Is your Mac’s microphone not working? Don’t worry – this guide will help you resolve the issue quickly. While microphone problems on MacBooks can stem from various causes, they’re usually easy to fix.
Before diving into solutions, let’s first verify if your Mac’s microphone is enabled. Here’s how to check:
- Open System Settings.
- Navigate to Security & Privacy.
- Click the Privacy tab at the top.
- Select “Microphone” from the left sidebar.
- Check if your microphone permissions are enabled.
If you’ve confirmed the microphone is enabled but still experiencing issues, try these proven solutions:
How to Fix Microphone Not Working On Mac?
Quick Fix: Clean Your Microphone
Before trying more complex solutions, check if your microphone openings are clean. Sometimes, dust and debris can block the microphone, causing poor performance or complete failure.
Solution 1: Adjust Input Settings and Volume
Follow these steps to ensure your microphone is configured correctly:
- Click the Apple menu and open System Settings.
- Select Sound.
- Go to the Input tab.
- Choose “Internal Microphone (Built-in)“.
- Adjust the input volume slider to maximum by dragging it to the right
Solution 2: Enable Microphone Access for Apps
Some apps require explicit permission to use your microphone:
- Open System Settings from the Apple menu.
- Click Privacy & Security.
- Select the Privacy tab.
- Choose Microphone from the left panel.
- Check the boxes next to apps that need microphone access.
Solution 3: Enable Dictation
Enabling dictation can sometimes resolve microphone issues:
- Open System Settings from the Apple menu.
- Select Keyboard.
- Click the Dictation tab.
- Toggle Dictation to “On“.
Solution 4: Reset PRAM/NVRAM
If previous solutions haven’t worked, try resetting your Mac’s PRAM/NVRAM:
- Shut down your MacBook.
- Press the power button to turn it on.
- Immediately press and hold Command + Option + P + R.
- Hold these keys until you hear the startup sound twice.
- For Macs with the T2 Security Chip, hold until you see the Apple logo appear and disappear twice
Solution 5: Use Terminal Command
For more tech-savvy users, try this Terminal solution:
- Open Terminal.
- Enter this command:
rm -rf~/Library/Application\Support/com.apple.TCC - Press Enter.
- If prompted, enter your password.
- If unsuccessful, try adding sudo:
sudo rm ~rf/Library/Application\Support.com.apple.TCC
Solution 6: Disable Bluetooth
Sometimes Bluetooth devices can interfere with your microphone:
- Open System Settings from the Apple menu.
- Click Bluetooth.
- Click “Turn Bluetooth Off“.
- Test your microphone to see if the issue is resolved.
Conclusion
These solutions should help resolve most Mac microphone issues. Start with the simpler fixes and work your way down to more technical solutions if needed. If none of these solutions work, consider contacting Apple Support for professional assistance.
Have you tried any of these solutions? Let us know which one worked for you in the comments below.