microphone reset command

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Level 1

5 points

microphone reset command

hey all,

using a mbp M1, 2020, 12.2.1

i have a freaking annoying problem that i can't replicate, so i'm really looking for a command-line solution.

so, the issue: using tools like skype, zoom, discord, whatsapp for mic and camera, occasionally the application of choice (any of them, when it breaks), will send some kind of 'microphone not detected' alert. it's seemingly random.

i've tried to use the tccutil commands, but to no avail.

the only way to reset the mic is to reboot. i do all the resets i can (nvram, smc-which i don't think even is relevant anymore), and it makes no difference. somewhere, something is not letting go of the mic (i think).

tech support has been unhelpful, so i'm hoping one of you smart folks out there can point me in the right direction. until then, i'll keep searching.

THANK YOU

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.2

Posted on Mar 15, 2022 11:20 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 7, 2022 11:10 AM in response to jillsmolin

Please run Etrecheck and post its full report here. Use the "additional text" button and paste the report into the text box.

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Answer 2

JessS19

Community Specialist

Mar 16, 2022 9:22 AM in response to jillsmolin

Greetings, jillsmolin.

If your microphone is not working as expected, there are some steps you can try.

“When trying to record you might get an alert that says audio input isn't accessible. Or you might not hear sound, see waveforms, or see audio meters move when recording. This can happen if you're using the built-in microphone on your Mac, an external USB mic, or the inputs on an external audio interface to record audio.

To record audio, allow the app to access audio inputs:

Close the app you're using to record audio.
On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, click Security & Privacy, then click Privacy.
Click Microphone.
Select the checkbox next to an app to allow it to access the built-in microphone on your Mac, an external USB mic, or the inputs on an external audio interface.
Open the app and try to record audio again.

If you're using an external microphone or an external audio interface to record audio and it's still not working, check with the manufacturer of your device for software updates and information on compatibility.

Learn more

Here are some more resources to help with recording audio:

” If you can’t record audio on a Mac using macOS Mojave or later

We hope this helps!

Sincerely.

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Answer 3

Apr 7, 2022 10:59 AM in response to jillsmolin

jillsmolin,

Thank you for letting us know.

If the issue is that apps aren't detecting or aren't able to access the camera and microphone on your Mac, please check out the steps in the below links to confirm and manage which apps have access to the camera and microphone:

Control access to the camera on Mac

Control access to the microphone on Mac

If you continue to experience an issue, please contact Apple Support for further assistance. You may be able to reach them here: Get Support

Thanks!

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Answer 4

jillsmolin Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 7, 2022 10:46 AM in response to JessS19

Thanks so much for writing back, but this doesn't solve the problem.

I'm using the internal speakers, and occasionally (i wish i could repeat it reliably, believe me) an application (usually skype or zoom, but also other conference-like tools) will not detect mic or speakers. the only way out is to reboot.

i'm hoping someone has a command-line tool to reset the mic and speakers w/out needing to reboot.

thanks so much,

j.

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microphone reset command

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