Symptoms
- Others can't hear you on calls but you can hear them
- Mic works in one app but not another
- Mic sound is very quiet or muffled
- In-line mute button seems stuck
Likely causes
- CommonWrong microphone selected as default inputComputers can have multiple microphones (headset, built-in, webcam) and the wrong one may be selected.
- CommonMicrophone muted at the headset or in softwareIn-line mute switches and app-level mute buttons are easy to leave on accidentally.
- CommonInput volume set too lowEven an active mic can sound silent or faint if input gain is turned down.
- PossibleApp-specific microphone permission blockedOperating systems require per-app microphone permission that can be off by default.
- Less commonFaulty cable, jack, or headset hardwareA bent plug, worn jack, or internal wire break can cause an intermittent or dead mic.
What to do
- Check for a physical mute button or slider on the headset cable or earcup and make sure it's off.
- In sound settings, confirm the correct headset microphone is selected as the default input device.
- Raise the microphone input volume/gain in system sound settings and test again.
- Check the specific app's (Zoom, Teams, Discord) audio settings, since apps can have their own separate input device and mute setting.
- Confirm the app has microphone permission in system privacy settings.
- Unplug and replug the headset, trying a different USB or headphone jack port.
- Test the microphone in a different app or on another computer to isolate whether it's the headset or the computer.
Tools and parts
- None
Replacement headsetSearch: “USB headset with microphone”
When to call a pro
If the mic tests silent on multiple apps and computers after checking mute and volume settings, the headset's microphone hardware has likely failed.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.