A microphone that suddenly stops working mid-call or won’t register any input at all is almost always a permissions or settings issue rather than a hardware fault.
Step 1: Check App and Site Permissions
- Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Microphone in Chrome.
- Make sure the specific site (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.) isn’t listed under “Not allowed.”
- For Android apps, check Settings > Apps > [app name] > Permissions and confirm microphone access is granted.
Step 2: Confirm the Right Input Device Is Selected
Click the time in the bottom-right corner, then the volume icon, and check that the built-in microphone (not a disconnected headset or external mic) is selected as the active input.
Step 3: Test the Microphone Directly
- Open the Diagnostics app if your model includes an audio input test.
- Alternatively, try a quick voice recording in a simple app to confirm whether the mic picks up sound outside of the specific app you were originally using.
Step 4: Restart and Update
A restart clears a stuck audio driver process, a common and simple fix for a mic that stopped responding mid-session. Check Settings > About ChromeOS for a pending update too, since driver bugs occasionally get fixed in a ChromeOS release.
Still Not Picking Up Sound?
If the microphone tests silent in every app, after a restart, and with permissions confirmed correct, that points toward a hardware fault rather than a settings issue. This is less common than a software cause, but worth a repair shop’s diagnosis if everything above has been ruled out. If the whole audio system seems affected, not just the microphone, see our Chromebook no sound guide for the broader troubleshooting steps.
FAQ
Why does my mic work in one app but not another?
That’s almost always a per-site or per-app permission setting rather than a hardware issue, since the microphone clearly functions elsewhere.
Can a Powerwash fix microphone problems?
Sometimes, if corrupted settings or permissions are the cause. It won’t help if the microphone hardware itself has failed.
Does a case or screen protector block the microphone?
Rarely, but a poorly fitted case can partially cover the mic opening on some models. Worth checking if the issue started right after adding a case.
