Is your Macbook microphone not working? It can be frustrating when you need to use your mic for work or a video call, but it’s just not cooperating. The good news is that there are several easy fix options that can get your mic working again in just a few steps. In this article, we’ll go over the common reasons why your Macbook microphone may have stopped working and how to fix it.
Common Causes of Macbook Microphone Not Working
Before we delve into the solutions, let’s explore the possible reasons why your Macbook’s microphone is not working. Here are some common causes:
1. Hardware Issues
Sometimes, the microphone may stop working due to a hardware fault. Check if there’s any physical damage or debris that might be blocking the mic. Also, ensure that your Macbook is not muted or that the volume is turned down low.
2. Software Issues
There could be software issues causing the microphone to stop working. Check the Audio MIDI Setup to ensure that the microphone is not turned off or the settings are not changed. Make sure that the drivers and microphones are up-to-date and compatibility is not an issue.
3. Application-Specific Settings
Sometimes the microphone may stop working as a result of application-specific settings. This means that the microphone is working as expected, but the settings of a particular application may not be configured correctly.
How to Fix the Macbook Microphone Not Working Issue?
Once you have identified the cause of the problem, try the following solutions to fix it:
1. Check System Preferences
The first step to fix the microphone issue on Macbook is to check the System Preferences. Go to the Sound preferences, and then select the Input tab. Ensure that you have selected the correct microphone. If it’s not selected, select it from the list.
2. Reset PRAM and SMC
Resetting the PRAM and SMC can help resolve issues with the microphone. The PRAM stores the microphone settings, while the SMC controls the hardware functions. To reset the PRAM, hold down the Option + Command + P + R buttons simultaneously during startup. For resetting the SMC, shutdown your Macbook and hold down the Shift + Control + Option + Power button for 10 seconds.
3. Disable Ambient Noise Reduction
Ambient Noise Reduction could be a reason for microphone failure. Go to the Sound preferences and select the Input tab. Uncheck the “Use ambient noise reduction” option.
4. Use Terminal to Reset Core Audio
If the microphone is still not working after trying the above methods, the issue might be with Core Audio. To reset Core Audio, go to Utilities > Terminal, and type in the following command:
sudo killall coreaudiod
Concluding Thoughts
Hopefully, by now, you should have been able to fix the microphone issue on your Macbook. In general, persistence is key to identifying and resolving Macbook microphone issues. However, if you still face the issue, it might be best to get in touch with a professional.
FAQs about Macbook Microphone Not Working
Q1. Can I use an external microphone if the internal mic is not working on my Macbook?
Yes, if the internal microphone is not working, you can use an external microphone. Simply connect the external microphone to the headphone port or use a USB microphone.
Q2. Can I use the built-in microphone on my Apple headphones as a secondary microphone on my Macbook?
Yes, you can use the built-in microphone on your Apple headphones as a secondary microphone on your Macbook. Connect the headphones to the headphone port and then select the headphones as the input device in the sound preferences.
Q3. What should I do if the microphone is not working on a specific application on my Macbook?
Check the audio settings of that particular application to make sure the correct microphone is selected. If the microphone is still not working, try resetting the application’s preferences or reinstalling it.
In conclusion, a malfunctioning microphone on your Macbook can be frustrating, especially if you use it for work or personal calls. Hopefully, this guide has provided some helpful solutions to help you get your microphone working again. Remember to check all the possible causes before jumping to the conclusion that the mic is faulty.
