Greenlight

Greenlight › Mic Not Working on Mac

Microphone Not Working on Mac?

Test your built-in or external mic in one click, then follow the fixes below.

No signup required Nothing is ever uploaded Works in Safari, Chrome & Firefox

🎤 Microphone Test

Speak normally and watch the meter move.

Not started

Your audio is processed locally and is never recorded or sent anywhere.

🎙️ Record & Playback

Record ~10 seconds and hear exactly how you sound.

Not started

Recording is capped at 10 seconds and stays in your browser's memory only — it's never uploaded, and it's cleared when you leave or refresh the page unless you download it.

How to fix a Mac microphone

Start the mic test above. A permission blocked message points to step 1; a flat meter with no error points to step 2.

1. Allow microphone access

  1. Open Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone.
  2. Switch on the app you’re using, such as your browser, Zoom, or Discord.
  3. Quit and reopen that app so the change takes effect.

2. Choose the right input and raise the level

  1. Go to System Settings → Sound → Input.
  2. Select your microphone. The built-in one is usually called “MacBook Microphone”.
  3. Speak and watch the Input level meter, and drag Input volume to the right if it barely moves.

3. Check the browser

  • Safari: Safari → Settings → Websites → Microphone.
  • Chrome: click the icon on the left of the address bar and set Microphone to Allow.

4. Watch out for other devices

Connected AirPods, Bluetooth headsets, or a display with a built-in mic can take over as the input. Disconnect them or choose the mic you want in Sound settings.

Muffled or distant sound? MacBook mics sit near the keyboard or top of the screen. Don’t cover them with a case or hands, and check Control Center during calls — the Mic Mode option (such as Voice Isolation) can change how you sound in supported apps.

If the microphone doesn’t appear at all, restart the Mac and install any pending macOS update from System Settings → General → Software Update.

Mac microphone FAQ

Why is my microphone not working on my Mac?

Most often the app doesn't have microphone permission, or macOS is using a different input device such as AirPods or a monitor. Check System Settings under Privacy & Security and Microphone, then pick your mic under Sound and Input.

How do I test my microphone on a Mac?

Use the mic test on this page, or open System Settings, go to Sound and Input, select your mic, and watch the input level meter while you speak.

Why is my Mac microphone so quiet?

Raise Input volume under System Settings, Sound, Input. Also make sure nothing is covering the mic and that you're close to it. Some apps apply their own volume controls too.

Does this test record or upload my voice?

No. Audio is processed only in your browser, and any recording is discarded when you leave the page unless you download it.

More tests & guides