3 Fixes for External Microphone Not Working on Mac

Quick Tips

• Open Settings > select Sound > under Input, check if your external microphone has been selected.
• Open Settings > Privacy and Security > scroll down and click on Microphone. Then, check the list of apps and see which ones are allowed to use the microphone.
• Resetting your Mac’s SMC or System Management Controller will help resolve hardware-related issues, including the external microphone, if it stops working.

Quick Fixes

• Check USB Port: The USB port of your Mac used for connecting the external mic might be faulty.
• Check if your microphone is working on another device: Plug in your microphone with other devices and see if it is working.
• Change Microphone audio levels: Go to Settings > Sound > Input > check audio levels.
• Ensure the external mic is compatible with your MacBook: Visit the official product page of your microphone brand and check the same.
• Boot Mac in Safe Mode: You can use Safe Mode if you are trying to record audio from QuickTime Player by plugging in your microphone.
• Update macOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Fix 1: Check the Input Source

If your external microphone has not worked, check the Input Source on 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.

Open Settings > select Sound > under Input, check if your external microphone has been selected. If not, click on it to enable it.

You can also quickly check the Input Levels and adjust the Input Volume per your choice.

Fix 2: Check App Permissions

Many apps, such as Zoom, 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: Open Settings > go to Privacy and Security.

Step 2: Scroll down and click on Microphone > check from the list of apps and see which ones are allowed to use the microphone.

Click the toggle next to the app to 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 down your Mac > connect it to a power source.

Step 2: Keep pressing the Shift + Option + Control keys and the power button simultaneously.

Step 3: Release all the keys and power on your Mac.