Fix · Zoom on a Mac
Zoom microphone not working? Fix it on your Mac.
When nobody can hear you, it's usually one of four things: Zoom never joined audio, it's using the wrong mic, you're muted, or macOS is blocking zoom.us.
Quick check first: Try the free mic test. If the meter moves there, your mic works and the fix is in Zoom (steps 1 to 4). If it stays flat, start with the Mac checks.
Fix it in Zoom
- Join computer audio.If the meeting controls show Join Audio instead of Mute, Zoom isn't using your mic or speakers yet. Click Join Audio and choose Join with Computer Audio. To skip this next time, turn on Automatically connect to computer audio under Settings › Meetings & webinars.
- Pick the mic in Zoom.Click your profile picture, then Settings › Audio. Under Microphone, choose your mic from the menu and click Test microphone. The Input volume bar should move when you talk.
- Check Automatically adjust microphone volume.With it on, Zoom sets your level for you and the Input volume slider is unavailable. If you sound too quiet, turn it off and raise the slider yourself.
- Switch mics during a meeting.Click the arrow next to Mute in the meeting controls and pick another microphone. Also make sure the mic button isn't crossed out, and that the host hasn't muted you.
Echo or choppy voice
Zoom has an Echo cancellation setting under Settings › Audio › Advanced, with Auto, Low, and High. Zoom marks it for technical users, so leave it on Auto unless someone tells you your voice cuts out.
The mute switch on the mic itself
Zoom's help says to check for a physical mute switch on the mic or headset. A headset boom flipped up, or a button on a USB mic, mutes it before Zoom ever hears you.
Then check your Mac
If Zoom looks right and the microphone still doesn't work, go through these in order.
- Allow Zoom on your Mac.Choose Apple menu › System Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone, and turn on zoom.us. If it's already on, turn it off and on again. Quit and reopen Zoom after.
- Check your Mac's input.Open System Settings › Sound and click Input. Select your mic, make sure the Input volume slider isn't at zero, and watch the level move when you talk.
- Check the mic itself.Look for a mute button, a mute light, or a gain knob turned all the way down. Unplug a USB mic and plug it back in, try another port, and skip the hub if you can.
- Watch for Bluetooth call mode.When Zoom turns on the mic in AirPods or another Bluetooth headset, the headset switches to call mode and your voice drops to phone quality. If you sound muffled, use your Mac's mic or a USB mic, and keep the headset for listening.
Test it outside Zoom
The free microphone test runs in your browser, with nothing to install. If your microphone works there, your Mac and the hardware are fine, and the fix is in Zoom's settings above.
On a Mac? See which mic Zoom is really using.
Zoom keeps its own mic choice, so your Mac can look right while the call uses the wrong one. Green Room shows which app has each mic open, and warns you when zoom.us isn't using your setup. One click switches your Mac back, and it flags a mic that's muted, at zero, or silent. Free, with no account.
zoom.us is using MacBook Pro Microphone, not Shure MV7.
Switch to Shure MV7Questions
Why can't anyone hear me on Zoom when my mic works?
Usually Zoom hasn't joined computer audio, or it picked a different mic. Click Join Audio if you see it, then click the arrow next to Mute and choose your mic.
Why is the Input volume slider grayed out in Zoom?
Automatically adjust microphone volume is on. Turn it off in Settings › Audio and the slider works again.
Does Zoom need permission to use my mic on a Mac?
Yes. Open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone and turn on zoom.us. Zoom asks you to restart it after the change.
How do I test my mic in Zoom?
Open Settings › Audio and click Test microphone. Zoom records a few seconds and plays them back. You can also choose Test speaker and microphone when you join a meeting.