Fix: Blue Yeti Mic Not Working or Showing Up on PC or Mac

Logitech’s Blue Yeti is a very popular mic among different kinds of creators. Whether you are a YouTuber, a musician, a professional, or any kind of content creator that involves audio, the Blue Yeti mic is a great option for you. However, the Blue Yeti mic is not without its issues.

Many Blue Yeti users have been complaining about it not working or showing up on their PC or Mac. If you are one of those users, you are in the right place. In this article, we will take a dive into the reasons why your Blue Yeti mic isn’t working or showing up and also provide some troubleshooting steps to fix the issue yourself. Let’s get started!

Why Is Blue Yeti Mic Not Working or Showing Up on PC or Mac?

For professional-grade audio recording, many YouTubers, podcasters, and streamers prefer the Blue Yeti mic. However, there have been reports of problems with the Blue Yeti mic, when it either stops functioning altogether or doesn’t appear as an input device on the user’s computer. There can be several reasons behind this issue. However, we will only take a look at the most common reasons:

1. Outdated drivers: The Blue Yeti mic may not function if the drivers installed on your computer are outdated or damaged. This can result in the mic not showing up as an available input device.
2. Misconfigured settings: Misconfiguration of the Blue Yeti mic settings in the operating system can result in malfunction or ineffective operation.
3. Program Interference: There have been reports of interference with the Blue Yeti mic and various programs and drivers on both Mac and PC. This can cause the mic to malfunction or go undetected.
4. Faulty USB connection: Issues with the Blue Yeti’s USB connection can prevent it from recognizing the mic or functioning properly. The mic won’t work if the connection is loose or broken.
5. Incompatibility: Occasionally, Operating System changes, especially on Mac computers, might cause incompatibilities with peripherals like the Blue Yeti mic.
6. Faulty firmware or hardware: Problems with the Blue Yeti mic’s firmware or hardware could prevent it from being detected or functioning as intended.
7. Third-party Tools: There may be problems with Blue Yeti’s mic detection if you use any third-party audio fine-tuning tools or applications.

Fix Blue Yeti Mic Not Working or Showing Up on PC

Now that you are aware of the reasons causing your Blue Yeti to stop working or show up on your computer, let’s quickly jump into the fixes. Before we do that, make sure you try all the solutions mentioned in the article. We have compiled tried-and-tested solutions for dealing with Blue Yeti issues. Please try all of these, and we can begin.

Fix 1: Check the Blue Yeti mic

The first step in fixing any identification or functionality issues is to check the mic’s condition. Before we get to the more advanced troubleshooting steps, you need to examine your Blue Yeti mic for obvious physical damages for more in-depth troubleshooting.

Check for obvious issues like frayed cables, loose connections, and wear and tear. Hardware damage will prevent the mic from functioning properly and prevent the PC from recognizing it. If the Blue Yeti mic is severely damaged, it may be necessary to purchase a new one.

A broken mic may be impossible to repair and would result in ongoing problems. You can either get it fixed, if that’s even possible, or get a new one.

Even if you don’t see any physical damage from the outside, there is a possibility that the mic is damaged from the inside. However, since there is no feasible way to check that, you can simply proceed with the following solutions and come back here if none of them work.

Fix 2: Check if the Mic is Turned On

Make sure the mic is turned on and operating properly to fix detection issues with the Blue Yeti. Checking the Blue Yeti’s power and audio output/reception are working properly will help you rule out power-related or hardware issues and shift your emphasis to other troubleshooting procedures to fix the detection issue. To make sure it’s turned on:

1. Check that the mic is Active: To see if your Blue Yeti mic is on, look for the indicator light. When the light is on, the mic is active and ready to be used.
2. Making Sure Sounds Get Out and Get In: You can plug in your headphones or speakers into the Blue Yeti’s jack. Speak into the mic to ensure that the output is audible. As such, this procedure verifies that the mic is operating properly.

Fix 3: Check if the Mic is Recognized

Until your computer recognizes the Blue Yeti mic, you won’t be able to use it. Misidentification of the mic might cause issues with detection and functionality. Here’s what you can do to test if your PC can “hear” the Blue Yeti mic:

1. You need a functional USB port on your computer for the use of the Blue Yeti mic. Use the USB cable to link the mic to your computer.
2. Right-click the speaker icon in the Windows system tray (usually in the bottom right corner of the screen) to adjust the volume.
3. Select “Sound settings” to adjust the volume and other sound settings.
4. Locate the Blue Yeti mic under the “Input” tab’s list of input devices. You can start using the mic if its name appears on the list.

Fix 4: Check the Volume

The volume controls are crucial to the overall success and widespread popularity of the Blue Yeti mic. Before attempting to use the mic, you should make sure the volume of your computer’s audio output is as you expect it to be. Problems with detection may occur when the volume is low because the mic’s sensitivity drops.

To optimize the audio output from your computer, go to the sound settings and locate the input or recording device options. Turning up the volume may help the Blue Yeti mic better pick up your voice.

After setting the volume, test and fine-tune by speaking into the mic. If the sound is not clear or balanced, try adjusting the volume. If you want to adjust the volume on your Blue Yeti mic, you can do so as follows:

The Blue Yeti mic itself incorporates a physical volume knob. To increase or decrease the mic’s volume, crank this knob clockwise or counterclockwise, respectively. Set the volume to a level that’s comfortable for recording or speaking.

You can also adjust the volume from Windows settings:

1. Right-click the volume icon in the system tray (usually in the bottom right corner of the screen) to adjust the volume on your Windows PC.
2. Select “Sound settings” to adjust the volume and other sound settings.
3. Locate the Blue Yeti mic under the “Input” tab’s list of input devices.
4. Click on “Blue Yeti.”
5. You can adjust the mic’s volume by clicking its icon and adjusting the “Volume” slider.
6. You can even test the mic by clicking on “Start test.”

After adjusting the volume level, you should test the mic by speaking into it to ensure clear transmission and make any necessary adjustments. If you want the highest possible recording quality, tweak the volume levels to your preference.

Fix 5: Turn Off Audio Enhancements

While audio enhancements are great for making your audio sound better, they can sometimes cause issues with the audio quality. To fix this, all you need to do is turn off the audio enhancements and check if the issue has been resolved. Here’s how:

1. Right-click the volume icon in the system tray (usually in the bottom right corner of the screen) to adjust the volume on your Windows PC.
2. Select “Sound settings” to adjust the volume and other sound settings.
3. Locate the Blue Yeti mic under the “Input” tab’s list of input devices.
4. Click on “Blue Yeti.”
5. Now, click on the drop-down next to “Audio enhancements” and select “Off.”
6. After you have turned off the audio enhancements, test the mic by speaking into it to ensure it is working properly.

Fix 6: Check the USB Connection

The Blue Yeti mic may stop working or be undetected by the computer if the USB connection is slack or not secure enough. Here’s what you should do if you’re having trouble with a USB connection:

To re-establish a connection after disconnecting, plug the Blue Yeti mic back into the computer’s USB port. Put it back in its original USB port after a brief pause. Fixing a detection issue may be as easy as re-establishing contact.

If you think the USB cable is broken or not working properly, consider swapping it out for one that has been successfully used with other devices. Be sure that the Blue Yeti mic is compatible with the replacement cable.

Instead of connecting the Blue Yeti through a USB hub, consider attaching the mic to a USB port on your computer. Some devices may not get enough power or communicate properly with USB hubs. Once you have fixed all the USB-related issues, check if your mic is now working. If the issue persists, move on to the next solution.

Fix 7: Set Blue Yeti as Default Audio Input Device

Your Blue Yeti mic needs to be set as the default audio input device for you to use it. If that’s the case, your PC will use whatever default audio input device is available. Here’s how to make your Blue Yeti mic the system-wide default for audio recording:

1. Right-click the volume icon in the system tray (usually in the bottom right corner of the screen) to adjust the volume on your Windows PC.
2. Select “Sound settings” to adjust the volume and other sound settings.
3. From the menu that appears, select the option that reads “Input”> “Choose your input device.”
4. Choose the Blue Yeti mic from the list of input devices.
5. If you want to tweak the mic’s settings further, select “Device properties” from the menu.
6. When the “Mic properties” window appears, select the “Levels” tab to change the mic’s level.
7. Click on “OK” and then “Apply” to save your modifications.

Fix 7: Run the Built-in Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter to fix any audio issues with your mic or other devices and your PC. You need to run the troubleshooter, and it will automatically detect any issues with the mic. It will then proceed to recommend fixes that you can try to fix the issue. Follow these steps to run the built-in audio device troubleshooter on your PC:

1. Right-click the volume icon in the system tray (usually in the bottom right corner of the screen) to adjust the volume on your Windows PC.
2. Select “Troubleshoot sound problems.” Alternatively, you can run the troubleshooter by going to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and clicking on Run next to “Audio.”
3. A new window will pop up. Click on “Yes” to run a diagnostic scan to find the problem with your audio devices.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to troubleshoot the issue.
5. Once the troubleshooting is done, simply restart your PC and see if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 8: Make Sure Blue Yeti is Enabled

You need to make sure that the Blue Yeti mic is enabled on your PC to be able to use it. If the mic is not working or showing up, it could indicate that the mic is disabled. In this case, you can fix the issue by simply re-enabling the mic. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the Start icon and click on “Device Manager.” Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + X to do the same.
2. Now, click on the small arrow “>” next to “Audio input and output devices.” This will show all the audio input and output devices connected to your PC.
3. Now, right-click on Blue Yeti and click on “Enable device.”
4. Once you have enabled the mic, close the Device Manager window and see if it started working now.

Fix 9: Update the Blue Yeti Drivers

Drivers are essential for your Blue Yeti mic to function normally. You always need to keep your device drivers up-to-date to make sure they work smoothly with your PC. Outdated drivers can result in several issues, and the device can even stop working. Follow these steps to update your Blue Yeti mic’s drivers:

1. Right-click on the Start icon and click on “Device Manager.” Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + X to do the same.
2. Now, click on the small arrow “>” next to “Audio input and output devices.” This will show all the audio input and output devices connected to your PC.
3. Now, right-click on Blue Yeti and click on “Update driver.”
4. A new window will open. Click on “Search automatically for drivers” to begin the update. Make sure you are connected to the internet.
5. Once the update is installed, restart your PC and see if the issue persists.

Fix 10: Reinstall the Blue Yeti Drivers

If updating the drivers didn’t fix the issue with the Blue Yeti mic not working or showing up, you can try reinstalling the drivers. Reinstalling the drivers will delete any corrupted drivers that might have been installed previously and update the drivers with the latest version available. Here’s how to reinstall your Blue Yeti mic’s drivers:

1. Right-click on the Start icon and click on “Device Manager.” Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + X to do the same.
2. Now, click on the small arrow “>” next to “Audio input and output devices.” This will show all the audio input and output devices connected to your PC.
3. Now, right-click on Blue Yeti and click on “Uninstall device,” and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Once the driver has been uninstalled, simply restart your PC, and Windows will automatically install the missing driver on your PC.
5. Check if the issue has been resolved. If the issue persists, move on to the next solution.

Fix 11: Update Windows

Updating Windows is critical for fixing incompatibilities and guaranteeing trouble-free use of the Blue Yeti mic. Windows updates are constantly released by Microsoft to correct bugs and enhance performance. If you are someone who avoids installing updates, this is your sign to install the latest Windows update. Follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start icon and then on the cog-like icon to open the Settings app. Alternatively, press the Windows key + I to do the same.
2. From the left menu of the Settings app, click on “Windows Update.”
3. To find out if any Windows updates are available, select the “Check for updates” option.
4. To have Windows automatically download and install any available updates, click the “Download & install” button whenever it prompts you to do so.
5. Finally, click on “Restart” once the update is installed.
6. After the update has been installed, your Blue Yeti mic should start working normally. If the issue persists, contact Logitech or Microsoft support.

Fix Blue Yeti Mic Not Working or Showing Up on Mac

Apple Silicon Macs may have trouble picking up Blue Yeti mics. This can cause the mic to stop working properly or prevent it from appearing as an input option.

Symptoms include the inability to use the Blue Yeti mic for audio recording or chatting or its absence as an input option in the system’s preferences. Here are some solutions that you can try to fix this issue:

Fix 1: Set up Your Mic Properly

First and foremost, you need to set up your mic properly for it to work with your Mac. If you have set it up improperly, an issue is bound to happen. Here’s how to properly set up your Blue Yeti mic:

1. Connect your Blue Yeti mic to your Mac with a USB cable.
2. Go to the Apple menu (the Apple icon) in the upper left corner of the screen and click “System Preferences” or “System Settings.”
3. To adjust your computer’s audio, go to the “Sound” section of System Preferences.
4. Select the “Input” tab in the Sound preferences.
5. Navigate to the Input Devices menu and select the Blue Yeti mic. If it is recognized, it will be shown as a sound source.

If you want to use the Blue Yeti mic with your Mac, you may do so by selecting it from the list and clicking the “Set Blue Yeti as Audio Input” button. If the mic’s input volume is either low or too loud, use the Blue Yeti slider to fine-tune it.

Following these instructions and correctly configuring the Blue Yeti mic as the audio input device will fix detection problems on Macs. The mic on your Mac should now function properly for voice-over IP and other audio applications.

Fix 2: Plug in the Mic and Restart your Mac

Plugging in the Yeti mic and restarting your Mac may help resolve Blue Yeti detection issues on Macs. Just do the following:

1. Use the included USB cable to connect the Blue Yeti mic to your Mac.
2. Once you’ve connected the mic to your Mac, restart it. Go to the Apple menu (the Apple icon) in the upper left corner of the screen and click “Restart.”
3. After the restart, the Blue Yeti mic should be identified and can be used as the default mic.

Fix 3: Check for Software Compatibility Issues on the Radar

It is important to check for software compatibility issues when experiencing detection troubles with the Blue Yeti mic on a Mac. Here are some essential considerations:

The Blue Yeti mic’s drivers or settings may clash with those of other software, especially third-party programs. Due to these incompatibilities, the mic could go undetected or act strangely.

The Blue Yeti mic may cease functioning if you use software like Logitech G or any audio fine-tuning tool that prompts you to disconnect the mic. The best course of action is to disregard these requests and continue using the mic.

In extremely rare circumstances, the Blue Yeti mic may become unresponsive after the launch of certain audio fine-tuning tools or applications.

Fix 4: Try Using Krisp

Users have commented favourably on the audio quality improvements made by the third-party noise reduction program Krisp. Using Krisp is a great option for fixing Blue Yeti detection issues on Macs.

Krisp’s purpose is to cancel out unwanted noise in phone calls and other audio recordings. Krisp and the Blue Yeti mic work together to produce audio that is both crisper and more polished.

Krisp’s new mic settings might improve the Blue Yeti’s audio quality, allowing you to record clearer audio. A variety of audio input volume, sensitivity, and speech clarity adjustments may be accessible through these menus.

Krisp is well-known for being a low-cost option with a straightforward UI. It’s accessible to more people because it works on both Macs and PCs.

Here’s how you connect your Blue Yeti mic to Krisp:

1. Go to Krisp’s official site and get the Mac app. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the software installation.
2. Open it up from the Finder on your Mac.
3. The Blue Yeti mic should be the default input device in Krisp, so be sure to check that in the settings.
4. To enjoy the benefits of Krisp’s noise cancellation technology during recordings or communications, turn on noise cancellation.

Krisp and the Blue Yeti mic work together to improve audio quality and maybe even fix detection problems on your Mac. You may easily and effectively enhance your listening experience with Krisp thanks to its noise-cancellation features and various mic settings.

Fix 5: Update macOS Software

An outdated version of macOS can cause issues with your Blue Yeti mic. Updating to the latest version of macOS may fix Blue Yeti detection issues on your Mac.

The incompatibility between Apple Silicon Macs and Blue Yeti mics is expected to be patched soon by both Logitech and Apple. The fix could be included in the upcoming macOS update.

Compatibility issues may be resolved, and the Blue Yeti mic’s identification and functionality enhanced by updating to the most recent version of macOS. Follow these steps to update macOS:

Before installing any software update, it is recommended that you create a backup of your data just in case something goes wrong during the installation.

1. Go to the Apple menu (the Apple icon) in the upper left corner of the screen and click “System Preferences” or “System Settings.”
2. Click on “Software Update” to check for any available updates.
3. Click “Update Now” to begin the update installation procedure if a newer version of macOS is available.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to finish the update.
5. You will be prompted to restart your Mac after the update has been installed. The changes will take effect after a system restart.

If the Blue Yeti mic is still unresponsive after attempting the above, contact Logitech support or Apple support. They might offer suggestions or updates to fix the compatibility issues.

Final Words

That’s how you troubleshoot when your Blue Yeti mic isn’t working or showing up on your PC or Mac. It is an extremely daunting experience when the mic just doesn’t show up on your PC or Mac. Thankfully, these solutions mentioned in the article should help you recover that, get back to using your Blue Yeti mic, and resume recording audio.

Make sure you try all the fixes mentioned in this article, be it for PC or Mac. Once you have tried all the fixes, you should be able to resolve the issue. However, if you are still facing the issue, you can contact either Logitech support or Microsoft/Apple support for further assistance.

Which one of the solutions worked for you? Do you have any other recommended fixes that we forgot to mention? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading till the end!