What is the first step if my microphone is not working?

The first and most important step is to use an online mic test. This will instantly tell you if the microphone hardware is being detected by your computer and if it is picking up any sound at all. This helps you determine if the problem is with the hardware or a specific software setting.

What are the quickest things to check to fix a microphone?

Before diving into settings, always check the three quickest fixes: 1. Check for a physical hardware mute switch on your headset or mic. 2. Check the physical connections by unplugging and replugging the microphone. 3. Restart your computer or phone to resolve any temporary glitches.

How do I fix my microphone on a Windows PC (10 or 11)?

On a Windows PC, the fix is usually in the settings. First, go to Sound Settings and ensure your mic is selected as the default Input device. Next, check your Microphone Privacy Settings to make sure apps are allowed access. Finally, if it still doesn't work, go to Device Manager to update your microphone driver.

Why is my microphone not working on my phone (iPhone or Android)?

On mobile devices, a non-working microphone is almost always caused by one of two things: app permissions or a dirty microphone port. Go to your phone's privacy settings and ensure the app you're using has permission to access the microphone. If that doesn't work, gently clean the microphone port at the bottom of your phone with a soft brush.

Why does my mic not work in Discord but works everywhere else?

Discord has its own audio settings that can override your computer's settings. If your mic works in an online test but not in Discord, go to Discord's 'User Settings > Voice & Video'. Under 'Input Device', you must manually select your specific microphone from the dropdown list instead of relying on the 'Default' setting. Also, check the input volume slider and consider resetting your voice settings.

Microphone Not Working? The Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide (2025)

First Step: Always Start with a Mic Test

Before you start changing settings, the fastest way to diagnose your problem is to use a reliable microphone checker. Our tool can instantly tell you if your mic is being detected and if it's picking up sound.

Perform a Free Mic Test Online

If our mic test shows a flat line when you speak, it means no sound is being detected. Continue with the steps below to solve the problem.

The Quick Fixes: Check These First!

Over half of all microphone issues can be solved with these simple checks. Don't skip them!

Check for a Hardware Mute Switch: Many headsets and USB microphones have a physical mute button or switch. Make sure you haven't accidentally muted yourself!
Check Physical Connections: If it's a wired mic, unplug it and plug it back in firmly. If it's a USB mic, try a different USB port. For Bluetooth devices, ensure they are charged and properly paired.
Restart Your Device: It's a cliché for a reason. Whether you're on a PC, laptop, or phone, a simple restart can solve countless temporary glitches, including when a microphone is not detected.

How to Fix Microphone on PC (Windows 11 & 10)

If you're wondering how to fix a microphone not working on a PC, the problem is usually in the software settings. Follow these steps for both Windows 11 and 10.

Step 1: Check Your Sound Settings

This is the most important part of your microphone setup. You need to tell Windows which microphone to use.

Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar and select "Sound settings".
Scroll down to the "Input" section. You should see your microphone listed there.
Speak into your microphone. If it's working, you'll see a blue bar react to your voice.
If you have multiple devices, make sure the one you want to use is selected from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Run the Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool for microphone troubleshooting.

In the same "Sound settings" window, scroll down and click "Troubleshoot" under the Input section.
Follow the on-screen prompts. Windows will try to automatically identify and fix the problem.

Step 3: Check Microphone Privacy Settings

Sometimes, Windows blocks apps from accessing your microphone for security reasons.

Go to `Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone`.
Ensure that "Microphone access" is turned on.
Also, make sure "Let desktop apps access your microphone" is turned on.

Step 4: Update Your Microphone Driver

An outdated or corrupt microphone driver can cause issues. Here’s how to fix the microphone driver:

Press `Windows Key + X` and select "Device Manager".
Expand the "Audio inputs and outputs" section.
Right-click on your microphone and select "Update driver".
Choose "Search automatically for drivers". If that doesn't work, you can visit your laptop or motherboard manufacturer's website to find the correct microphone driver for Windows 10 or 11.

How to Fix Microphone on Mobile (iPhone & Android)

Why is my microphone not working on my phone?

For mobile devices, the answer to "how to fix the microphone on my phone" is almost always related to app permissions or a dirty microphone port.

Check App Permissions: On both iPhone and Android, apps need your permission to use the mic.
- On iPhone: Go to `Settings > Privacy > Microphone`. Make sure the toggle is green for the app you're trying to use.
- On Android: Go to `Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions`. Ensure "Microphone" is allowed.
Clean the Microphone Port: The small holes for your microphone (usually at the bottom of your phone) can get clogged with dust or lint. Gently clean them with a soft brush or a puff of compressed air.

Fixing Your Mic in Specific Apps (like Discord)

Why is my mic not working on Discord?

Discord has its own audio settings that can override your system settings. If your mic works in our mic test online but not in Discord, check the following:

Go to `User Settings > Voice & Video`.
Under "Input Device," make sure you have selected the correct microphone and not "Default".
Ensure the "Input Volume" slider is turned up.
If problems persist, scroll down and click "Reset Voice Settings".

Advanced Topics

How to Reduce Background Noise

If your mic test shows a lot of mic noise, it could be from your environment or settings. To reduce background noise, try moving to a quieter room, using a noise-suppressing app like NVIDIA Broadcast, or adjusting the "noise suppression" feature in apps like Discord and Zoom.

Microphone Troubleshooting Guide