Record locally New in 1.4
Optionally capture your default mic and what you hear. LockMic writes a dated mix on your Mac — nothing is uploaded, and mute still works while you record.
macOS 14+ New · Record locally MIT · Open source by WIXEE.AI
Mute your mic
for every app.
LockMic is a free macOS menu bar app for system-wide microphone mute. It uses Core Audio—not in-app mute buttons—so Zoom, Teams, Meet, FaceTime, browsers, and every other app see a muted mic. Global hotkeys, on-screen HUD, and optional floating indicator included. New in 1.4: optionally record the mic and what you hear — files stay on your Mac.
Scroll or tap HUD · live → muted
System-levelCore Audio, not app buttons
Every appZoom · Teams · Meet · more
Local onlyRecordings stay on your Mac
Free foreverMIT open source
What is LockMic?
A system-wide mic mute for macOS.
LockMic runs in the menu bar and mutes your microphone hardware (or all inputs) through Core Audio. Unlike Zoom or Meet mute—which only affect that app—LockMic blocks capture for everything on your Mac. Ideal for calls, streaming, and privacy when you need one reliable mute.
Features
Built for calls you can’t miss.
Everything you need to control the mic without hunting for the right mute button in the right app.
Mute all inputs
By default LockMic mutes every controllable input device — ideal when Zoom and Meet disagree about which mic is “the” mic.
Global hotkeys
Toggle with ⌘⇧M (and optional ⌘F5). Add mute-only, unmute-only, push-to-talk, push-to-mute, and push-to-flip. Conflict warnings included.
On-screen HUD
Brief toast on mute/unmute. Optional floating indicator on each display — drag to move, click to toggle, right-click to hide.
Menu bar control
Click the icon to toggle. Right-click for status, mute scope, floating HUD per display, and Preferences.
Stays muted
New mics and headsets you plug in later are muted too. If an app tries to unmute the input, LockMic re-applies mute so you stay covered system-wide.
23 languages
Follows your macOS language automatically — English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and many more.
How it works
Three steps. Zero friction.
-
01
Install
Homebrew cask or drag from the DMG into Applications. macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
-
02
Agree once
Optional anonymous usage stats (version + actions only — no mic audio, no personal data). Required to enable mute control.
-
03
Mute anywhere
Menu bar, ⌘⇧M, or the floating HUD. Your mic stays under control across every call app.
Keyboard
Shortcuts that stay out of the way.
Defaults you can change in Preferences → Keyboard. Momentary shortcuts restore state when you release.
Toggle mute⌘⇧M
Also toggle⌘F5
Push to talk⇧Spaceoff by default
Push to mute⇧⌥Spaceoff by default
Push to flip⌥Spaceoff by default
Get LockMic 1.4.26
Free for macOS 14 Sonoma and later.
Homebrew
brew tap oochernyshev/lockmic https://github.com/oochernyshev/lockmic
brew trust --cask oochernyshev/lockmic/lockmic
brew update
brew reinstall --cask --yes lockmic || brew install --cask lockmic
xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/LockMic.app
open /Applications/LockMic.appSame commands to install, update, or restore a deleted app. Uninstall: brew uninstall --cask lockmic.
DMG — update
- Download the latest DMG above.
- Open it and drag LockMic to Applications (choose Replace if asked).
- Open LockMic from Applications.
- If macOS blocks it, run:
xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/LockMic.app
Requires macOS 14 or later
FAQ
Quick answers
What is LockMic?
LockMic is a free, open-source macOS menu bar app that mutes your microphone at the system level using Core Audio. It works in Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, FaceTime, browsers, and every other app—not just inside one app’s mute button.
How is this different from Zoom’s mute button?
App mute only silences that app. LockMic mutes the input device in Core Audio, so every app sees a muted mic — including ones without a good mute control.
Does it work with virtual mics?
Virtual microphones show up in the list but LockMic doesn’t mute them, so virtual mixers and cables keep working as expected.
What data is sent?
In the app, if you agree: version and anonymous action events (toggle, mute/unmute, holds, recording start/stop). No microphone audio, no recording files, and no personal data. Mute control stays off until you agree. This website uses the same Google Analytics property for anonymous page views (and optional download clicks) so we can improve the product and site.
Can LockMic record audio?
Yes — optionally, from 1.4. Start Recording in the menu bar captures your default microphone and system playback, then writes a dated mix on your Mac (Movies/LockMic by default). Recordings stay on your disk. LockMic does not upload them. macOS asks for microphone and system audio access first.
Is it free?
Yes. LockMic is MIT-licensed open source from WIXEE.AI. Optional paid Pro modules may appear later; the core stays open.
How do I install LockMic?
Download the DMG and drag LockMic to Applications, or use the Homebrew commands in Download. Requires macOS 14+. If macOS blocks the app, run xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/LockMic.app.
How do I update to the latest version?
Homebrew: run the same commands as install (see Download). DMG: download the latest DMG, replace the app in Applications, then open it.
I deleted LockMic.app. How do I install it again?
Run the Homebrew commands in Download again —
reinstall puts the app back. To uninstall completely:
brew uninstall --cask lockmic.
DMG users can download the DMG and drag LockMic back to Applications.
Partnerships, distribution, or press?
Reach WIXEE.AI at info@wixee.ai — distribution, OEM, sponsorship, or media. Mention LockMic in the subject so we can route it quickly.
Community
Do you like LockMic?
One vote per browser — remove it anytime. Counts update for everyone.
Want to say more? Send feedback on GitHub
Stay in control of the mic.
One menu bar icon. Every app. Free forever.
Download LockMicPartnerships & press — info@wixee.ai