It's one of the most common tech frustrations: you're trying to join a call, record audio, or chat with friends, but your microphone is not working. Before you consider a costly microphone repair, the good news is that most issues can be fixed with some simple microphone troubleshooting. This guide will show you how to fix your microphone, step by step.
Step 1: The Initial Diagnosis with a Mic Test
Before you start changing settings, you need to confirm if the problem is with your hardware or software. The fastest way is with an online mic test.
Use our microphone checker to see if any sound is being picked up. If the line on the graph moves when you speak, your mic hardware is likely fine, and the problem is with a specific application's settings. If the line is flat, your microphone is not detected by the browser, and you should continue with the steps below.
Step 2: Check the Basics
Let's cover the simple solutions first, as they solve the majority of problems.
- Physical Connections: Is your USB mic plugged in? Is the 3.5mm jack in the correct port (mic, not headphones)?
- Mute Switch: Check for a physical mute button on your headset or mic cable. It's surprisingly easy to hit by accident.
- Wireless Mics: Ensure your headset is fully charged and properly paired with your device.
Step 3: How to Fix Microphone on PC (Windows 11 & 10)
Most PC-related issues are due to incorrect microphone settings.
- Select the Right Device: Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar and go to "Sound settings." Under "Input," make sure the microphone you want to use is selected as the default device.
- Check Privacy Settings: Go to `Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone`. Ensure "Microphone access" is turned on. This is a common reason why a microphone is not working on a laptop or PC.
- Update Your Driver: An outdated microphone driver can cause problems. Open Device Manager, find your mic under "Audio inputs and outputs," right-click it, and select "Update driver."
Step 4: How to Fix Microphone on iPhone or Android
If you're asking "why is my microphone not working on my phone?", the answer is almost always app permissions.
- iPhone: Go to `Settings > Privacy > Microphone`. Find the app you're having trouble with and make sure its toggle is switched on.
- Android: Go to `Settings > Apps`, select the app, then go to "Permissions" and ensure "Microphone" is allowed.
Step 5: Check App-Specific Settings (like Discord)
If your mic works in our microphone test online but not in a specific app like Discord, the problem is within that app's settings. In Discord, for example, you must go to `User Settings > Voice & Video` and manually select your "Input Device." Don't rely on "Default."
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and fix most common microphone problems. Once you think you've fixed it, return to our mic tester to confirm everything is working perfectly!