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Microphone Test for Mac
Press Start to see if your Mac's microphone is picking up sound. If nothing registers, work through the Mac-specific fixes below. This guide uses our free microphone test.
Press start and allow microphone access, then speak.
Fix a Mac microphone that is not working
- Allow your browser. System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone. Turn on the switch next to Chrome, Safari, Firefox or whichever browser you use, then restart the browser.
- Allow the website. In Safari open Settings → Websites → Microphone and set this site to Allow. In Chrome click the icon left of the address bar.
- Check input. System Settings → Sound → Input. Pick your microphone and speak. The Input level meter should move. Raise Input volume if it is low.
- Look for a muted headset. Wired and Bluetooth headsets often have an in-line mute switch or a mute button on the ear cup.
- Reset the audio service. In Terminal run
sudo killall coreaudiod. macOS restarts it automatically. This clears most stuck-audio problems. - Restart the Mac if the microphone disappeared after an update or after waking from sleep.
MacBook has several microphones
Recent MacBooks use a three-microphone array and pick the best one automatically, so you will see a single input called MacBook Pro Microphone or MacBook Air Microphone. If an iPhone nearby appears as an input, it is using Continuity. Pick the Mac's own mic from the dropdown above.
Last updated: 2026-10-04
Frequently asked questions
Why does Chrome not show a microphone prompt on my Mac?
If you previously chose Block, Chrome will not ask again. Click the icon next to the address bar, set Microphone to Allow, and reload.
Why is my MacBook mic too quiet?
Raise Input volume in System Settings → Sound → Input and speak 10 to 20 cm from the bottom-left of the keyboard area where the microphones sit.