If you use your MacBook Pro for video calls voice recordings or online meetings you may be curious about where the built-in microphone is located. Knowing the exact position of the mic can help improve your audio quality reduce background noise and make the most of your device’s capabilities.
In this article we will explore where the microphone is found on different MacBook Pro models how to test and adjust it and what to do if your mic is not working properly.
Where to Find the Microphone on a MacBook Pro
The position of the microphone on a MacBook Pro depends on the specific model and year. On most recent models including those released from 2018 onwards Apple has placed three microphones into the chassis. These are designed to improve voice clarity and noise reduction.
For MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar or Apple Silicon chips the microphones are usually located near the top of the keyboard and to the left or right of the speakers. Some models also have an additional mic near the camera to assist with directional audio and voice pickup.
On earlier models including those without a Touch Bar the microphone is typically placed just above the Escape key or along the left speaker grille. The design is subtle so the microphone holes are small and not always obvious.
How to Check if Your MacBook Pro Microphone is Working
To test your MacBook Pro’s built-in mic open System Settings then go to Sound and click on the Input tab. Here you will see a list of available microphones including the internal mic. When you speak you should see the input level respond in real time. If the bar moves as you talk your microphone is active and functioning.
You can also use Voice Memos or open an app like QuickTime Player to make a short recording and play it back. This helps confirm both sound quality and mic placement.
Using the Microphone for Video Calls and Recordings
The built-in mic on a MacBook Pro is automatically used by default apps such as FaceTime Zoom and Microsoft Teams. However if you connect external audio devices like Bluetooth headsets or USB microphones your Mac may switch to those as the primary input.
To ensure you are using the correct mic during calls open your video call app’s audio settings and select MacBook Pro Microphone or Built-in Microphone from the input list.
Tips to Improve Audio Quality
Even though Apple’s built-in microphones are advanced you can take steps to get better results. Make sure you are facing the screen and sitting within a reasonable distance. Avoid placing your hand near the top-left or top-right of the keyboard where the mics are located as this could block sound.
You should also use your MacBook in a quiet environment if possible. While the microphones have noise-cancelling features they will still pick up loud background sounds like fans or traffic.
What to Do If the Microphone Is Not Working
If you notice poor sound quality or no input at all check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and make sure the app you are using has permission to access the microphone.
Restarting your MacBook can fix temporary software issues. If problems persist try creating a test user account to see if the issue is system-wide or related to your profile.
If none of these steps help the microphone hardware may be faulty. In that case you may need to contact Apple Support or use an external mic as a temporary solution.
Final Thoughts
The microphone on a MacBook Pro is cleverly hidden within the body of the device but it plays a vital role in everything from video calls to voice memos. Whether you have a newer model with multiple microphones or an older version with a single mic you can expect good audio performance provided the mic is clear and well configured. Now that you know where it is and how to make the most of it you can speak clearly and confidently every time.