond the basic settings. Here’s a real-world guide to turning on and troubleshooting your Mac’s microphone—without the tech jargon.
Step 1: Check Microphone Access in System Settings
Sometimes your mic isn’t technically off—it’s just not allowed to be used by certain apps. Let’s start by ensuring your microphone permissions are set properly.
How to Do It:
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Click the Apple menu () and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
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Go to Privacy & Security.
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Click Microphone from the sidebar.
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You’ll see a list of apps—make sure the apps you want to use (like Zoom, Teams, or Safari) have the toggle switched on.
If the microphone isn’t showing or apps can’t be toggled, it may be a deeper issue—hold on, we’ll get there.
Step 2: Choose the Right Microphone Input
If you’ve plugged in an external mic or headset, your Mac might be defaulting to that instead of the built-in mic.
Here’s what to check:
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Open System Settings > Sound > Input.
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You’ll see a list of available microphones.
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Select the one you want to use (e.g., MacBook Pro Microphone, External USB Mic, or AirPods).
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Speak into your mic and check the input level meter—if it lights up, your mic is active.
đź’ˇ Tip: If nothing shows up in Input, try unplugging and replugging your device or restarting your Mac.
Step 3: Test Your Mic with Voice Memos or Dictation
To quickly check if your mic works without jumping into a Zoom call, use one of these built-in macOS tools:
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Voice Memos: Open the app, click the red record button, say a few words, then play it back.
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Dictation: Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Dictation, turn it on, and try speaking into any text box.
If neither records sound, it could be a hardware problem, not a settings issue.
Step 4: Reset Core Audio (for Glitches or Silent Mic)
Sometimes macOS needs a little kick to get the audio system working again. Resetting the Core Audio driver can fix mic issues that appear out of nowhere.
Use Terminal (don’t worry—it’s just one line):
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Open Spotlight (Command + Space), type Terminal, and press Enter.
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Paste this command:
“sudo killall coreaudiod”
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Press Return, enter your password if prompted.
Your Mac’s audio system will restart, which often resolves bugs without needing a full reboot.
Still Not Working? Time to Check for Hardware Issues
If you’ve tried all the steps above and your microphone still won’t work, it might be a hardware problem. Dust buildup, liquid damage, or wear and tear can all affect mic performance.
For example, we often see customers come in thinking it’s a software issue, only to discover a small spill months ago corroded the internal mic components. In cases like these, getting your device professionally checked is the best move.
Our team specializes in iMac repairing that goes beyond surface-level fixes. We use advanced diagnostics to identify microphone failures—whether it’s a loose connector or internal board issue.
🧰 Expert Tip: Don’t Forget About External Mics
If you’re using an external microphone, make sure any required drivers or apps are properly installed. Some high-end mics also need specific macOS permissions or driver support to work as they should. And don’t forget to test a different USB port or cable—sometimes the simplest fix does the trick.
If you’ve gone through all the software checks and your mic still isn’t working, it could be a hardware issue. We often see this during repairing Macbook in Ottawa—things like a small bump, a bit of liquid, or just regular wear and tear can lead to mic problems. In some cases, the fix might be as simple as cleaning out debris or replacing a tiny internal part. If software isn’t the issue, a closer physical inspection might be the next best step.
