After downgrade from Big Sur to Catalina, issues with internal microphone on MBP 2018

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After downgrade from Big Sur to Catalina, issues with internal microphone on MBP 2018

For a number of reasons, I had to downgrade from Big Sur to Catalina. Things mostly went fine, but now my internal microphone does not seem to be working in certain apps. No “Hey Siri”, no dictation in Notes or Text Edit or MS Word or Safari. Everything seems properly enabled, internal mic is selected in Sound Preferences and is working. Hey Siri is enabled, Dictation is enabled. I’ve reset PRAM and SMC. I’ve re-installed the OS (10.15.7), I’ve tried a new user account (having the same problem). I am at a loss, and I can think of no other explanation than the downgrade changed something. Any suggestions on what to do next appreciated. MacBook Pro 2018 Retina, Touchbar, T2.

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Posted on Feb 5, 2021 9:30 PM

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Answer 1

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Bill Bogard Author

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Feb 8, 2021 5:09 PM in response to Bill Bogard

I think my problem is resolved, Siri and Dictation are working again through the internal microphone, though I'm not quite sure why. I uninstalled an app called Lulu (which monitors web connections), and turned off a VPN. Then I re-setup Siri voice and turned Dictation on. Both now hear me. I re-enabled my VPN, and both still work, so I'm assuming the problem was reelated to Lulu app.

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Answer 2

Bill Bogard Author

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228 points

Feb 8, 2021 5:13 PM in response to Nicholas_B2

Thanks for the suggestions. Siri isn't listed in the apps requesting Microphone access in Privacy. But I did manage to get things working again by uninstalling an app called Lulu (network monitoring). I'm not sure how it interfered, but it fixed the problem for me. Thanks for advice!

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Answer 3

Feb 8, 2021 1:28 PM in response to Bill Bogard

Hi Bill,

We understand you're having some issues with the Mic on your Mac since reverting to Catalina from Big Sur. You've taken some great troubleshooting steps on your own, and we appreciate you keeping us up to speed with the steps you've tried.

The following page offers some specific guidance on allowing the Mic from Privacy preferences, that might help: If you can't record audio after installing macOS Mojave or later

Take care!

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After downgrade from Big Sur to Catalina, issues with internal microphone on MBP 2018

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