Method 1: Use the Microphone Indicator
One of the easiest ways to determine which app is using the microphone on your Mac is to utilize the built-in Microphone Indicator. This feature was introduced in macOS Mojave (10.14) and provides a visual indication whenever an app accesses your microphone.
To access the Microphone Indicator, follow these steps:
- Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
- In the System Preferences window, click on “Security & Privacy.”
- Switch to the “Privacy” tab.
- Scroll down and select “Microphone” from the left-hand side panel.
- You will now see a list of apps that have requested access to your microphone.
- Whenever an app is actively using your microphone, you will see a green dot next to its name.
By keeping an eye on the Microphone Indicator, you can easily identify which app is accessing your microphone at any given time. This can be particularly helpful if you suspect that an app is using your microphone without your knowledge or consent.
If you notice an unexpected app using your microphone, you have the option to revoke its access by unchecking the box next to its name. However, exercise caution when doing so, as disabling microphone access for certain apps may impact their functionality.
Method 2: Use Activity Monitor
Another way to determine which app is using the microphone on your Mac is to utilize the Activity Monitor. This built-in utility provides detailed information about the processes and applications running on your system, including those that are currently using your microphone.
Follow these steps to use the Activity Monitor:
- Open the “Finder” on your Mac.
- Go to the “Applications” folder.
- Inside the “Applications” folder, open the “Utilities” folder.
- Launch “Activity Monitor.”
- In the Activity Monitor window, click on the “CPU” tab.
- Click on the “Process Name” column header to sort the processes alphabetically.
- Scroll through the list of processes and look for any that may indicate microphone usage, such as “Coreaudiod” or the name of a specific app.
- If you identify a process that seems suspicious or unwanted, you can select it and click on the “Quit Process” button (the “X” icon) in the upper-left corner of the Activity Monitor window.
Using the Activity Monitor can give you more control over identifying and terminating any unwanted processes that are using your microphone. However, exercise caution and make sure you correctly identify the process before terminating it, as forcefully quitting certain system processes may have unintended consequences.
By regularly monitoring the Activity Monitor, you can maintain a better understanding of the processes and applications utilizing your microphone on your Mac.
Method 3: Use System Preferences
System Preferences is a centralized location on your Mac where you can manage various settings and preferences for your system. It also provides a method to determine which app is using the microphone.
Follow these steps to use System Preferences:
- Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
- In the System Preferences window, click on “Security & Privacy.”
- Switch to the “Privacy” tab.
- Scroll down and select “Microphone” from the left-hand side panel.
- You will now see a list of apps that have requested access to your microphone.
- Observe the list and check the box next to an app to grant it microphone access, or uncheck the box to revoke its access.
System Preferences provides a quick and convenient way to manage microphone access for different apps on your Mac. By regularly reviewing and adjusting the settings in this section, you can have better control over which apps can access your microphone.
Method 4: Use Third-Party Apps
In addition to the built-in methods mentioned above, you can also utilize third-party apps to determine which app is using the microphone on your Mac. These apps are specifically designed to provide more comprehensive insights into the activities of your microphone.
Here are a few notable third-party apps that can help you accomplish this:
- Micro Snitch: Micro Snitch is a popular utility that provides real-time monitoring of microphone and camera usage on your Mac. It displays a small overlay on your screen whenever an app accesses your microphone, giving you instant visibility and control.
- OverSight: OverSight is another powerful utility that actively monitors and alerts you whenever an app attempts to access your microphone or camera. It provides detailed information about the app and allows you to block or allow the access as needed.
- Objective-See: Objective-See offers a range of security applications for Mac, including tools that can detect and notify you of any app that is using your microphone. Their offerings, such as BlockBlock and Oversight, provide granular control over microphone access and allow you to block suspicious activity.
Third-party apps like these can enhance your ability to monitor and control microphone usage on your Mac. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, you can explore different options available in the market to find the perfect fit.
It is important to note that before installing any third-party app, make sure to research its reliability, read user reviews, and ensure that it comes from a trusted source to avoid any potential security risks.
