Hey friend! Having issues using your microphone in Discord on your Mac? We’ve all been there. It can be super frustrating when you’re all set for an epic gaming session and suddenly realize no one can hear you.
Not to worry! In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get Discord microphone access on your Mac. We’ll cover how to grant permissions in System Preferences, troubleshoot mic issues, and prevent problems in the future.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be a Discord mic pro ready to chat away with your friends!
Why Discord Needs Microphone Access on Your Mac
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s briefly cover why granting microphone access is important in the first place.
MacOS has security features that restrict apps from using your mic unless you explicitly give them permission. This helps prevent unwanted snooping by random apps.
For an app like Discord that’s built around voice chat, you’ll need to grant access to your microphone for it to work properly. Otherwise, Discord can’t detect any input from your mic.
Having mic access enabled allows seamless conversations whether you’re collaborating on a project, battling it out in games, or just catching up with friends. No one wants to miss out on the fun because of muted microphones!
According to a Discord survey, over 90% of users say voice chat is one of their favorite features. So getting your microphone enabled is key to enjoying Discord to its fullest.
Granting Discord Microphone Permissions via System Preferences
Now let’s get Discord up and running with mic access using System Preferences. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Open System Preferences
Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
Step 2: Go to Security & Privacy
In System Preferences, click on Security & Privacy.
Step 3: Select the Privacy Tab
Within Security & Privacy, switch to the Privacy tab.
Step 4: Choose Microphone
In the sidebar under Privacy, select Microphone.
Step 5: Check Discord
Find Discord in the list and tick the box next to it to enable access.
That’s it! Discord now has microphone access.
Note: If you’re using Discord in a web browser, tick the browser name instead of the app.
How to Know if Discord is Using Your Microphone
Once granted microphone access, how can you confirm Discord is actually using your mic?
There are a couple ways to check:
- Look for a microphone icon in your Mac’s menu bar when talking in Discord. This indicates an app is actively using the mic.
- In System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Microphone, check the list of apps using the mic recently. Discord should show up there if it’s working.
- Ask a friend in Discord if they can hear you! The best test.
Troubleshooting When the Microphone Still Isn’t Working
You’ve flipped the switch for Discord to use your microphone, but no one can hear you? Ugh, so frustrating!
Let’s run through some troubleshooting tips to pinpoint the issue.
Reset Discord Voice Settings
In Discord, you may have tweaked some voice settings that are causing problems. Resetting them can often resolve mic glitches.
To reset the voice settings:
- In Discord, open User Settings
- Go to Voice & Video
- At the bottom, click “Reset Voice Settings”
This restores everything to default. Give your mic a test now!
Select the Correct Input Device
Even with the right permissions, Discord could be trying to use the wrong microphone input device.
Double check that you have the proper device selected:
- In Discord’s User Settings, choose Voice & Video
- Next to Input Device, select the mic you want to use
- Test it out!
Make sure you choose a microphone, not speakers or another output device by accident.
Adjust Voice Input Sensitivity
If your friends still can’t hear you, the input sensitivity may be turned up too high.
Here’s how to tweak it:
- In Voice & Video settings, find Input Sensitivity
- Drag the slider to the left to lower the threshold
- Test and adjust further if needed
Try lowering the sensitivity in small increments to avoid cutting off your voice entirely.
Check Your Headphone or Mic Hardware
Microphone not working? Make sure to check your actual headphone or mic hardware as well:
- If using a headset, try plugging it into another device to test if the mic works properly there.
- Try swapping to a different headset or mic to isolate the issue.
- Check headphone jack connections are snug and debris-free.
- Consider testing with both the front and rear audio input ports.
- Headset mic not picking up? Make sure it’s rotated to the proper front-facing position near your mouth.
Hardware problems can masquerade as permission issues, so it’s worth verifying.
Additional Troubleshooting for Discord Microphone
If you’ve tried the steps above and are still battling microphone gremlins, there are a few more things to check…
Verify Browser Permissions
Using Discord in your web browser? Double check that microphone access is enabled:
Safari:
- Click the Discord website name
- Choose Settings
- Make sure Ask next to Microphone is set to Allow
Chrome:
- Click the lock icon
- Make sure the Microphone toggle is enabled
Change Input Mode if Needed
The input mode must be on Voice Activity for the mic to work, not Push to Talk.
Lower Sensitivity in App Settings
In User Settings > Voice, you can also turn off Auto Sensitivity and drag the slider lower.
Try a USB Sound Card
For extra microphone control, use a USB sound card. This lets you manage the audio input/output via the USB port.
Reset Your Mac’s NVRAM
For persistent mic issues, try resetting your Mac’s NVRAM as it can fix system-level problems:
- Shut down your Mac
- Turn it on and immediately press Command + Option + P + R
- Keep holding until you hear the startup chime again
- Let go and let your Mac restart normally
This clears any quirky settings that may be causing Discord microphone headaches.
Prevent Future Discord Microphone Woes
After all that troubleshooting, the last thing you want is more microphone issues down the road.
Here are some tips to avoid repeats:
- Remember that browser and app permissions are set separately.
- Periodically check your mic settings.
- Keep Discord updated to the current version.
- Bookmark this guide for quick reference!
With the right settings and a little maintenance, microphone problems in Discord will be a thing of the past. Now get out there and start chatting with your heart’s content!