Make sure your computer and apps are actually recording from the microphone

What you should know

• Windows: Settings → System → Sound → Input, select the microphone (or its audio interface) from the dropdown, and check the input level meter moves when you speak.
• macOS: System Settings → Sound → Input, select the microphone from the device list and confirm the input level indicator responds.
• For USB mics, install any manufacturer driver or companion app only if the mic requires one for advanced features — most work as plug-and-play class-compliant audio devices without extra software.
• For XLR mics, the audio interface (not the microphone itself) is what shows up as the selectable input device — the mic connects to the interface, and the interface connects to the computer.
• In each individual app (Zoom, Teams, Discord, OBS, etc.), open its own audio/microphone settings and re-select the correct device — apps frequently keep their own separate device selection that doesn't follow the OS default.

If the mic still isn't detected after selecting it, try a different USB port (avoid unpowered hubs) or a different XLR cable/interface input, since a marginal connection is a common cause of a device not showing up at all.

Why it matters

Almost every complaint of "my microphone isn't working" in a video call or recording turns out to be the correct input device connected but not selected — getting this right first saves time before assuming a hardware fault.

Best practices

• Set the microphone as the system default input as well as selecting it inside each conferencing or recording app, since some apps inherit the OS default rather than remembering their own choice.
• Unplug and reconnect a USB microphone directly (not through a hub) if it stops appearing in the device list after a system sleep/wake cycle.
• Keep any manufacturer control-panel software up to date if the mic uses one, since it's often required for gain, mute, and monitoring controls to work correctly.

Common problems and fixes

Microphone doesn't appear in the input device list at all

Try a different USB port or cable, or for XLR setups confirm the audio interface itself is recognized as a USB device first, since the mic is invisible to the OS until the interface is.

Correct device is selected but a call app still uses the wrong mic

Re-select the microphone inside that specific app's own audio settings — most conferencing apps store a device preference separate from the OS default.

Tips and tricks

• If you regularly switch between a headset and a standalone microphone, rename the input device (where the OS allows it) or note its exact label so you can pick it quickly from the dropdown instead of guessing between similarly named entries.

Frequently asked questions

Related settings

• Troubleshoot No Input or No SoundA microphone that produces no signal, or that worked before and suddenly stopped, is almost always one of a handful of causes — wrong device selected, hardware mute engaged, a cable or port issue, or app-level permission blocking access. Working through them in order resolves the large majority of cases without needing to replace anything.
• Adjust Gain & Input SensitivityGain (sometimes labeled sensitivity or trim) controls how much the microphone's signal is amplified before it reaches your computer or recording software. Too low and your voice sounds distant or gets buried under background noise processing; too high and it distorts or "clips" during louder moments.

More Devices guides for Microphone

• Understand the Mute Button & Indicator LightMany USB microphones include a physical mute button (tap or touch-sensitive) with an LED that changes color or blinks to show mute status. Because this mute happens at the hardware level, it works independently of whatever mute state any individual app thinks it's in — which is a common source of confusion.

See every Microphone guide