> ## 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 on Mac

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 device status at the bottom of the left sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable Vox's virtual microphone">
    In Vox, select **Settings** in the left sidebar, stay on **Basic**, and find
    **Vox audio**. Turn on **Use Vox in other apps**. The same section shows the driver
    install or reload action when one is needed.
  </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>

<Note>
  Some apps, including Wispr Flow, hide virtual microphones such as Vox from their
  own input list. If Vox does not appear, set it as your Mac's main input in **System
  Settings → Sound → Input**, then reopen the app.
</Note>

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                                   |
| ---------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| [Wispr Flow](/other-apps/wispr-flow)     | Settings, then input device             |
| [Superwhisper](/other-apps/superwhisper) | Settings, then input device             |
| 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, select **Settings** in the left sidebar, stay on **Basic**, and open
    **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 → Privacy & Security → Microphone**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The audio is quiet or distorted">
    In Vox, select **Settings** in the left sidebar, stay on **Basic**, and open
    **Vox audio**. Speak normally while watching **Input level**, then adjust **Input
    volume** until it reads **Good** rather than **Low** or **Loud**.
  </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 → Basic → Vox audio** and use the driver action shown
    there.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>