Methods to Fix Voice Memo Not Working on Mac (2024 Guide)

Mac offers an efficient built-in application that allows you to record music, classes, and discussions, and allows you to voice message. Due to its compact function, many users use it, but they also encounter common problems— “Voice memo not working”.

A lot of Mac users reached out to say that they were unable to voice record on Mac because of this circumstance. If you are that user, well, here is the definitive guide that might help you resolve the problem. Also, we discuss why users encounter this and some applications you can try as alternatives.

Part 1. Reasons Why Voice Memo is Not WorkingPart 2. How to Fix Voice Memo Not Working on MacConclusion

Part 1. Reasons Why Voice Memo is Not Working

Multiple reasons arise as to why the voice memo is not working or cannot be voice recorded on your Mac. Here are the reasons, in case you are wondering why it is occurring:

1. The device has either full storage or not enough storage.
2. You are still using the older version of Voice Memo.
3. Have not enabled the built-in microphone or damaged microphone.
4. An external device created this issue.

Due to that, we have come up with solutions on how to fix the not working voice memo on your Mac.

Part 2. How to Fix Voice Memo Not Working on Mac

Below, we have enumerated the solutions to the "Voice Memo not working" issue that might help you get back on track with your recording process. There are a lot of solutions being presented, depending on what you need.

#1. Record Audio Using FoneDog Screen Recorder

Solution 1 is the use of a trusted and reliable Mac recorder that can function exactly the same as Voice Memo, providing audio recording on Mac. This solution entirely diminishes the probable cause of Voice Memo not working, plus it gets added features that expand your recording capability, from voice recording, video and screen capturing, down to web camera documentation.

To do this, here’s a quick and comprehendible tutorial on how to voice record in FoneDog Screen Recorder:

Free Download For Windows Free Download For normal Macs Free Download For M1, M2, M3

1. Download and run the software.
2. Click the “Audio Recorder” in the main interface.
3. Select the source of sound you want to record: “System & Microphone”, “System” and “Microphone”.
4. Start recording by clicking the “Start Recording” button > Stop or Pause by clicking the respective button.

#2. Fix Voice Memo Not Working by Play User Interface Sound Option

In cases where you do not want any software, you can try this complex troubleshooting method to solve your Voice Memo not working issues. However, this only solves the issue if the problem comes from the device’s settings not being compatible with recording because of the play user interface sound option. To enable this option and get rid of the voice memo not working, here’s how:

1. Click the “Apple” icon > navigate to “System Preferences”.
2. Proceed to the “Sound Settings” tab > check the “Play User Interface Sound Effect” checkbox.
3. After checking, click “Save”.

Now you can try to restart the application and allow voice recording again. If the problem persists or the solution does not work, then you can try the next method.

#3. Fix Voice Memo by Restarting

By restarting the device, it might solve the problem—allowing your computer to get updated, adjust to the current update, or face auto troubleshooting—solving your issues with regards to the voice memo not properly working.

To do this, here’s a quick procedure how:

1. Click the “Apple” icon > navigate to “Restart”
2. Confirm the action and proceed.
3. You can now try Voice Memo and record your voice.

If the issue is not solved by just restarting, do not worry, as there are a few methods you might try.

#4. Fix by Enabling Built-in Microphone

Though the Mac has a built-in microphone, it is not enabled by default. So, you can proceed to enable it for you to fix your voice memo not working issue (if that is the problem). Here’s how to enable your built-in microphone:

1. Click the “Apple” logo again > navigate to “System Preferences”.
2. Proceed to “Sound” > find the “Input” tab.
3. Choose the built-in microphone from the device’s list of inputs.

However, if that is not the problem, you can try to make a new account in the Voice Memo app.

#5. Fix by Creating a New Account

Another method that could fix the voice memo not working problem is to make a new account because it is possible that your current account has some issues as to why you cannot proceed with recording. To create a new account, here’s how:

1. Navigate to “System Preference”> open “Users & Groups”.
2. Find the “+” icon > fill the popped-up new window with the information needed.
3. Tap “Create”.

After creating an account, you can check the voice memo application to see if you can proceed with recording.

#6. Fix by Updating the Latest OS

This is possible when your Mac is currently subscribed to an older version. To solve the issues with regards to voice memo not working, simply update the Mac version available, and it could solve the problem. However, you can also proceed to the last method.

#7. Fix Voice Memo Not Working by Disconnecting External Device

If you have external devices that might interfere with the function of Voice Memo, such as external speakers, you should try to disconnect them and refresh the device for some time. Then proceed to open the Voice Memo and start recording.

People Also ReadDiscord Mic Not Working? Fix It with 5 Effective Methods!9 Methods! How to Fix “OBS Desktop Audio Not Working”

Conclusion

Problems encountered with Voice Memo not properly working are likely due to a variety of issues on your Mac. By following the methods, it can minimize your issues and allow you to record your voice. We hope that the aforementioned methods fix the problems. However, if it might arise again, just try FoneDog Screen Recorder for smooth and convenient recording!