Microphone Not Working on new iMac 2021 24 in

In July elis carlo posted:

Q:

New iMac 2021 24inch microphone not working

Hi would you know where's the built-in microphone located we tried using the iMac microphone setting under System Preference>Sound

Did test but the microphone test volume does not move. working using bluetooth earpiece

I had the same problem (along with at least 14 other people last time I checked) and the replies posted do not address my problem. (From my read of Elis’ question, they have successfully set-up Bluetooth microphone and it’s the computer microphone that isn’t working.)

As I was unable to post a reply, I’m starting a “new” question…

The microphone / microphone array on the new iMac 2021 24” is located on the back of the computer / monitor toward the top. The plastic wrap that comes on the new iMac blocks the microphone. Speakers still work with the plastic wrap on and the microphone is sufficiently blocked to not record any input even when microphone turned up all the way.

I figured this out only after running all tests (including diagnostic), testing everything from “Hey Siri” to apps (e.g., Zoom, GarageBand, Voice Memo), checking microphone & privacy / security settings and chatting with someone from Apple (and making an appointment to bring my brand new iMac back to a store).

It’s a simple, almost silly answer / problem that I’m assuming Elis and others have figured out themselves - and bares posting to help others avoid the frustration of not finding the answer to a simple question.