Microphone Too Quiet
A quiet microphone makes your voice hard to hear in calls and recordings. This page shows how to increase input volume and improve microphone sensitivity. Start with system settings, then adjust positioning and hardware controls.
You can use the online microphone test to confirm whether your device is working.
Increase System Input Volume
System volume settings control microphone input levels. Adjust these first.
- Windows: Settings → System → Sound → Input → Raise the volume slider
- Mac: System Preferences → Sound → Input → Increase input volume
- Right-click the speaker icon (Windows) for quick access to sound settings
- Test volume after each adjustment
Use the microphone test to see real-time volume levels. The meter should show green or yellow bars when you speak normally.
Enable Microphone Boost
Microphone boost amplifies input signal beyond normal levels. Not all devices support this feature.
- Windows: Settings → System → Sound → Input → Device Properties → Additional device properties → Levels tab → Enable microphone boost
- Boost increases sensitivity but may also increase background noise
- Start with low boost levels and increase if needed
- Some USB microphones have built-in gain controls instead
Adjust Microphone Positioning
Distance and angle affect microphone volume. Position the microphone correctly.
- Keep the microphone 6 to 12 inches from your mouth
- Position it directly in front of you, not to the side
- Avoid covering the microphone with your hand or clothing
- For headset microphones, position the boom near your mouth
- Test different positions to find the best volume
Check Hardware Gain Controls
Some microphones have physical volume or gain controls on the device itself.
- Look for volume dials or buttons on USB microphones
- Check inline controls on headset cables
- Verify external audio interfaces have gain knobs turned up
- Consult your microphone's manual for control locations
Adjust Application-Specific Settings
Some applications have their own microphone volume controls that override system settings. For video conferencing apps, see the guides for testing microphone for Zoom or Microsoft Teams to adjust app-specific settings.
- Zoom: Settings → Audio → Microphone → Increase volume slider
- Teams: Settings → Devices → Microphone → Adjust volume
- Discord: User Settings → Voice & Video → Input Volume → Increase slider
- Check each application's audio settings individually
Test Different Microphones
If volume remains low after adjustments, the microphone hardware may be the issue.
- Test with a different microphone if available
- Compare built-in laptop mic with external USB microphone
- Check if the microphone works better on another computer
- Some microphones have lower sensitivity by design
Verify Volume Levels
After making adjustments, use the online microphone test to verify volume levels. The test shows real-time input levels and helps you find the optimal settings.
You can use the online microphone test to confirm everything is working.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my microphone louder?
Increase microphone input volume in system settings. On Windows, go to Settings → System → Sound → Input and raise the volume slider. Enable microphone boost if available. On Mac, go to System Preferences → Sound → Input and adjust the input volume.
Why is my microphone so quiet?
Low microphone volume is usually caused by system volume settings, microphone positioning, or hardware limitations. Check system input volume first, then try moving closer to the microphone or enabling microphone boost.
How do I enable microphone boost on Windows?
Go to Settings → System → Sound → Input → Device Properties → Additional device properties → Levels tab. Increase the microphone level and enable microphone boost if available. Some devices don't support boost.
My microphone is quiet in Zoom but works elsewhere. Why?
Zoom has its own microphone volume settings. Go to Zoom Settings → Audio → Microphone and increase the volume slider. Also check that Zoom is using the correct input device.
Use the online microphone test to confirm everything is working.