Find the cause step by step
- Stay silent in the test above: the bar should barely move. If it moves a lot, there’s noise.
- Lower Microphone Boost (Properties › Levels) to 0 or +10 dB and raise the normal volume instead.
- Laptop: unplug the charger and test again. If the static goes away, it’s noise from the outlet; use another outlet or a USB mic.
- Turn on the app’s noise suppression (Discord, Teams, Meet) and keep the mic away from fans and the PC case.
Symptom, cause and fix
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Constant hiss | Boost set too high | Lower Microphone Boost |
| Static only on the charger | Electrical noise (ground loop) | Another outlet; a USB mic |
| Crackling when you move the cable | Loose contact | Replace the cable or adapter |
| Low, steady hum | PC front jack or a cable near the power supply | Rear jack; move the cable away |
Where to find it on your device
- Volume and boost: Settings › System › Sound › More sound settings › Recording tab › your mic › Properties › Levels.
- Discord: User Settings › Voice & Video › Noise Suppression.
Related questions
Does noise suppression hurt my voice?
Sometimes it cuts the start of words. If that happens, use a lighter level or fix the cause of the static.
Why is there static only on Discord?
Each app has its own gain and filters. If the test here is clean, adjust Discord’s sensitivity and noise suppression.
Does a USB mic fix static?
It usually fixes electrical static from the PC’s sound card, because the sound is converted inside the mic.
My mic gets static only when I talk. Why?
Static that rises with your voice is usually clipping: the gain is so high the signal distorts. Lower the boost or the mic’s gain knob and move the mic slightly away from your mouth.
My phone mic has static. What is it?
Record in the phone’s voice recorder. If it’s noisy there too, clean the mic holes and remove the case; if it’s only noisy on WhatsApp or a call, it’s the connection or the app.
My mic squeals near the speakers. Why?
That’s feedback: the mic picks up the speakers and the sound loops. Move the mic away from the speakers, point it away from them and lower the volume.
More problems: microphone test
- Mic not working on PC: how to fix it on Windows
- Headset mic not working on PC: how to fix it
- Laptop mic not working: how to fix it
- Mic not working on Discord: how to fix it
- Mic not working in Google Meet: how to fix it
- Mic not working in Teams: how to fix it
- WhatsApp mic not working: silent voice messages and calls
- Mic too quiet on PC: how to turn up the volume
- Mic echo: why other people hear their own voice
- Phone mic not working: how to test and fix it
- Mic cutting out on Discord: how to fix it
- Phone mic only works on speaker: why and how to fix it
- OBS mic too quiet: how to make it louder without hiss
- How to test a mic on PC, laptop, phone, iPhone and Teams
Open the full microphone test →
Updated November 12, 2026.