Discord Mic Not Working

Most Discord microphone problems come from the wrong input device, a blocked permission or input sensitivity set too high. Work through these fixes in order.

Check the mic outside Discord

Open the mic test. If the meter moves there, the mic works and the issue is in Discord.

Select the right input device

User Settings → Voice & Video → Input Device: pick the mic explicitly instead of Default.

Input sensitivity and push to talk

Turn off “Automatically determine input sensitivity” and drag the threshold left. If push-to-talk is on, set a key you can hold.

Reset voice settings

Voice & Video → scroll down → Reset Voice Settings. This fixes many hidden configuration problems.

Change audio subsystem

If your Discord version still shows an Audio Subsystem option under Voice & Video, switch between Standard and Legacy; Discord restarts and often finds the mic again. Newer versions have removed it, so skip this step if you do not see it.

Disable exclusive mode

Windows Sound → Recording → mic Properties → Advanced → untick “Allow applications to take exclusive control”.

Run as administrator and update

Close Discord fully from the tray, run it as admin, and install updates. Update audio drivers too.

Check Windows privacy

Windows 11: Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone → turn on access for desktop apps (Windows 10: Settings → Privacy → Microphone). On Android or iPhone, allow Microphone for Discord in the phone’s app permissions.

Voice processing options

Noise suppression (Krisp or Standard) and echo cancellation can cut quiet voices or fan-noisy rooms; set noise suppression to None to test, then turn it back on.

Recording a podcast on Discord

Use a bot like Craig or record locally on each participant’s side, then sync. Local recordings avoid Discord’s compression.

More fixes

General connection troubleshooting

Unplug and replug, try another port, test outside Discord.

Client-side privacy

Tests run on your device; nothing is sent.

Step-by-step solutions

Record remote podcasts with Discord

A recording bot captures each speaker on a separate track; ask guests for consent first.

Verify your headset first

Run the mic test; if it fails there, fix the headset or OS settings before Discord.

Quit and run Discord as administrator

Close it from the tray, right-click and Run as administrator so it can access devices.

Adjust automatic sensitivity

Disable auto sensitivity and set the threshold manually just above room noise.

Your audio is never recorded by our tests

Tests run client-side only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Discord hears me but very quietly

Raise input volume and check Windows mic level.

Q.Mic works in browser Discord but not app

Reset voice settings and run the app as admin.