Chromebooks are widely used devices, especially for students, professionals, and casual users.
Whether you’re attending virtual classes, making video calls, recording voice notes, or using voice assistant features, the microphone is a key component.
But where is the microphone on a Chromebook exactly? How can you find it, test it, and troubleshoot it if it doesn’t work?
In this comprehensive manual, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Chromebook microphones.
From physical location to technical details, troubleshooting tips, and advice on improving your audio experience, we’ll answer all your questions.
1. Where Is the Microphone on a Chromebook?
If you’re wondering where is the microphone on a Chromebook, the answer is that it’s typically located near the top bezel of the screen, close to the built-in webcam.
Why the Top Bezel?
- The microphone is positioned near the webcam because when you use video conferencing apps, your face is directed toward the camera.
- Having the mic close to your mouth ensures your voice is captured clearly.
- Many Chromebooks have a tiny hole or grille on either side of the webcam — this is the microphone.
Multiple Microphones?
Some Chromebook models include two or more microphones. This helps with:
- Noise cancellation – filtering out background sounds.
- Stereo sound – capturing richer audio for recording.
- Better voice clarity during calls.
2. How to Physically Locate the Microphone on Your Chromebook
If you want to find the mic physically on your device:
- Open your Chromebook lid and look carefully at the top bezel near the webcam.
- The microphone is usually a tiny hole or a small cluster of holes (about 1-2 mm in diameter).
- It can be on the left or right side of the webcam, depending on the model.
If you don’t see it, check the user manual or the manufacturer’s website by searching your Chromebook model + “microphone location.”
3. How the Chromebook Microphone Works
The Chromebook microphone is an analog-to-digital converter that captures sound waves and converts them into digital signals.
These signals are processed by the Chromebook’s audio system and apps.
Key points:
- The mic picks up sound from your environment.
- Noise cancellation technology reduces unwanted sounds.
- Audio data is transmitted through apps like Google Meet, Zoom, or recorded locally.
4. How to Test the Microphone on Your Chromebook
Knowing where the microphone is on a Chromebook is important, but verifying that it works is equally vital.
Online Mic Testing Tools
You can use free online tools such as:
Steps:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Visit the mic testing website.
- Allow microphone access when prompted.
- Speak aloud and watch the on-screen sound meter.
- If the meter moves, the mic works.
Using Built-In ChromeOS Tools
- Go to Settings > Sound.
- Under Input, talk into your mic and observe if the input level bar moves.
5. How to Change or Set the Default Microphone on Chromebook
Sometimes your Chromebook might default to an external microphone or the wrong input device.
To check or switch your mic input:
- Click the clock in the lower right corner.
- Click the gear icon to open Settings.
- Select Audio.
- Under Input, pick your internal microphone from the dropdown list.
- Speak and check the input level meter to confirm it’s working.
6. How to Adjust Microphone Volume or Sensitivity
If your microphone sounds too quiet or muffled, adjusting the input volume helps.
Steps:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Audio.
- Find the Microphone volume slider.
- Increase or decrease it as needed.
- Test again with your voice.
Note: High sensitivity can pick up background noise. Adjust carefully.
7. Granting Microphone Access to Websites and Apps
Apps like Google Meet, Zoom, and Teams need your permission to use the microphone.
- When prompted, always click Allow to grant access.
- To review permissions:
- Open Chrome.
- Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Microphone.
- Here, you can see which sites have permission and change them.
- Open Chrome.
8. Troubleshooting Chromebook Microphone Issues
Even if you know where is the microphone on a Chromebook, problems can still arise.
Common Issues and Fixes
| Issue | Fix |
| Microphone not detected | Restart Chromebook; check input device settings. |
| Mic permissions blocked | Go to Chrome settings and allow mic access. |
| External device conflict | Unplug USB or Bluetooth devices and retest. |
| Software glitch | Restart or powerwash Chromebook (last resort). |
| Muted microphone | Check the mic volume in settings and keyboard shortcuts. |
| Hardware failure | Contact support or use an external microphone. |
9. How to Use an External Microphone with a Chromebook
If your internal mic is damaged or you want better audio quality:
Connecting External Mics
- USB microphones: Plug into the USB port. Chromebook usually auto-detects.
- 3.5mm Jack Mics: Plug into the headphone jack (make sure it supports mic input).
- Bluetooth Headsets/Mics: Pair via Settings > Bluetooth.
After connecting, set the external mic as the input device in Settings > Audio > Input.
10. Tips for Better Microphone Usage on Chromebook
- Speak directly towards the mic area.
- Minimize background noise.
- Use a pop filter or foam cover on external mics.
- Keep your Chromebook mic area clean.
- Use headphones with a mic for privacy and improved quality.
11. Chromebook Microphone Privacy: What You Should Know
Chromebooks follow strict privacy standards. The mic only activates with your permission.
- Apps must ask before using the mic.
- Indicator lights may show when the mic is active.
- You can revoke mic permissions anytime via Chrome settings.
12. Common Chromebook Models and Their Microphone Locations
| Chromebook Model | Microphone Location |
| Google Pixelbook Go | Near the webcam on the top bezel |
| Acer Chromebook Spin 713 | Near the camera, left side |
| HP Chromebook x360 | On the bezel next to the front camera |
| Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 | Small holes near the webcam |
| ASUS Chromebook Flip | Embedded around the top bezel near the camera |
13. What To Do When Your Chromebook Microphone Is Still Not Working
If, after all these steps, your mic still doesn’t work:
- Update Chrome OS to the latest version.
- Try powerwash (factory reset) after backing up data.
- Use an external microphone as a workaround.
- Contact the manufacturer’s support for repair options.
14. Voice Assistant and Microphone Use on Chromebook
Chromebooks support Google Assistant, which uses the microphone.
- Make sure mic access is enabled for Assistant.
- You can activate Assistant with voice commands if the mic works well.
- Troubleshoot mic issues if voice commands don’t respond.
15. Final Words: Why Knowing Where Your Chromebook Mic Is Matters
Knowing where is the microphone on a Chromebook lets you:
- Speak clearly into it for the best sound.
- Clean the mic area if dusty.
- Troubleshoot problems with confidence.
- Understand the importance of permissions and privacy.
Appendix: Quick Checklist for Chromebook Microphone Issues
- Locate the mic near the webcam.
- Test the mic on an online tool.
- Set the internal mic as the default input.
- Adjust mic sensitivity in Settings.
- Ensure apps have mic permissions.
- Disconnect external devices and retry.
- Restart Chromebook.
- Update Chrome OS.
- Try Guest mode to isolate profile issues.
- Use an external mic if needed.
- Contact support if the hardware is faulty.
