Mute all inputs
By default LockMic mutes every controllable input device — ideal when Zoom and Meet disagree about which mic is “the” mic.
macOS 14+ 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.
System-levelCore Audio, not app buttons
Every appZoom · Teams · Meet · more
Menu barOne click, always ready
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.
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.
Smart devices
Virtual Core Audio devices are listed but ignored for mute control. Re-applies mute when devices or the default input change.
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 1.2.0
Free for macOS 14 Sonoma and later. Homebrew-first; DMG for direct install.
Homebrew
brew tap oochernyshev/lockmic https://github.com/oochernyshev/lockmic
brew install --cask lockmic
xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/LockMic.app
open /Applications/LockMic.appCustom tap (not in core Homebrew yet). xattr clears Gatekeeper quarantine until the app is notarized.
Requires macOS 14+ · Xcode not needed to run
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 devices (Core Audio transport type Virtual) appear in the list but are ignored for mute control, so software mixers and virtual cables aren’t thrashing.
What data is sent?
If you agree: app version and anonymous action events (toggle, mute/unmute, holds). No microphone audio, no personal data. Mute control stays off until you agree.
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 from this site or GitHub Releases and drag LockMic to Applications, or use Homebrew (see Download above). Requires macOS 14+. Until notarized, run xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/LockMic.app after install.