WhatsApp needs permission to use your microphone for voice messages, voice calls, and video calls. If you tapped “Don’t Allow” when WhatsApp first asked, or the mic stopped working after an update, voice notes won’t record and people can’t hear you on calls. This guide shows how to turn on the microphone for WhatsApp on iPhone, Android, and your computer, plus fixes when permission is on but the mic still doesn’t work.
Quick Answer
iPhone: Open Settings, scroll down and tap WhatsApp (under Apps on recent iOS), and turn on Microphone. Android: Open Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions > Microphone and choose Allow only while using the app.
Turn On the Microphone on iPhone
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Apps (iOS 18 and later), then WhatsApp. On older iOS, WhatsApp appears directly in the Settings list.
- Turn on Microphone.
Alternatively, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and turn on WhatsApp. If Microphone isn’t listed at all, WhatsApp hasn’t asked for it yet; try recording a voice message and tap Allow when prompted.
Also check Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Microphone. If it’s set to Don’t Allow Changes, you can’t change app mic permissions until you allow changes.
Turn On the Microphone on Android
- Open Settings > Apps (or Apps & notifications) and tap WhatsApp. You can also long-press the WhatsApp icon and tap App info.
- Tap Permissions > Microphone.
- Choose Allow only while using the app.
On Android 12 and later, check the Microphone access tile in Quick Settings (swipe down twice). If it’s off, no app can use the mic.
WhatsApp on a Computer
- WhatsApp Desktop (Windows): Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone (Windows 10) or Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone (Windows 11), turn on Microphone access and Let apps access your microphone, and make sure WhatsApp is on.
- WhatsApp Desktop (Mac): Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and turn on WhatsApp.
- WhatsApp Web: Click the lock or site-settings icon in the browser’s address bar and set Microphone to Allow, then reload the page.
Microphone Still Not Working?
- Test the mic elsewhere: Record a voice memo or use the phone’s recorder. If it doesn’t work there, it’s a hardware or system issue.
- Close other apps using the mic: Calls in other apps or screen recording can block WhatsApp.
- Bluetooth devices: WhatsApp may be using earbuds or a car system’s mic. Disconnect them or choose the phone’s mic.
- Clean the mic opening gently and remove cases that might cover it.
- Restart and update: Restart your phone and update WhatsApp from the App Store or Google Play.
- Reset permissions: On Android, clear WhatsApp’s cache (Storage > Clear cache, not Clear data). On iPhone, toggling the Microphone switch off and on can help.
Summary
- iPhone: Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Microphone on.
- Android: Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions > Microphone > Allow.
- Computer: allow mic access in Windows or Mac privacy settings, or the browser for WhatsApp Web.
- If it still fails, test the mic, disconnect Bluetooth, and update the app.
Related: record WhatsApp calls on an iPhone.
Related: open a WhatsApp live location in Google Maps.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.