> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.augmental.tech/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Use Vox as a microphone anywhere

> Select Vox as the input device in any Mac app.

Vox installs a virtual microphone on macOS. Any app that lets you choose an input
device can record from your Vox device, including apps that have never heard of Vox.

<Info>
  This is Mac only. iOS does not allow it. See [Vox on Mac vs iPhone](/getting-started/macos-vs-ios).
</Info>

## Selecting it

<Steps>
  <Step title="Make sure your device is connected">
    Open Vox and check the connection state.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the other app's audio settings">
    Look for **Input**, **Microphone**, or **Audio source**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Vox">
    Choose **Vox**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

The microphone activates on demand. When no app is listening, it does nothing, so
leaving it selected costs no battery.

## Where you will find the setting

| App           | Where                                                           |
| ------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Zoom          | Settings, then Audio, then Microphone                           |
| Google Meet   | Settings, then Audio, then Microphone                           |
| Slack huddles | Preferences, then Audio and video                               |
| QuickTime     | File, then New Audio Recording, then the chevron next to record |
| System-wide   | System Settings, then Sound, then Input                         |

<Warning>
  Setting Vox as the system-wide input in System Settings affects every app at once,
  including ones you would rather leave on the built-in microphone. Setting it per app
  is usually the better move.
</Warning>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Vox does not appear in the list">
    In Vox, open **Settings**, then **Vox audio**. If the driver is not installed, click
    **Install Vox audio driver** and then **Install**. If it is installed but macOS has
    not loaded it, click **Reload Vox audio driver**, then **Reload audio**. macOS may
    also require approval in **Privacy & Security**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="It appears but there is no sound">
    Check that the device is connected in Vox, and that the app has microphone
    permission in System Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Microphone.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The audio is quiet or distorted">
    Test Vox in a quiet environment first so you understand the limits of dictation.
    As a rule of thumb, speak louder when there is a lot of noise, but you should still
    be able to speak quietly enough that a person three feet away cannot hear you.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="It worked, then stopped after an update">
    Vox alerts you when the driver needs to be reinstalled or updated. Follow that
    prompt, or open **Settings → Vox audio** and use the driver action shown there.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>