After updating your phone’s operating system, you may find that Discord no longer has access to your microphone. This happens because OS updates often reset app permissions to their default state. When the microphone permission is revoked, you cannot speak in voice channels, and other users cannot hear you. This article explains why the permission resets and provides clear steps to restore microphone access on both Android and iOS devices.
Key Takeaways: Restoring Discord Microphone Access After an OS Update
- Phone Settings > Apps > Discord > Permissions: Manually re-enable the microphone permission that was reset by the OS update.
- Discord > User Settings > Voice & Video: Verify the correct input device is selected and test the microphone after restoring permission.
- Phone Settings > Privacy > Microphone: Check the global microphone toggle and ensure Discord is allowed to use it.
Why OS Updates Reset Discord’s Microphone Permission
When you install a major OS update on your phone, the system may revoke permissions for certain apps to protect your privacy. This is a security feature designed to prevent apps from accessing sensitive hardware like the microphone without your explicit consent after a system change. Discord, like other apps, relies on the microphone permission to capture your voice in voice channels, stage channels, and direct calls. Once the OS resets this permission, Discord shows a message that the microphone is unavailable or that permission is needed. The app itself is not broken — the issue is purely a missing system-level permission that you can restore in a few taps.
Steps to Fix Microphone Permission Resetting on Android
Android users can follow these steps to re-enable the microphone permission for Discord. The exact menu names may vary slightly depending on your phone manufacturer, but the general process is the same.
- Open Phone Settings
Go to the Settings app on your Android device. Look for a section labeled Apps, App Management, or Application Manager. - Select Discord from the App List
Scroll through the list of installed apps and tap Discord. If you cannot find it, use the search bar at the top of the screen. - Tap Permissions
On the Discord app info page, tap Permissions. This shows all the hardware and data that Discord can access. - Enable Microphone Permission
Tap Microphone and select Allow only while using the app or Ask every time. The first option is recommended for regular voice chat use. If the toggle is already on, turn it off and back on to refresh the permission. - Force Stop Discord
Go back to the Discord app info page and tap Force Stop. This ensures Discord restarts with the new permission. Open Discord again and join a voice channel to test the microphone.
If the Microphone Option Is Grayed Out or Missing
On some Android phones, especially those running Android 12 or later, the global microphone toggle in Quick Settings can override app-level permissions. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open Quick Settings. Look for a microphone icon and make sure it is not crossed out. If it is, tap it to enable microphone access for all apps. Then repeat the steps above.
Steps to Fix Microphone Permission Resetting on iOS
For iPhone and iPad users, the process is similar but uses iOS-specific menus. Follow these steps to restore the microphone permission after an iOS update.
- Open iPhone Settings
Tap the Settings app on your home screen. - Scroll Down and Tap Discord
Find Discord in the list of apps. It is listed alphabetically. Tap it to open the Discord settings page. - Enable Microphone Toggle
Locate the Microphone toggle and turn it on. If it is already on, toggle it off and back on to reset the permission. - Check Privacy Settings
Go back to Settings and tap Privacy & Security. Tap Microphone. Ensure the toggle for Discord is enabled. If you see a red indicator that Discord was denied access, tap the toggle to allow it. - Restart Discord
Close the Discord app completely by swiping it away from the app switcher. Reopen Discord and test your microphone in a voice channel.
If Discord Still Has Issues After the Main Fix
In some cases, restoring the permission alone does not solve the problem. The following issues can prevent the microphone from working correctly even after you grant permission.
Discord Shows “No Input Detected” in Voice Channel
This means Discord is not receiving audio from your microphone. Open Discord and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner. Tap Voice & Video. Under Input Device, make sure Default is selected. If you have a Bluetooth headset connected, try disconnecting it and using the phone’s built-in microphone. Bluetooth devices sometimes cause permission conflicts after an OS update.
Microphone Works in Other Apps but Not Discord
If your microphone works in the Phone app or a voice recorder, the issue is isolated to Discord. In the Discord Voice & Video settings, scroll down to Voice Activity and make sure the input sensitivity bar shows movement when you speak. If it does not, tap Reset Voice Settings at the bottom of the page. This restores all voice settings to default and often resolves permission-related glitches.
Permission Keeps Resetting After Every App Restart
This is rare but can happen if your phone’s OS has a bug. Check for a smaller OS patch update in your phone’s Settings > System > Software Update. Manufacturers sometimes release fixes for permission handling. Also, uninstall and reinstall Discord. Reinstalling forces the OS to ask for permission again, which can break a stuck permission loop.
Discord Voice Permissions: iOS vs Android Behavior
| Item | iOS | Android |
|---|---|---|
| Permission location | Settings > Discord > Microphone toggle | Settings > Apps > Discord > Permissions > Microphone |
| Global microphone override | Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone | Quick Settings panel microphone toggle |
| Permission reset likelihood after major OS update | High — iOS 17 and later often reset app permissions during major version upgrades | Moderate — varies by manufacturer; Samsung and Pixel devices are most affected |
| Additional step needed | Close and reopen Discord after enabling permission | Force Stop Discord from App Info screen |
After completing the steps above, you should be able to speak in Discord voice channels again. Test your microphone by joining a voice channel and speaking. Ask another member if they can hear you. If the problem returns after the next OS update, repeat the permission restoration process. For ongoing issues, keep Discord updated to the latest version from your app store, as updates often include compatibility fixes for new OS releases.