My microphone will not work as I record Loom Videos

Question

Hello, I have been using Loom since May 2025.  I have always been able to select my microphone from the drop down list, and record my voice as I record my screen. Yesterday my Macbook and my Chrome updated, and now all of a sudden it says it does not have access to a microphone.  There is a "help" link that does not help me AT ALL!  I am not trying to record what is happening internally, on my PC.  I am trying to record my external voice.  This is beyond frustrating as I am a VA and need to give verbal instructions to my clients and I share my screen.  It seems to be an issue with using the chrome extension.  PLEASE HELP!

Kris Klima _K15t_ · Answer

Hi @Nicole Hoover

This is an attempt in remote troubleshooting :)

What often happens after the OS and/or app is updated is that permissions to camera and microphone (among other things) are reset and must be granted again. Happens all the time with my Snagit application (which records screenshots and can record audio...)

On your Mac > System Settings > Privacy & Security check the Camera and Microphone sections and ensure that Loom and Chrome have permissions to use them.

That presumes that the microphone appears in your System Settings > Audio > Input list of devices. Mac's microphone should be there by default, but if you're using an external microphone, then ensure it's identified by the OS. I'm using an AKG condenser mic and it would 'disconnect' from the OS if the USB hub could not provide enough power. A quick fix was to plug in the mic to my Mac directly.

Apps may also need to permissions to record the screen, access Desktop and Download folders - that's in Mac > System Settings > Privacy & Security > Files & Folders. Again, smth I had to restore after each Snagit update.

BTW, you can disable recording system audio in the Loom's settings of you don't want to record sounds from your apps.

Amanda Barber · Answer

Hi, @Nicole Hoover - sorry to hear this is happening. Have you tried following the steps on this page to check your settings yet? https://support.atlassian.com/loom/kb/troubleshoot-microphone-issues-in-your-chrome-extension-recording/

Do you also have the mac app? Just wondering if that is also having the same issue?

To get more specific help, you might have luck reaching out to support -

* From your Library, select  in the bottom right.

* Select Contact support and complete the form.