Mic muted without realizing
You're talking but no one hears you. This can happen mid-stream without warning.
Few things are worse than realizing 20 minutes into a stream that your mic has been muted. Here's why it happens and how to prevent it.
Common causes
1. Push-to-talk accidentally enabled
Push-to-talk might be enabled without you realizing it, or it was configured in a scene you switched to.
- Right-click your mic in the Audio Mixer
- Select Properties
- Check if Push-to-talk is enabled. Disable if you don't use it
- Also check Settings → Hotkeys for any push-to-talk bindings
2. Hotkey pressed by accident
OBS hotkeys can conflict with game controls.
- Go to Settings → Hotkeys
- Find mute/unmute bindings for your mic source
- Check if the key overlaps with something you press during gameplay
- Use a modifier key combo like Ctrl+Shift+M instead of single keys
3. Windows privacy settings
Windows can revoke microphone access from apps, especially after updates.
- Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone
- Make sure "Let apps access your microphone" is On
- Scroll down and verify OBS is allowed
4. Mic physically muted
Many microphones and headsets have hardware mute buttons.
- Check your mic for a mute button or switch
- Look for indicator lights. Red usually means muted
- Some mics mute when you tap them (touch-sensitive)
5. Audio interface software
If you use an audio interface (Focusrite, GoXLR, etc.), it has its own mixer.
- Open your interface's control software
- Check for mute states or faders set to zero
- Some interfaces have physical mute buttons
6. OBS source disabled in scene
The mic source might not be active in your current scene.
- Check if your mic source has the eye icon visible in the Sources panel
- Verify the source exists in your current scene
Prevention
Add a visual indicator
Add an on-screen element that shows when your mic is active:
- Add an Audio Meter source to your scene
- Position it somewhere visible to you (not necessarily viewers)
- If it's not moving when you talk, something's wrong
Use a mic with a visible LED
Many mics have LEDs that indicate recording or mute status. Glance at it periodically.
Avoid single-key mute bindings
Never bind mute to keys you might press during gameplay. Use multi-key combos or a dedicated stream deck.
Test at the start of every stream
Say something at the start and confirm in chat that viewers can hear you. Make it a habit.