Discord is a rather popular VoIP app that was initially meant for gamers but has since expanded to all sorts of audiences. The app works cross-platform and on just about any devices.
However, with such a wide range of devices running into a few bugs and glitches is inevitable. In this article, we’re looking at 12 fixes you can try out if your Discord mic isn’t working.
Also read: How to screen share on Discord mobile app?
Try restarting
The first thing you should try is to restart Discord and/or your device. As cliched as it sounds, rebooting can still fix several seemingly random issues with just about anything. Checking your audio ports isn’t such a bad idea either.
Try logging out
If restarting didn’t work out, try logging out of Discord and logging back in again.
Step 1: Press the settings gear icon next to your name at the bottom.
Step 2: Scroll down in the settings menu and click on Log Out.
Now log back in with your credentials and see if it resolves your issue.
Also read: How to send videos on Discord?
Run Discord as administrator
Since Discord uses UDP to communicate with its servers, there’s a chance that inappropriate permissions are getting in its way. Try running Discord with administrator privileges to check if that resolves your issue.
Right-click on the Discord icon either on the desktop or on the start menu and chose the Run as Administrator option.
Check the Automatic Input Sensitivity settings
Discord’s open mic automatically detects when you’re speaking and starts transmitting your voice. Sometimes this setting can also cause issues.
Step 1: Press the settings gear icon next to your name at the bottom.
Step 2: Head over to Voice and Video and disable the Automatically determine input sensitivity slider.
Step 3: Manually adjust the slider until your voice is audible.
Also read: How to disable Discord notifications?
Make sure you’ve got the right input device selected
A rather simple thing, but it’s often overlooked of devices with multiple mics, especially laptops.
Step 1: Press the settings gear icon next to your name at the bottom.
Step 2: Head over to Voice and Video and make sure the right mic is selected under Input devices.
Additionally, make sure that the Input volume slider is also maxed out.
Reset Discord voice settings
Resetting Discord voice settings sets everything back to default which, more often than not, can fix any issues you’re having.
Step 1: Press the settings gear icon next to your name at the bottom.
Step 2: Head over to Voice and Video, scroll down and click on Reset Voice Settings.
Also read: What does Idle mean in Discord?
Change the voice input mode
At times, Discord’s voice input mode can be the culprit behind your voice not going through. In such cases, changing the voice input mode from automatic to push-to-talk can help.
Step 1: Press the settings gear icon next to your name at the bottom.
Step 2: Head over to Voice and Video, and under Input Mode select Push to Talk.
Disable QoS in Discord
QoS or Quality of Service settings in Discord can at times interfere with system functions causing this error.
Step 1: Press the settings gear icon next to your name at the bottom.
Step 2: Head over to Voice and Video, and under Quality of Service, disable the Quality of Service High Packer Priority setting.
Also read: How to Strikethrough text in Discord? Other Markdowns explained
Disable Advanced Voice Activity
Another feature in Discord that can potentially interfere with your mic’s functioning. Disabling it might help.
Step 1: Press the settings gear icon next to your name at the bottom.
Step 2: Head over to Voice and Video, scroll down and disable the Advanced Voice Activity setting.
Disable exclusive mic access in Windows
Windows can allow certain programs to take exclusive access to your mic, which can be a problem. Here’s how to disable this.
Step 1: Right-click on the sound icon in the taskbar and click Sounds.
Step 2: Head over to the Recording tab and double-click on your active mic.
Step 3: Head over to Advanced, and under the Exclusive Mode section, uncheck the Allow apps to take exclusive control of this device setting.
Also read: How to do Spoilers in Discord?
Check Mic privacy settings
Windows privacy settings can at times restrict programs from using system resources such as mics or cameras.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Privacy Settings. Click on the corresponding search result.
Step 2: Head over to the Microphone tab and make sure that the Allow apps to use your microphone slider is enabled.
Step 3: Now ensure that the Allow desktop apps to use the microphone slider is enabled and that Discord is included in the list.
Check your drivers
If nothing else works, it’s either an issue with the mic itself or the drivers. Here’s how you can update the mic drivers on your PC.
Step 1: Press Windows key + X and click on Device Manager.
Step 2: Unde Audio Inputs and Outputs, select your mic, right-click it and select Update Driver.
Step 3: Select Search automatically for drivers and wait for the process to finish. Your drivers should’ve been updated now.
Also read: How to transfer ownership on Discord?
