Search guides

Fix a Chromebook that has microphone that will not work

We'll rule out permissions, mute, and hardware—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
10–25 min
What you'll need
  • External USB microphone (optional, to test)
Step 1 of 5

Quick triage — pick your path

Get started

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

Show full guide

Steps

Goal: Grant permission and select the correct microphone.

  • Check that the site or app has microphone permission.
  • Good: Permission granted. Proceed to Select correct mic.
  • Bad: Grant permission in site settings or app permissions.

Check permissions

Goal: Ensure the app can use the microphone.

  • Click the lock icon in the address bar. Allow Microphone. Or Settings, Privacy and security, Site settings, Microphone. For Android apps: Settings, Apps, Permissions.
  • Good: Permission granted. Select the correct mic.
  • Bad: Reload the page or restart the app after granting.

Select correct mic

Goal: Use the internal microphone.

  • In the call or app settings, select “Internal microphone” or the built-in option. Restart the Chromebook if needed.
  • Good: Microphone picks up sound.
  • Bad: Try an external USB mic. If it works, the built-in may have failed.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • An external USB microphone works but the built-in does not.
  • The built-in microphone may need replacement.

Verification

  • Microphone permission is granted.
  • Correct input is selected.
  • Mic level moves when speaking in a test or call.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Permissions Grant microphone to site or app.
  2. Select mic and restart Choose internal mic; restart Chromebook.
  3. External mic test Try USB mic to isolate hardware.
  4. Call a pro Built-in mic does not work.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Chromebook model
  • Whether external USB mic works
  • Site or app and permission status
  • Steps already tried

Does the site or app have microphone permission?

Permission denied is a common cause.

Check lock icon in address bar or Settings, Site settings, Microphone. Grant permission. Good: permission granted—select correct mic. Bad: grant permission first.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Grant permission

Allow microphone for the site or app. Reload the page or restart the app. Test again.

Done

Is the correct microphone selected?

Select internal microphone in the app or call settings. Restart Chromebook. Good: mic works. Bad: try external USB mic—if it works, built-in may have failed.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Try external USB microphone

Plug in USB mic. Select it. If it works, built-in mic may have failed—call a technician.

Done

Microphone works

Mic picks up sound in calls and apps.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a Chromebook microphone not work?
Permission denied, wrong input selected, or hardware failure. Check site permissions, select correct mic, restart.
Can I fix Chromebook microphone myself?
Yes. Grant microphone permission to the site or app, select the correct input, restart. If an external USB mic works but the built-in does not, the built-in mic may have failed—call a technician.
When should I call a technician for Chromebook microphone?
If an external microphone works but the built-in does not after permission and restart. The built-in mic may need replacement.

Rate this guide

Was this helpful?

Continue to