Why is your microphone null is not working Zoom MacBook?

I am extremely frustrated because my microphone null is not working on Zoom with my MacBook. Every time I join a Zoom meeting, other participants tell me that they can’t hear me at all. I have tried unmuting myself, ensuring that the microphone is selected in the Zoom audio settings, and even rebooting my MacBook, but the issue persists. My system is up to date, and the microphone works perfectly fine with other applications. However, whenever I try to use it on Zoom, it just doesn’t transmit any sound. This is causing significant problems, especially during important calls for work and school. I feel like I’ve checked every possible setting and still haven’t found a solution. Can anyone help me understand why this is happening and what might be causing it?
8 Answers

I read somewhere that plugging in and removing an external microphone can sometimes resolve internal mic issues. Try the following:
- Plug in an external microphone or headset to your MacBook.
- Join a Zoom call and switch the microphone input to the external one.
- Remove the external microphone and switch the input back to the internal microphone.
This forced reset of the input selection can sometimes reset the audio configurations of your MacBook and Zoom.

Here’s a different angle that could be causing your issue: conflicting apps. Other applications that use the microphone might interfere with Zoom. Close all other apps that might use the microphone, such as Skype, Slack, or any voice recording software. Ensure Zoom is the only app accessing the microphone during your calls. Restart Zoom and check if your microphone starts working.

It sounds like you’re having a tough time with your Zoom microphone issues on your MacBook. Here are some steps that might help you resolve this:
- Check System Preferences: Open System Preferences > Sound > Input tab. Make sure your internal microphone is selected and the input volume is adjusted to high.
- Allow Zoom Privacy Settings: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy tab. Under Microphone, ensure Zoom is checked.
- Reset Zoom Permissions: Sometimes, resetting permissions might help. Uncheck Zoom in the microphone permission settings, restart your MacBook, and recheck it.
- Update Zoom: It’s essential to keep your Zoom app updated. Check for updates by opening Zoom, clicking on your profile picture, and selecting ‘Check for Updates’.
- Reinstall Zoom: If none of the above works, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Zoom application.

One thing that’s often overlooked is resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) on your MacBook. Here’s how you can do it:
- Shut down your MacBook.
- Hold down Shift + Control + Option on your keyboard and the power button at the same time for at least 10 seconds.
- Release all the keys and then press the power button to turn your MacBook back on.
Resetting the SMC can resolve various hardware-related issues, including microphone problems.

You might be missing this setting within Zoom itself:
- Open the Zoom App.
- Go to ‘Preferences’ > ‘Audio’.
- There’s a checkbox labeled ‘Automatically adjust microphone volume’. Ensure this is either checked or unchecked depending on your preference and see if it makes a difference.
Sometimes the auto-adjust feature can malfunction and prevent your microphone from working correctly, especially if it adjusts the volume down to zero.

I experienced a similar issue, and I discovered the problem was with the Background Noise Suppression in Zoom. Zoom, by default, suppresses background noises, and sometimes it mistakenly treats your voice as background noise. Here’s what I did:
- Open Zoom and go to Settings > Audio.
- Look for “Suppress Background Noise” and set it to “Low.”
- Also, ensure that the right microphone is selected under the Microphone settings.
This minor tweak significantly improved my microphone performance on Zoom.

Here’s a comprehensive approach you should take to troubleshoot the microphone issue:
- Check the Microphone Settings:
- Head to Zoom’s audio settings.
- Ensure the correct microphone is selected from the dropdown menu.
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Test the microphone here to see the input level.
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Update Permissions:
- Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Microphone.
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Ensure that Zoom has permission to use the microphone.
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Check for Zoom Updates:
- Open Zoom, click on your profile picture, and select ‘Check for Updates’.
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Update Zoom to the latest version if an update is available.
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Reset the PRAM/NVRAM:
- Shut down your MacBook.
- Turn it back on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds.
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Release the keys and let the MacBook restart.
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Check System Sound Settings:
- Go to System Preferences > Sound > Input.
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Ensure the internal microphone is selected and the input volume is turned up.
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Reinstall Zoom:
- Delete Zoom from your Applications folder.
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Download and install the latest version from the Zoom website.
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Test Microphone using Voice Memos:
- Open the Voice Memos app.
- Record a short memo to test if the internal microphone is functioning.
Hopefully, one of these steps will resolve the issue with your microphone on Zoom. If the problem persists, it might be worth contacting Apple Support for further assistance.