# Loro can't hear me: how to fix the microphone

Open **Settings › Preferences › Microphone and voice** and click **Test**: if it says "I can hear you", your microphone works. If not, click **Change** and pick another one. If Loro says "Windows won't let me use the microphone", click **Open Windows settings** and let desktop apps use the microphone. On a Mac, turn on Loro in **Privacy & Security › Microphone**.

## 1. Test the microphone

1. Open **Settings › Preferences**.
2. Under **Microphone and voice**, click **Test** and say something in a normal voice.
3. If it says "I can hear you", you're all set. If not, go on to step 2.

The same microphone is used for dictation and for your calls.

## 2. Pick another microphone

Click **Change** and pick the microphone you're using. If Loro says it can't find your microphone, plug it in or pick another one.

If you use Bluetooth headphones, using their microphone makes them sound worse while you dictate. Your computer's microphone avoids that.

## 3. Check the permissions

**On Windows:** if Loro says "Windows won't let me use the microphone", click **Open Windows settings**. In **Settings › Privacy & security › Microphone**, turn on microphone access and **Let desktop apps access your microphone**.

**On a Mac:** open **System Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone** and turn on Loro.

## Frequently asked questions

### It hears me when I dictate, but on calls it doesn't hear the others

On a Mac, Loro needs the audio permission to hear the others. Give it in **Settings › Call notes › Audio of your calls**, or in **Privacy & Security › Screen & System Audio Recording**. On Windows, no extra permission is needed.

### Is Loro always listening?

No. It only listens while you hold the dictation shortcut, or on a call when you ask it to take notes.

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The Loro team · Updated October 13, 2026 · https://heyloro.app/en/help/microphone-not-working