Test the right microphone
The most common headset problem is that the computer is still using another mic — the laptop's built-in one or a webcam mic. In the test, open the device menu and pick your headset. If the meter moves only when you speak into the headset (and not when you tap the laptop), you have the right one. Then make it the default in your system sound settings so apps use it too.
Bluetooth headphones and earbuds
Two entries for one headset
On Windows, a Bluetooth headset often shows up twice: one entry such as Headphones (Stereo) for listening, and one with Hands-Free or Headset in the name that includes the mic. Pick the Hands-Free / Headset entry as the input. On a Mac, choose the headset under System Settings → Sound → Input.
Sound gets worse when the mic is on
Most Bluetooth headphones can't send high-quality audio both ways at once, so they switch to a hands-free mode when an app opens the mic: music and voices suddenly sound flat or muffled, and your voice sounds thin. That's normal for Bluetooth, not a broken headset. Options:
- Use the computer's mic for input and keep the headphones for output only.
- Use a wired or USB headset, or a wireless headset with its own USB dongle.
- Close apps that hold the mic open in the background so the headset can switch back.
Mic not working at all
- Disconnect and reconnect the headset, or remove it from Bluetooth settings and pair it again.
- Charge it — some headsets turn the mic off when the battery is low.
- Make sure it isn't still connected to your phone; many headsets use the mic on only one device.
AirPods mic test
- Mac: select AirPods in System Settings → Sound → Input. If they jump to your iPhone or iPad, open the AirPods settings and set Connect to This Mac to "When Last Connected to This Mac".
- iPhone and iPad: the mic uses either AirPod. Go to Settings → Bluetooth, tap ⓘ next to your AirPods → Microphone, and choose Automatically, or force left or right if one side doesn't work.
- Windows: AirPods work as a normal Bluetooth headset — pick the Hands-Free entry as the input, and expect the quality drop described above.
- Clean the mesh at the bottom of each stem; a blocked mic sounds muffled in the recording.
Wired headsets
- One plug (4-pole / TRRS): works in laptop and phone combo jacks. On a desktop with separate jacks, use a splitter: green for headphones, pink for the mic.
- Two plugs: the pink one goes in the mic jack. Laptops with one combo jack need an adapter that joins them.
- Check the mute switch on the cable — it's easy to slide by accident.
- Windows may ask what you plugged in; choose Headset, not Headphones, or the mic is ignored.
USB and gaming headsets
- Many boom mics mute when you flip them up — lower it fully, and check for a mute button or a red mute light.
- USB headsets show up as their own device; select them by name, not "Default".
- The headset's own app (if it has one) may have a mic volume, noise gate or sidetone setting that overrides the system level.
- Plug USB headsets straight into the computer, not an unpowered hub.
Get the best sound from a headset mic
Put a boom mic about two finger-widths from the corner of your mouth, slightly to the side so your breath doesn't hit it. Record a clip in the test above: if it says you're clipping, lower the input volume; if it's too quiet, move the mic closer before raising the volume. While you have the headset on, check both sides with the speaker test.
If the meter doesn't move for any microphone, see microphone not working.