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Fix a Mac that has no microphone

We'll rule out input device, permissions, and mute, then isolate driver or hardware failure—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • External USB microphone (optional, to test)
Step 1 of 5

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Steps

Goal: Rule out input device, permissions, and volume, then isolate hardware failure.

  • Confirm Internal Microphone is selected and input volume is up.
  • Good: Input level bars move when you speak. Proceed to Check permissions.
  • Bad: Fix input device and volume first.

Check input device

Goal: Rule out wrong input device and zero volume.

  • System Settings, Sound, Input. Select Internal Microphone. Raise input volume. Speak and watch the level bars.
  • Good: Bars move. Proceed to Check permissions.
  • Bad: If bars do not move, check permissions or test with Voice Memos.

Check permissions

Goal: Confirm the app has microphone access.

  • System Settings, Privacy & Security, Microphone. Confirm the app is listed and enabled. Quit and reopen the app.
  • Good: Permission granted. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Grant permission and retry. If an external mic works but built-in does not, call a technician.

When to get help

Call Apple or a technician if:

  • An external microphone works but the built-in does not after permission and reset.
  • Internal microphone replacement requires opening the Mac.

Verification

  • Internal Microphone selected in Sound settings.
  • Input level bars move when you speak.
  • The app records or transmits your voice.

Escalation ladder

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

  1. Input device and volume Select Internal Microphone; raise input volume.
  2. Permissions Grant microphone permission to the app in Privacy & Security.
  3. Test and reset Test with Voice Memos; reset NVRAM (Intel).
  4. Call a pro External mic works but built-in does not.

What to capture if you need help

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

  • Mac model and app using microphone:
  • Input device selected in Sound settings:
  • Microphone permission status for the app:
  • Steps already tried:

Is Internal Microphone selected and input volume up?

Wrong input device and zero volume are common causes.

System Settings, Sound, Input. Select Internal Microphone. Raise input volume. Speak and watch the level bars. Good: bars move—check permissions. Bad: fix input device and volume first.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Fix input device and volume

Select Internal Microphone. Raise input volume. Test with Voice Memos. If still no input, check permissions.

Done

Does the app have microphone permission?

Apps must have permission to use the microphone.

System Settings, Privacy & Security, Microphone. Confirm the app is listed and enabled. Quit and reopen the app if you just enabled it. Good: permission granted—test. Bad: grant permission and retry.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Grant permission

Privacy & Security, Microphone—enable the app. Quit and reopen the app. Test with Voice Memos or the app.

Done

Microphone working

The app picks up sound. Test in a call or recording to confirm.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a Mac microphone not work?
Wrong input device, app does not have microphone permission, input volume at zero, or failed microphone. Check input device and permissions first.
Can I fix a Mac microphone that does not work myself?
Yes. Select Internal Microphone, grant permission to the app, raise input volume. If an external USB microphone works but built-in does not, the built-in mic may have failed.
When should I call a technician for a Mac microphone?
If an external microphone works but the built-in does not after permission and reset. Internal microphone replacement requires opening the Mac.

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