Microphone not working on Linux
If your microphone isn't working on Linux, 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 your PulseAudio/PipeWire sound settings 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 your browser's site 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 Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my mic detected but silent on Linux?
Usually the input level is at zero or the wrong device is selected. Raise the input volume in your PulseAudio/PipeWire sound settings and confirm the active device matches the mic you're speaking into.
How do I know which microphone Linux 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 your PulseAudio/PipeWire sound settings; if it doesn't, Linux is capturing from a different device than you expect.
I've tried every step and my mic still doesn't work on Linux — 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 Linux, the fix is in software — recheck your PulseAudio/PipeWire sound settings and your browser's site permissions. If it fails only inside one app, our dedicated Zoom, Teams and Discord mic guides cover the app-side settings.
How do I pick the right input source on Linux?
Install pavucontrol (it works for both PulseAudio and PipeWire), open the Input Devices tab and speak — the level bar shows which source is actually live. On the Configuration tab, make sure your sound card's profile includes an input (something like "Analog Stereo Duplex"), not an output-only profile such as HDMI.