How to Fix a Microphone That Is Not Working

When Your Microphone Will Not Work

Being unable to speak in meetings is frustrating. Here is how to fix microphone problems.

Quick Checks

Check Physical Connections

• For USB microphones, check the cable is connected
• For headset mics, check the audio jack is plugged in fully
• Make sure you are using the correct jack (microphone, not headphone)
• For Bluetooth headsets, check they are connected

Check for Mute

• Check if your headset has a mute button or switch
• Check if the app you are using has a mute button
• Look for mute indicators in the app or on your device

Windows Microphone Settings

Check Microphone Access

• Open Settings (Windows key + I)
• Go to Privacy & security
• Click Microphone
• Make sure Microphone access is on
• Make sure Let apps access your microphone is on

Check Desktop App Access

• In Microphone settings, scroll to Let desktop apps access your microphone
• Make sure this is turned on
• Meeting apps like Zoom and Teams need this

Set the Correct Microphone

Using Quick Settings

• Click the speaker icon in the taskbar
• Click the arrow next to the volume slider
• Look for input device options
• Select your microphone

Using Sound Settings

• Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar
• Click Sound settings
• Under Input, choose your microphone
• Speak and watch the volume indicator to test

Test Your Microphone

Using Sound Settings

• Open Settings > System > Sound
• Under Input, find your microphone
• Speak—the bar should move as you talk
• If it does not move, the microphone is not picking up sound

Using Voice Recorder

• Press Windows key
• Type Voice Recorder and open it
• Click the record button
• Speak for a few seconds
• Stop and play back to hear yourself

App-Specific Settings

Microsoft Teams

• Click your profile picture > Settings
• Click Devices
• Check Microphone is set correctly
• Click Make a test call to test

Zoom

• Click your profile picture > Settings
• Click Audio
• Check Microphone is set correctly
• Click Test Mic to test

Web Browsers

• When prompted, allow microphone access
• Check the address bar for a microphone icon
• Click it to manage permissions

Volume and Levels

Adjust Microphone Volume

• Right-click the speaker icon
• Click Sound settings
• Click More sound settings
• Go to the Recording tab
• Double-click your microphone
• Go to the Levels tab
• Increase the level if needed
• Do not set too high or you will get distortion

Microphone Boost

Some microphones have a boost option:

• In the microphone Properties > Levels
• Look for Microphone Boost
• Increase slightly if your voice is too quiet

Driver Solutions

Update Microphone Drivers

• Right-click the Start button
• Click Device Manager
• Expand Audio inputs and outputs
• Right-click your microphone
• Click Update driver
• Click Search automatically for drivers

Reinstall Drivers

If updating did not work:

• In Device Manager, right-click your microphone
• Click Uninstall device
• Restart your computer
• Windows will reinstall the driver

Troubleshoot Specific Issues

People Say You Are Quiet

• Increase microphone level in sound settings
• Move closer to the microphone
• Check for obstructions between you and the mic

People Say There Is Echo

• Use headphones instead of speakers
• Lower speaker volume
• Mute yourself when not speaking

Crackling or Static

• Try a different USB port
• Check cable connections
• Update audio drivers
• Move away from electronic interference

When to Contact IT

Contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au if:

• Microphone does not appear in settings
• You have an important meeting and cannot be heard
• Multiple apps have the same problem
• Hardware may be faulty
• These fixes did not resolve the problem

Need Help?

For microphone issues, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.