Microphone Not Working on a Mac? Here’s How to Fix It

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If you’re experiencing microphone issues on your Mac, you can try the following troubleshooting steps to fix the problem:

  1. Check physical connections: Ensure that your microphone is properly connected to your Mac. If you’re using an external microphone, check the cable connections and make sure it’s securely plugged into the appropriate port.
  2. Adjust input volume and settings: Go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.” Then, click on “Sound” and navigate to the “Input” tab. Check if the input volume is turned up and adjust it if necessary. Also, make sure the correct microphone is selected from the list of available input devices.
  3. Check microphone permissions: In the “Sound” settings, click on the “Input” tab and ensure that the microphone you’re using has permission to access your Mac. If necessary, click the lock icon at the bottom-left corner, enter your password, and make sure the checkbox next to the microphone is selected.
  4. Quit conflicting applications: Some applications may take control of the microphone and prevent others from using it. Quit any applications that might be using the microphone, such as video conferencing apps, voice recorders, or dictation software. Then, try using the microphone in the desired application again.
  5. Restart your Mac: A simple restart can sometimes resolve software-related issues. Restart your Mac and check if the microphone starts working afterward.
  6. Reset PRAM/NVRAM or SMC: In some cases, resetting the PRAM (Parameter RAM) or NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) and the SMC (System Management Controller) can help fix hardware-related problems. Instructions on how to reset these components can vary depending on the Mac model, so it’s best to refer to Apple’s support documentation or contact Apple Support for specific instructions.
  7. Test with another microphone: If possible, try using a different microphone to determine whether the issue is with the microphone itself or your Mac’s settings. If the other microphone works fine, then the problem may lie with the original microphone you were using.

If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and your microphone still isn’t working, it may be helpful to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.