Common Microphone Problems and Solutions | Musician Nerd
Updated on May 19, 2022
Encountering microphone issues with digital devices is common, regardless of the operating system you use. Our team at Musician Nerd can tell you that without much hassle, you can easily rectify the problem as there are numerous solutions available. However, solving microphone-related problems would require you to identify the reason.
Nothing can be more frustrating than having audio issues right before your presentation or an ongoing meeting. You need to take a few actions before you go ahead to purchase a new device for yourself. We will discuss the problems and solutions to fix the microphone issues in the upcoming sections, but let's first talk about the difficulties you might have encountered previously while trying to connect the microphone.
These issues can be sound errors, gadget matching issues, equipment inconsistency, internal breakdown, and Windows-related issues. Let's now move on to an in-depth analysis of the problems that cause the microphone to work inappropriately on digital devices.
Common Microphone Problems and Solutions
Microphone Not Working on Smartphones
We all have used mobile devices for making calls, and it is the most common aspect of having a smartphone. During the call, if the microphone does not work properly or stops working, it becomes very irritating. In the middle of an official call, you find that the person on the other side is not able to hear you clearly, or you are not getting the voice. Audio issues in any form are annoying. You need to connect the call again and start the conversation from the crash.
Woman Talking Into Smartphone
The very first reason for getting disconnected from the other side is the bad network connection. The microphone connected to the Android device works well, but due to an improper network connection, you may not talk to the other person. So, check the network connection first. The unwanted obstruction in the microphone usage may arise due to dirt accumulated in that. The microphone that you have been using for quite some time now often shows such issues.
Several third-party apps that we use over the phone regularly might be interrupting the smooth functioning of microphones. Such apps can change the audio output automatically, and microphones may stop working.
Microphone Not Working on MS Windows
When microphones are not working on your Windows computer, there is not one but multiple reasons behind it. Most users find it difficult to use the microphone on the device after they update the operating system. In that case, check if you have inserted the microphone USB in the right port. Sometimes, one or more ports stop working after an operating system update. Due to such options, Windows 10 does not allow the webcam and other applications to pass any voice from the microphone to you.
Improper connectivity of the microphone and webcam affects the voice flow for other applications installed on Windows desktops or laptops. Although you can tweak the permissions of apps using the universal Windows platform, it might not be an option in Windows 10. If the microphone you are using with a Windows computer is not working properly, check if the privacy settings are configured accurately. If you have not provided access to your microphone, then it's time to check the settings. If the microphone access is off, you won't be able to get any voice from the microphone for all the applications running on a Windows computer.
Microphone Not Working on macOS
Typing On Macbook
MacBook users also face Microsoft-related issues often, though there's nothing to worry about. The reason behind this may be the improper setting or that you have inserted it into the wrong port. If any of the ports doesn't seem to work properly, try connecting to any other device. If it works properly on other devices, then the hardware component can be at fault. Alternatively, connect your microphone to another device to check if it is working; else, you will need to buy a new one.
If the microphone does not work for specific applications, then you need to check for settings you have done while connecting the microphone to the computer. Often, applications need an update, and the microphone starts to work normally. Another reason for not working on a microphone is not setting it as the default device.
Microphones Not Working on Tablets
If you are using a tablet and hear a cracking voice, then there may be an issue with your microphone. If you are not able to hear anything from the internal mic, it's time to get it repaired. The first reason why the microphone is not working properly could be the dust accumulation in the mesh. It makes the voice unclear and heavy or produces a cracking or grunting sound. The Bluetooth connectivity might be interrupting, so make sure to turn the Bluetooth off when not required. Restart the tablet and check if the problem continues.
Solutions to Fix Microphone Errors
Let's now move on to the various solutions that will help you to fix the issues related to microphone malfunctioning on digital devices.
Tweak Volume Settings
To identify the root cause of the microphone issue, first, check the volume settings on the device. Check if you have lowered the key tones in the settings of the device. Check if the device is on mute or if DND settings are turned on. Perform an audio test on the device to diagnose and fix a possible cliché.
Check Headset Connections
To make sure you are facing an issue with the microphone, check the headset connections. Check if the issue occurred due to interference from the external device. Make sure the headset is unmuted, and wires are connected tightly to the device.
Check Apps Settings
Another thing you need to cross-check is the app settings that you are using. See for the issue in case it is happening only with a particular software or application? The applications and programs on your device have their unique settings. Make sure you altered and cross-checked the in-built settings.
Check Microphone Output
Your device may have multiple options available to access the sound input. Check if you are using the microphone that you mean to use. Scroll through the default settings of the device and change them accordingly.
Reboot Your Device
After cross-checking possible techniques, try to reboot the device in safe mode. Sometimes the system catches a glitch that can get fixed by restarting the computer. Once you have restarted the computer, check your device's audio to confirm if the microphones are functioning expectedly.
Clean the Microphone
One more reason that may result in sound interference is a contaminated microphone. Clean your microphone to see if it is covered with carbon or external dust particles. Cleaning your device will also prevent it from viruses and overheating issues.
Disconnect Accessories
Detach all the accessories attached to the device as it can also be the reason to create microphone issues for you. Unplug all of the wires one by one to find out the default external device. Restart your computer and check the input settings of the external accessories.
Check Bluetooth Connections
To figure out the no sound issue on your device, make sure that it is not directed to a Bluetooth device. In case the audio is still connected to an external Bluetooth device, your internal microphone will not be able to play the audio. Disconnect your accessories appropriately after use to avoid this confusion.
Verify Audio Recording
You can also check the sound issue by recording something with your device. If the device can record the audio in a video clip, it means the problem is with the device setting, not the internal computer microphone.
Check Audio Driver
Check your audio driver settings and updates. If you have an outdated audio driver, that may result in sound issues on the device. Update the audio driver to get rid of the microphone issues and try to record audio to verify if the system is working appropriately.
Check Physical Damage
You never know if your microphone got damaged the last time your device slipped out of your hands. Examine the device to ensure that your microphone is not broken. If it is physically damaged, you will need to visit a repair shop to get it fixed.
Inspect the Wires & Cords
Follow the wires from the amplifier to where they interface with the motherboard, really focusing on where they go through the pivot. Assuming that the wires are broken, or they have come turned off from the motherboard, fixing them or stopping them back in will likely permit your receiver to work in the future.
Get Professional Help
In case you are not able to resolve microphone issues even after following the above-mentioned solution, get professional assistance. If you are not well acquainted with the device settings, avoid fixing it by yourself, as you may end up with a severe hardware breakdown.
Conclusion
By now you should have a much better understanding of how to fix your common microphone issues. Regardless of the reason behind the microphone breakdown, do not forget to back up data before you implement any workaround. Tweaking application settings can lead to data loss, and you may not be able to recover it in the absence of a backup.
Posted on May 19, 2022
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