Microphone Not Working? A Complete Troubleshooting Guide
February 25, 2026 · 6 min read
Your microphone stopped working right before an important meeting? It happens more often than you'd think. The good news: 90% of mic issues are software problems with quick fixes.
Step 1: Check Browser Permissions
The #1 reason microphones don't work in web apps is blocked browser permissions.
Chrome / Edge
- Click the lock icon (🔒) next to the URL
- Find Microphone in the permissions list
- Set it to Allow
- Reload the page
Firefox
- Click the shield icon next to the URL
- Click Connection secure → More information
- Go to Permissions tab → find Use the Microphone
- Uncheck "Use default" and select Allow
Safari
- Go to Safari → Settings → Websites
- Click Microphone in the sidebar
- Find the website and set to Allow
Step 2: Check System Audio Settings
Windows
- Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar → Sound settings
- Scroll to Input section
- Make sure the correct microphone is selected
- Speak and check if the volume bar moves
- If not, click the microphone → make sure it's not muted and volume is above 50%
Mac
- Open System Settings → Sound → Input
- Select the correct microphone
- Speak and check the input level meter
- Adjust the Input volume slider if needed
Step 3: Check Physical Connections
- USB mic: Try a different USB port. Avoid USB hubs — connect directly.
- 3.5mm mic: Make sure it's in the mic port (usually pink), not the headphone port (green).
- Bluetooth headset: Disconnect and reconnect. Check battery level.
- Built-in laptop mic: Check if there's a physical mute button or switch on your laptop.
Step 4: Update Audio Drivers
Windows
- Press
Win + X → Device Manager
- Expand Audio inputs and outputs
- Right-click your microphone → Update driver
- Choose Search automatically for drivers
Mac
Audio drivers on Mac are updated through macOS updates. Go to System Settings → General → Software Update.
Step 5: Check App-Specific Settings
Some apps (Zoom, Teams, Discord) have their own microphone settings that override system defaults:
- Zoom: Settings → Audio → Microphone dropdown
- Teams: Settings → Devices → Microphone
- Discord: Settings → Voice & Video → Input Device
Still Not Working?
If none of the above fixed it, the issue might be hardware-related:
- Try the microphone on a different device to rule out hardware failure
- Try a different microphone on your device to rule out port issues
- On Windows, try the Audio Troubleshooter: Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other → Recording Audio