Hardware Testing & Setup
Troubleshooting USB Microphone Not Working
If your USB microphone isn’t being detected or isn’t capturing audio during your test or interview, it could be due to connection issues, permissions, or system settings. This can lead to missing audio input, which may affect your ability to communicate clearly, result in incomplete recordings, or even lead to your test/interview session being flagged or disqualified. Follow the steps below to fix it quickly.
❌ USB Microphone Not Working – Troubleshooting Steps
✅ Common Causes and Fixes
| What Might Be Wrong | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| USB mic not recognized by the system | Unplug and reconnect the mic. Try a different USB port (avoid USB hubs if possible). |
| Wrong mic selected as input | Go to your system or browser settings and choose your USB mic as the default input device. |
| Mic is muted | Check for a mute button on the mic or cable, and unmute it. |
| Permissions not granted | Allow microphone access in your browser and operating system settings. |
| Outdated or missing drivers | Restart your system. If it still doesn’t work, update audio or USB drivers. |
| USB port is faulty | Try plugging the mic into another USB port or device to test. |
| Background apps using the mic | Close other apps like Zoom, Skype, or Teams that may be locking mic access. |
- Restart your device
- Test the mic on another device
- Try a different USB cable if the mic is detachable
🛠 Final Check: Confirm Mic is Detected
Check if your mic is listed and selected as the input device:-
Windows:
Settings > System > Sound > Input > Choose your input device -
Mac:
System Settings > Sound > Input > Select USB Microphone
🆘 Need More Help?
If the mic still isn’t working:- Take a screenshot of your input settings
- Share your mic model and any error messages (if any)
- Contact *Talview Support* with the steps you’ve tried