Why is my microphone not working?
Updated 2026-09
A step-by-step checklist for a microphone that shows no signal at all — in order of how often each cause turns out to be the real one.
1. Check the OS actually sees the device
On Windows: Settings → System → Sound → Input. If your mic isn't in the list, the problem is at the OS/driver level, not the app you're using.
On macOS: System Settings → Sound → Input. Same logic — if it's not listed, no app will find it either.
2. Check the app has permission
Browsers and apps need explicit microphone permission. On Windows: Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone → make sure 'Let apps access your microphone' is on, and your browser is allowed. On macOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone.
This is the single most common cause of 'my mic worked yesterday and now it doesn't' — a permission got revoked, often after an OS update.
3. Check nothing else has it locked
Only one app can usually hold an exclusive audio stream at a time on most systems. If Zoom, Discord, or OBS is still running in the background with the mic open, close it fully (not just minimized) and retry.
4. Rule out the hardware
Test the same microphone on a different computer or a different USB port. If it fails everywhere, it's the hardware. If it only fails on one machine, it's that machine's driver or settings.
Still not working? Run the microphone test to confirm exactly what's failing, or check the driver directory.