3 Fixes for External Microphone Not Working on Mac

Paurush dabbles around iOS and Mac while his close encounters are with Android and Windows. Before becoming a writer, he produced videos for brands like Mr. Phone and Digit. On weekends, he is a full-time cinephile trying to reduce his never-ending watchlist, often making it longer.

Quick Fixes

Fix 1: Check the Input Source

If your external microphone has not worked, check theInput Sourceon your Mac. Your Mac’s internal microphone acts as the default Input Source. Your external microphone should automatically become the Input Source when you connect it. If that’s not happening, here’s how to check it.

OpenSettings> selectSound> under Input, check if yourexternal microphonehas been selected. If not, click on it to enable it.

You can also quicklycheck the Input Levelsand adjust the Input Volume per your choice.

Fix 2: Check App Permissions

Many apps, such asZoom, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Microsoft Teams require permission to use your Mac’s microphone. If you still can’t use the external microphone, here’s how to check if the apps on your Mac have permission.

Step 1:OpenSettings> go toPrivacy and Security.

Step 2:Scroll down and click onMicrophone> check from the list of apps and seewhich ones are allowedto use the microphone.

Click thetoggle next to the appto enable microphone access.

Fix 3: Perform SMC Reset

Resetting your Mac’s SMC or System Management Controller will help resolve hardware-related issues, including the external microphone if it stops working. Note that SMC reset is only applicable for Intel-based Macs.

Step 1:Shut downyour Mac > connect it to a power source.

Step 2:Keep pressing theShift + Option + Controlkeysand thepower buttonsimultaneously.

Step 3:Release all the keys andpower onyour Mac.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 23 July, 2024

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*

Name*

Email*

Comment*

Δ

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

More in Mac

Spotify Not Working on Mac? Here’s the Fix

How to Fix Apple Mail Stuck at Downloading Messages

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.

© 2024 Guiding Tech Media. All Rights Reserved.