Zoom (macOS/Windows)
Fix Microphone Issues in Zoom
Unmute, pick the right mic, reset permissions, and use the online Mic Test to confirm Zoom can hear you.
Updated 2025-12-09
Verify the mic works in the browser before you change Zoom settings.
Zoom hides many audio controls behind one arrow. A quick Mic Test tells you if the issue is Zoom or the computer, then you can align permissions, device picks, and gain so people hear you on every meeting.
Quick wins (2 minutes)
- Click Unmute and make sure the mic icon no longer has a slash.
- Open the arrow next to Mute and pick your USB or headset mic by name.
- Restart Zoom after granting OS microphone permission so it reloads devices.
- Quit Discord, Teams, and browser tabs that might hold the mic.
- Raise the Input Volume slider to around 70 if test calls are quiet.
- Browser version users must allow the mic in the padlock prompt, then refresh.
Step-by-step fix
- Run the DevicePrep Mic Test; if it fails, fix the OS side first.
- In a meeting, click the arrow next to Mute and choose the microphone you want instead of Default.
- Zoom Settings -> Audio -> click "Test Mic"; speak and raise the Input Volume slider if the bar stays low.
- Windows: Settings -> Privacy & security -> Microphone -> allow desktop apps (Zoom). macOS: System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Microphone -> enable Zoom.
- After changing permissions, quit Zoom fully from the taskbar or menu bar and reopen so it refreshes devices.
- Close other apps that may hold the mic (Teams, Discord, browsers) and rejoin the meeting.
- If Zoom still says it cannot detect a mic, swap USB ports or try a different headset, then rerun the Zoom mic test.
Deep fixes
Prove the mic works before touching Zoom
Open the Mic Test and talk. If the meter is silent, Zoom cannot fix it; the issue sits in hardware or the OS. If the meter moves but Zoom does not, focus only on app settings and permissions. Leave the test tab open while you tweak Zoom so you can flip back and compare behavior. Keep headphones on so you do not create feedback when you run Zoom's loopback test.
Give Zoom microphone permission
Windows needs "Let desktop apps access your microphone" turned on for Zoom. Toggle it, then restart the app. On macOS, go to System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Microphone and allow Zoom. If you do not see Zoom, add it after reinstalling the client. Browser users must click Allow in the address bar prompt. Blocked once? Reset the site permission and reload so the prompt appears again. Corporate devices sometimes add security agents that block access; if prompts never appear, ask IT to confirm policy.
Set the right device and gain inside Zoom
Zoom likes to follow the system default. When Windows switches devices, Zoom can follow the wrong one. Pick the mic by name. Disable "Automatically adjust microphone volume" while you troubleshoot so the slider stays steady. Add manual gain until the bar hits the middle when you talk. If you use stereo or music modes, confirm echo cancellation does not drop your level. When you swap mics mid-call, leave and rejoin to force a refresh of the device list.
Browser Zoom specifics
The browser version relies on the address bar permission and the device selected there. Open the padlock, set Microphone to Allow, and pick the right device. If you denied permission earlier, clear the block in site settings so Zoom can prompt again. Chromebooks and kiosk profiles sometimes limit mic access; test in another browser profile to isolate policy blocks. Use wired headsets on the browser version to avoid Bluetooth switching when the page reloads.
Avoid mic conflicts from other apps
OBS, Discord, Xbox Game Bar, and DAWs can hold exclusive control and leave Zoom silent. Close them while you join. If you must keep another app open, disable exclusive mode in Windows Sound and in the app preferences. USB hubs that power many devices can brown out microphones. Move the mic to a laptop port and retest. Replace noisy or kinked cables; contact crackle travels straight into calls even when meters look fine.
Quick checklist
- Mic works in the DevicePrep test
- Correct mic selected inside Zoom
- Zoom input meter moves while speaking
- OS microphone permission granted
- No other calling apps are open
FAQs
Why does Zoom change my volume automatically?
The "Automatically adjust microphone volume" toggle can drop gain. Turn it off while you troubleshoot, then set the slider manually.
Should I use "Original sound"?
Use it only for music or high-fidelity audio. For calls, leave it off so noise suppression stays active.
Is the browser version different?
If you join via the browser, you must allow the mic in the address bar prompt and in Zoom's in-meeting device picker.
Why does Zoom say "failed to detect microphone"?
Another app may hold the device or Windows blocked access. Close other recorders, enable mic permission, then restart Zoom and pick the mic again.
Wrap up
Once Zoom shows a moving bar and people hear you, rerun the DevicePrep Mic Test, then head to the Pre-Call Test to check camera and speakers before your next meeting.