MacBook Neo Troubleshooting Microphone Issues

• Use the ports on your Mac

• If you can’t record audio from an external source on Mac

1. Inspect the computer for liquid damage. Contact with liquid can short internal circuits and cause the computer to malfunction.

2. Unplug any connected headphones or external speakers.

3. Ensure that cables or other objects aren't inserted into the headphone jack, which can prevent the internal microphone from being selected as the input source.

4. Visually inspect the headphone jack to identify any debris inside the headphone jack.

5. Clean the computer. If you find any debris in the headphone jack, gently clean this area using a small, nonmetallic, soft-bristled brush. Ensure that the brush is clean and dry. Gently brush out lint or debris. Use just enough bristles to fit inside the headphone jack. Twist the bristles to loosen and lift out debris. Brush debris away from the opening to avoid brushing debris into the opening. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened debris.

   • Caution: Before cleaning ports, disconnect all cables and turn off the computer. Don’t use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish. Don’t use any metal objects to clear debris or obstructions, as this can short the connector and cause damage. Avoid getting moisture in any openings and don’t spray liquid directly on the computer. Don’t use compressed air in port openings as it may drive debris further inside the port.

6. Go to System Settings > Sound. Verify the following in the Input and Output tabs:

   • Input tab:

     • Internal Microphone is available and selected for sound input.

     • Input volume slider isn't set to zero.

   • Output tab:

     • Internal Speakers is available and selected for sound output.

     • Output volume isn't muted or set to zero and balance is centered.

7. Go to System Settings > Sound > Input tab. Verify that the input level indicator moves when speaking into the microphone.

If the issue wasn't resolved by following a support article or trying the quick troubleshooting steps, run these manual and diagnostic tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:

1. Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite.

2. Run the Audio diagnostic suite.

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the computer’s repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.

1. Follow repair manual procedures to remove the bottom case and disconnect the battery from the logic board.

2. Inspect internal parts and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, or burned or darkened areas. Inspect all relevant internal flex cables and connectors for damage or tampering, such as a film or foreign material blocking a connector.

3. Locate the microphone flex cable connectors and audio board flex cable connectors on the logic board. Disconnect and inspect the flex cables and connectors for any signs of pinched wires or connector damage before reseating them. Inspect the logic board for connector damage.

   • Note: The microphone assembly is part of the top case.

4. Reseat all flex cables, reconnect the battery, and retest with the MRI and Audio diagnostic suites.

5. If the issue is resolved or inspection reveals no issues, complete the reassembly. If diagnostic results or inspection identified a faulty part, continue to the next section. If the issue persists without identifying a specific part, continue to the next section for logic board replacement.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts for each relevant issue:

• If the issue is isolated to the internal microphone, replace the top case, which contains the microphone assembly.

  • Note: When the top case is replaced, the keyboard and trackpad baseplate and set screw must also be replaced.

• If you find damage in the headphone jack or if the issue is isolated to the headphone jack, replace the audio board.

• If no specific faulty part was identified above, replace the logic board.

Repair completion

Depending on the part replaced, Repair Assistant may be available on the device to finish the repair. Learn how to initiate Repair Assistant.

Post-repair verification

Run the following diagnostic suites after the repair:

• Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) (to test overall functionality)

• Audio (to test speakers and microphones)

After the repair is completed, turn on the computer and verify that the internal microphone is available, selected, and functional, and that the input level indicator moves when speaking into the microphone. Then record a sample audio file and play it back to verify that it's free of distortion.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.