Fix guide · Microphone test
WhatsApp mic not working: test and fix
When someone cannot hear you on a WhatsApp call or a voice message sounds silent, check the microphone first. Press the check below and speak. If the level moves, the hardware is fine and WhatsApp needs permission or a different input.
Quick fix checklist
- 1Press Check microphone below and speak. A moving level means the microphone works.
- 2On a phone open Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions and allow the microphone. On iPhone open Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and switch WhatsApp on.
- 3On WhatsApp Web, click the lock icon next to the address and set Microphone to Allow, then reload.
- 4In the WhatsApp desktop app allow the microphone in Windows or macOS privacy settings, then restart the app.
- 5Disconnect Bluetooth devices, remove the phone case and clean the microphone hole.
- 6Restart the phone or computer, and update WhatsApp to the latest version.
Common WhatsApp microphone causes
The app may have lost its permission after an update, another app may be holding the microphone, or a Bluetooth device may have become the input without you noticing. On computers WhatsApp Web uses the browser permission, which is separate from the desktop app.
Compare phone and computer
If a voice message is quiet, test the microphone on this page and look at your level in the microphone health check. See the iPhone and Android guides for phone-specific steps.
FAQ
Common questions
Why is my WhatsApp microphone not working?
The app may lack permission, another app may be using the microphone, or a Bluetooth device may have taken over.
How do I allow the microphone for WhatsApp Web?
Click the lock icon next to the address, set Microphone to Allow and reload the page.
Why are my WhatsApp voice messages quiet?
Move closer to the microphone, remove the case and check the input level.
Does this test use WhatsApp?
No. It tests your microphone in the browser and nothing is sent to WhatsApp or to us.