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Check that the microphone is connected to the correct socket
Most computers have three or more similar-looking audio sockets, so you should check that the microphone is plugged into the correct one. It is usually colored pink and has a microphone icon next to it.
In some rare cases, sockets do not work as labeled. For example, your microphone socket may act as the “Line Out” socket and vice versa. If this is the case, use trial and error to find the correct microphone socket.
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Check that the microphone is not muted in the settings
The microphone input may have been muted or its volume reduced in the system settings.
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Right-click the speaker icon on the panel at the top of your screen and select Open Volume Control. If you do not have a speaker icon on your panel, press Alt+F2, type
gnome-volume-controland click instead. -
When the Volume Control opens, click and make sure that all of the items related to the microphone settings are checked. Click to return to the volume control.
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Under the Playback tab, make sure that all of the microphone settings are unmuted and that their volume is set high enough. If a microphone is muted, a speaker icon with a red cross over it will be displayed underneath its volume slider; click that icon to unmute the microphone.
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You may also find it necessary to change other settings to get your microphone to work properly. For example, the Mic Boost and External Amplifier settings under the Switches tab and the Mic Select setting under the Options tab can all affect the volume of your microphone.
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Check the volume control on the microphone
Some microphones have an integrated volume control. Check that the volume control on your microphone is turned up.
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Check the volume control in the recording application
Some applications allow you to change the volume of the microphone from within the application. Check the volume settings in the application that you are using.
