Fix guide · Microphone test
How to test and fix your microphone on a Mac
On macOS a microphone can be silent because the wrong input is selected, an app has no permission, or an audio service needs a reset. Use the live check to see the level move, then follow the steps below.
Quick fix checklist
- 1Open System Settings > Sound > Input. Select the microphone you want and watch the input level bar while you speak.
- 2Drag Input volume up. If the setting is missing, the device may be a digital microphone with its own control.
- 3Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and turn on your browser and the app you use.
- 4Disconnect Bluetooth headphones and external displays that may take over as the input, or choose the built-in microphone.
- 5If an app never asks for permission, open Terminal and run tccutil reset Microphone, then open the app and allow it again.
- 6Restart the audio service with sudo killall coreaudiod, or restart the Mac, and test again.
macOS permission and input basics
macOS asks for microphone permission per app, and it remembers your answer. If you pressed Don't Allow once, the app never asks again until you turn it on in Privacy & Security. Safari has an additional per-website permission, covered in the Safari microphone guide.
Microphone modes in calls
In many calling apps the Control Center offers Mic Mode options such as Voice Isolation, Wide Spectrum and Standard. Voice Isolation removes background noise and can sound different from a plain test. If the browser test sounds fine but a call is odd, try Standard. See the MacBook microphone guide for built-in microphone tips.
FAQ
Common questions
How do I test my microphone on a Mac?
Open System Settings > Sound > Input, select the microphone and speak. The input level bar moves when it works. You can also use the live check on this page.
Why does my Mac microphone not work in one app only?
The app probably lacks permission. Turn it on in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone, or reset permissions with tccutil reset Microphone.
Why is my Mac microphone so quiet?
Raise Input volume, move closer, and check that Bluetooth headphones did not become the input.
Is anything recorded during the test?
No. The check runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded or recorded.