microphone not working

Question

microphone not working when joining a group discussion

Answer 1

Use GroupMe on the web for the fully documented desktop calling route, then allow microphone access in both Windows and the browser; native calling and identical call controls are not confirmed for the Windows app.

1. Confirm that this is a live call

A normal GroupMe group discussion may be text-only and does not use the microphone. For a live group call:

1. Open the group and look for Join or Join Call.
2. If those controls appear, join the call.
3. Once connected, look for the microphone control and make sure it is not muted. GroupMe’s general call instructions document mute/unmute and audio-selection controls, but the interface may differ in the Windows app.^1^
4. If the Windows app does not show these controls, open the documented GroupMe web version in a browser and sign in with the same account.^2^
5. Join the call there and select Allow when the browser requests microphone access.

2. Enable Windows microphone access

Windows 11

1. Open Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone.
2. Turn on:
   • Microphone access
   • Let apps access your microphone
   • Let desktop apps access your microphone
3. Close and reopen GroupMe or the browser.

Windows 10

1. Open Start → Settings → Privacy → Microphone.
2. Select Change and enable microphone access.
3. Turn on Allow apps to access your microphone and Allow desktop apps to access your microphone.^3^

If using GroupMe in a browser, also select the padlock or site-controls icon beside the browser address and set Microphone → Allow, then reload GroupMe.

3. Select and test the correct microphone

First check whether the laptop or headset has a physical microphone-mute button or illuminated mute key.

Windows 11

1. Go to Settings → System → Sound.
2. Under Input, select the intended microphone.
3. Select Start test, speak, then select Stop test → Play.
4. Increase Input volume if needed.

Windows 10

1. Go to Settings → System → Sound.
2. Under Input, choose the intended microphone.
3. Speak and watch Test your microphone for movement.

If the test records your voice, the hardware and basic Windows input path are working. An application permission, browser permission, selected call device, or call-control issue is then more likely. If the test does not detect anything, run the Recording Audio/Input devices troubleshooter from the Sound settings.^3^

4. Reinstall the audio driver only if Windows cannot detect the microphone

This removes the current audio driver; restart immediately afterward so Windows can reinstall it.

1. Right-click Start → Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device.
4. On Windows 11, select Attempt to remove the driver for this device. On Windows 10, select Delete the driver software for this device.
5. Restart Windows.
6. If the device does not return, open Device Manager, right-click Sound, video and game controllers, and select Scan for hardware changes.
7. Right-click the restored audio device and select Update driver.^3^

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References

1. How do I join a group call in GroupMe? | Microsoft Support
2. Where can I download GroupMe? | Microsoft Support
3. Windows 10