Internal microphone not detecting sound

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Level 1

8 points

Internal microphone not detecting sound

I have a Macbook Pro early 2011 running Sierra. My internal microphone is not working. Internal microphone is selected in Mac preferences/Sound, it is turned up. However there is no input level when I tried it. But it does work when I use my iPhone earbuds with microphone when I tested it on Skype (but still no input level showing). I did recently have it in the shop because the I O U keys stopped working, they had to replace the top case where keyboard is located and give me a new sim card.

Any ideas, suggestions or fixes?

macbook, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Sep 28, 2016 7:06 PM

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Answer 1

sterling r

Community Specialist

Sep 29, 2016 7:18 PM in response to syount

Hello syount,

I understand that your MacBook Pro's microphone isn't registering any input despite being selected in System Preferences > Sound. Testing with your earphones that have a mic is an excellent test to be sure that your Mac's software is working correctly. In this case let's reset your MacBook Pro's SMC and NVRAM as detailed below. You can reset the NVRAM as you startup your Mac immediately after resetting the SMC.

Shut down the Mac.

Plug in the MagSafe or USB-C power adapter to a power source and to your Mac.

Using the built-in keyboard, press Shift-Control-Option on the left side of the keyboard, then press the power button at the same time.

Release all keys, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac

Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295

Shut down your Mac.

Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command (⌘), Option, P, and R.

Turn on your Mac.

Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys immediately after you hear the startup sound.

Hold these keys until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for a second time.

Release the keys.

How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063

All my best!

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