Microphone not working on ChromeOS
If your microphone isn't working on ChromeOS, 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
-
Open Settings → Audio (and the 🔒 site permission in Chrome) and pick the correct microphone as the default input.
-
Make sure it isn't muted — in software and on any hardware mute switch.
-
Grant microphone permission to your browser and app in Settings → Security and Privacy → Microphone.
-
Run the CheckMyMic microphone test and speak — watch for the live meter and a green "your mic works" verdict.
-
Still nothing? Update or reinstall your audio driver, then restart ChromeOS.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my mic detected but silent on ChromeOS?
Usually the input level is at zero or the wrong device is selected. Raise the input volume in Settings → Audio (and the 🔒 site permission in Chrome) and confirm the active device matches the mic you're speaking into.
How do I know which microphone ChromeOS 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 → Audio (and the 🔒 site permission in Chrome); if it doesn't, ChromeOS is capturing from a different device than you expect.
I've tried every step and my mic still doesn't work on ChromeOS — 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 ChromeOS, the fix is in software — recheck Settings → Audio (and the 🔒 site permission in Chrome) and Settings → Security and Privacy. If it fails only inside one app, our dedicated Zoom, Teams and Discord mic guides cover the app-side settings.
Why does Chrome say the mic is blocked on my Chromebook?
Click the lock/tune icon at the left of the address bar, open Site settings, set Microphone to Allow, and reload the tab. Then confirm the right input under Settings → Audio — ChromeOS lists every microphone (internal, USB, headset) separately, and it may be capturing from one you aren't speaking into.