Microphone not working? Here's how to fix it
If the microphone test shows your mic is connected but the level meter stays flat, work through these fixes in order — most silent microphones are fixed by one of the first three.
1. Check for a hardware mute
Headsets, USB microphones and laptops often have a physical mute button, switch or function key (look for a mic icon, often with an LED). A hardware mute silences the mic while it still appears connected. Toggle it and watch the level meter in the microphone test.
2. Make sure the right microphone is selected
Computers often have several inputs — a laptop mic, a headset, a webcam mic, a USB interface. In the microphone test, open the Microphone selector and try each device while speaking. Also check your meeting app's own input selector, which is separate from the system setting.
3. Raise the input volume
Windows: Settings → System → Sound → Input → select your mic → set Input volume above 50 and make sure it's not muted. macOS: System Settings → Sound → Input → select your mic and drag Input volume up while watching the input level bars.
4. Allow microphone access in your browser
If you clicked "Block" on a permission prompt, the browser remembers it. Click the lock or tune icon left of the address bar, set Microphone to Allow, then reload the page. In Chrome you can also check Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Microphone.
5. Check operating system privacy settings
Windows: Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone — enable "Microphone access" and "Let apps access your microphone". macOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone — enable your browser in the list. If the browser isn't listed or is off, no website can hear you.
6. Close apps that are using the microphone
Some apps take exclusive control of the mic. Quit Zoom, Teams, Discord, OBS and other browser tabs that might be using it, then retry the test. On Windows, you can also disable exclusive mode: Sound settings → your mic → Properties → Advanced → untick "Allow applications to take exclusive control".
7. Reconnect or restart the device
Unplug USB microphones and headsets, wait a few seconds, and plug them directly into the computer (avoid hubs). For Bluetooth headsets, disconnect and re-pair — and note that Bluetooth mics often switch to a lower-quality "hands-free" mode. A full restart also clears stuck audio drivers.
8. Update or reinstall audio drivers (Windows)
Open Device Manager → Audio inputs and outputs → right-click your microphone → Update driver. If that doesn't help, choose Uninstall device, unplug the mic, restart, and plug it back in to reinstall cleanly.
9. Test the microphone itself
Try the mic on another computer or phone. If it's silent everywhere, the cable, connector or the microphone itself is likely faulty. If it works elsewhere, the problem is in your computer's settings — revisit steps 3–6.
Still stuck?
Run the microphone test again after each fix — the live level meter tells you immediately whether sound is coming through. If the meter moves but your meeting app still can't hear you, the problem is inside that app's own audio settings.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my microphone show as connected but pick up no sound?
The device is detected by your computer, but the audio signal isn't reaching the browser. The most common causes are a hardware mute switch, the wrong input device selected, the input volume set to zero, or another app having exclusive control of the microphone.
How do I know if my microphone is muted?
Many headsets and USB microphones have a physical mute button or switch, and many laptops have a microphone mute key (often F4 or F8 with an LED). Check these first — a hardware mute makes the mic silent even though it still appears connected.
Can a browser block my microphone?
Yes. If you previously clicked 'Block' on the permission prompt, the browser remembers it. Click the lock or tune icon next to the address bar, set Microphone to Allow, and reload the page.
Why does my microphone work in one app but not another?
Each app and browser tab selects its own input device. Check the input selector inside the app that's failing, and on Windows make sure 'Let apps access your microphone' is enabled in Privacy settings.