Microphone not working on Android
If your microphone isn't working on Android, it's almost always one of three things: the wrong input device is selected, the mic is muted, or an app doesn't have permission. Work through the steps below, then confirm with the live test.
Step-by-step fix
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Open Settings → Sound & vibration and pick the correct microphone as the default input.
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Make sure it isn't muted — in software and on any hardware mute switch.
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Grant microphone permission to your browser and app in Settings → Apps → your browser → Permissions → Microphone.
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Run the CheckMyMic microphone test and speak — watch for the live meter and a green "your mic works" verdict.
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Still nothing? Update or reinstall your audio driver, then restart Android.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my mic detected but silent on Android?
Usually the input level is at zero or the wrong device is selected. Raise the input volume in Settings → Sound & vibration and confirm the active device matches the mic you're speaking into.
How do I know which microphone Android is using?
Open the CheckMyMic mic test, press Start, and use the device dropdown — the mic that moves the meter when you speak is the active one. It should match the default input shown in Settings → Sound & vibration; if it doesn't, Android is capturing from a different device than you expect.
I've tried every step and my mic still doesn't work on Android — what now?
Isolate the fault: try the mic on another device or port, and try a different mic on this machine. If the CheckMyMic mic test stays silent only on Android, the fix is in software — recheck Settings → Sound & vibration and Settings → Apps → your browser → Permissions. If it fails only inside one app, our dedicated Zoom, Teams and Discord mic guides cover the app-side settings.
My phone's mic works for calls but not in the browser — why?
Phone calls use the dialer's own permission, so they prove the hardware but nothing else. The browser needs its own grant: Settings → Apps → your browser → Permissions → Microphone → Allow. On top of that, each website needs a per-site grant — tap the lock icon in the address bar and allow the microphone there too.