Mac – How to Fix It

If you’re a Mac user experiencing issues with your device, don’t panic just yet. There are simple and effective ways to fix common problems that can save you time and money in the long run. Keep reading to learn how to troubleshoot and resolve issues with your Mac.

Check the microphone connection: Ensure that the microphone is properly plugged into the correct port on your Mac.

Test Your External Microphone

To test your external microphone on a Mac, first, make sure your microphone is connected to the computer. Next, open System Preferences and click on “Sound.” Go to the “Input” tab and select your external microphone from the list of available devices. Speak into the microphone and the input level should move. If it does not, check that the microphone is turned on and the cable is connected properly. If the input level still doesn’t move, adjust the microphone input volume and try again. You can also try plugging the microphone into a different 3.5 mm mic input or using an audio interface. By following these steps, you should be able to record audio input from your external microphone on your Mac.

A malfunctioning external microphone on a Mac can be frustrating, but there are solutions available.

Check for Mute or Off Settings

If you’re having trouble with sound on your Mac, check for mute or off settings. Look for the speaker icon on your menu bar and make sure it’s not muted. You can also check your sound settings under System Preferences. To adjust your sound settings, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Sound. If you’re using an external microphone or audio interface, make sure it’s connected properly. If you’re still having issues, try resetting your PRAM/NVRAM. To reset your PRAM/NVRAM, restart your Mac and hold down Command + Option + P + R until you hear the startup sound twice. If none of these solutions work, you may need to take your Mac in for repair.

When troubleshooting a Mac external microphone issue, it’s important to check the input settings and ensure the proper device is selected.

Restart Your Mac

To restart your Mac, simply click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select “Restart.” You can also press the Control + Command + Power buttons at the same time to force a restart. If your Mac is unresponsive, hold down the Power button for a few seconds until it shuts down and then press it again to turn it back on.

If you’re experiencing issues with your audio input or microphone, check your microphone input volume and make sure it’s not muted. If you’re using an external microphone, ensure it’s properly connected to the 3.5mm headphone jack or USB port.

These steps should work on all Mac models, including the MacBook, Mac Mini, and iMac. If you’re running macOS or Windows 10 on your Mac, the process is the same. If you need to record audio input or screen recordings, you can use the built-in tools on your Mac or download third-party software for more advanced features.


import os
import subprocess

def check_microphone():
try:
subprocess.check_output("sudo killall coreaudiod", shell=True)
subprocess.check_output("sudo launchctl unload /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.audio.coreaudiod.plist", shell=True)
subprocess.check_output("sudo launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.audio.coreaudiod.plist", shell=True)
print("Microphone reset successful!")
except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
print("There was an error resetting the microphone.")

check_microphone()

This code resets the core audio daemon, which can resolve issues with external microphones not working on a Mac. However, it’s worth noting that this code should be used with caution, and only if the user has the required technical knowledge and expertise to use it safely.

Review Your Microphone Settings

  • Check if your microphone is properly plugged in and turned on.
  • Adjust the microphone volume level in the System Preferences > Sound settings.
    Check if your microphone is properly plugged in and turned on. Adjust the microphone volume level in the System Preferences > Sound settings.
  • Test your microphone by recording a quick voice memo and playing it back.
  • Choose the correct input source for your microphone in the System Preferences > Sound settings.
  • Disable any background noise reduction or echo cancellation settings in the System Preferences > Sound settings.
  • Update your audio drivers or software if you’re still experiencing issues.
    Disable any background noise reduction or echo cancellation settings in the System Preferences > Sound settings. Update your audio drivers or software if you're still experiencing issues.

Update Your Mac’s Software

Keeping your Mac’s software up to date is important for security and performance. Here’s how to update it:

1. Open the App Store from your dock or Applications folder.

2. Click on the “Updates” tab at the top of the window.

3. If there are any available updates, click the “Update” button next to each one.

4. If prompted, enter your Apple ID password to authorize the installation.

5. Once the updates have finished installing, restart your Mac if necessary.

That’s it! Your Mac should now be running the latest version of macOS with all the latest bug fixes and security patches.

Note: If you’re running an older Mac (such as a MacBook Pro from mid-2010 or earlier), you may not be able to upgrade to the latest version of macOS. In that case, consider upgrading to a newer laptop or Mac mini. Also, if you’re having issues with your internal microphone or headphone jack, try checking your mic input settings or using an external mic. And if you need to do screen recording, consider using built-in tools in macOS or third-party software compatible with your version of macOS.

Try Safe Mode

If your Mac is having issues and you’re not sure what’s causing them, try booting it up in Safe Mode. This will start up your computer with only the necessary software and drivers, so you can troubleshoot the problem without interference.

To start your Mac in Safe Mode, first shut it down completely. Then, press the power button to turn it on and immediately hold down the Shift key. Keep holding it until you see the login screen, at which point you can release the key.

While in Safe Mode, you can try running diagnostics, uninstalling recently installed apps or updates, or checking for malware. Once you’ve identified and resolved the issue, you can restart your Mac normally.

Note that Safe Mode may disable some features, such as the internal microphone or screen recording. Also, this method may not work for older Mac models like the mid 2010 version. If you’re using Windows 10 on your Mac, you can still access Safe Mode by following the same steps.

Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)

Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)
What is SMC? The SMC is a chip in your Mac that controls various hardware functions including power management, battery management, thermal management, and more.
Why reset SMC? Resetting SMC can help resolve various issues related to power, battery, and other hardware functions on your Mac.
How to reset SMC on a MacBook with a non-removable battery?
  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Connect the power adapter to your Mac.
    Shut down your Mac. Connect the power adapter to your Mac.
  3. Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys on the left side of the keyboard, and then press the power button at the same time.
  4. Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
  5. Press the power button again to turn on your Mac.
How to reset SMC on a MacBook with a removable battery?
  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Remove the battery from your Mac.
    Shut down your Mac. Remove the battery from your Mac.
  3. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
  4. Reinsert the battery and connect the power adapter to your Mac.
  5. Press the power button to turn on your Mac.
Harry Fenwick

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