Fix guide · Microphone test
Microphone not working on Ubuntu or Linux: how to fix it
Linux sound works in layers: the kernel and ALSA see the hardware, PipeWire or PulseAudio route it, and the browser or app picks an input. A fault in any layer gives a silent microphone. Use the live check, then step through the layers below.
Quick fix checklist
- 1Open Settings > Sound and under Input choose your microphone. Speak and watch the level bar.
- 2Check that the microphone is not muted and the input volume is above zero. In a terminal, alsamixer then F4 shows capture channels; press M to unmute.
- 3Run arecord -l to confirm the system lists your microphone. If it is missing, reconnect it or check the cable and jack.
- 4Install pavucontrol and open the Input Devices and Configuration tabs. Pick the right port and profile, for example Analog Stereo Duplex.
- 5Restart the sound server: systemctl --user restart pipewire pipewire-pulse wireplumber (or pulseaudio -k on PulseAudio systems).
- 6If you use a Snap or Flatpak browser, allow microphone access for it in the app permissions, then reload and test again.
Where Linux microphone problems hide
A common trap is the wrong profile or port. A headset can be set to output only, or the jack can be set to Headphones instead of Headset Microphone. Another is sandboxing: Snap and Flatpak apps need explicit microphone permission, which is separate from the system sound settings.
Test it in the browser
If the live check works in Firefox or Chrome but an app fails, check that the app uses the same input device. If nothing works anywhere, the problem is below the browser, in ALSA, the driver or the hardware. See Firefox microphone fixes and the microphone test.
FAQ
Common questions
How do I test my microphone on Ubuntu?
Open Settings > Sound, choose the microphone under Input and speak. The level bar should move. The live check on this page also works in the browser.
Why does my Linux microphone show no input?
It may be muted in ALSA, set to the wrong port or profile, or blocked by a Snap or Flatpak sandbox.
Is PipeWire different from PulseAudio?
PipeWire replaces PulseAudio on newer distributions but keeps compatible tools such as pavucontrol, so the same steps usually work.
Does the test upload my audio?
No. The check runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded or recorded.