What can we help with?
Tap a question to see the answer. If you're troubleshooting, start with the microphone and permissions questions.
What is Mewte?
Mewte is a lightweight Mac utility for muting and unmuting the default microphone, with a customizable keyboard shortcut and a keyboard cleaning mode.
How do I mute or unmute my microphone?
Use your configured global microphone shortcut, the Mewte menu bar menu, or the button in the main window. Mewte uses the Mac’s current default input device.
What do the green and red cat icons mean?
Green indicates the microphone is active (not muted). Red with a diagonal slash indicates the microphone is muted. The indicator reflects the state Mewte reads from the device; some audio devices may not expose mute state.
How do I change the microphone shortcut?
Open Mewte → Settings and use the shortcut recorder to assign your preferred key combination. If the shortcut is used by macOS or another application, choose a different combination.
Does Mewte work with every microphone and meeting app?
Mewte controls the mute property of your Mac’s default input device through Core Audio. Many input devices support this, but some do not provide a writable system mute control. Apps with their own separate mute buttons may not mirror the device mute state. Test your setup in the meeting app before relying on it.
Why does the mute button not work?
Check that a microphone is connected and selected under System Settings → Sound → Input. Some audio devices do not expose a writable mute control. If you switch input devices, recheck Mewte’s displayed state and test the mute function.
How do I lock my keyboard for cleaning?
Select Lock Keyboard in the main window or Mewte’s menu bar menu. Keyboard input (including many volume and media keys) is suppressed while cleaning mode is active. Use your mouse or trackpad to select Unlock Keyboard. Certain hardware or system-controlled keys may not be blocked on all Macs.
Why is macOS asking for Accessibility permission?
Keyboard cleaning mode relies on monitoring and suppressing keyboard events. macOS may require Accessibility or related input permissions. Review the permission under System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility. Only grant access to the Mewte app you installed and trust.
Can I still use my mouse or trackpad when the keyboard is locked?
Yes. Mouse and trackpad controls remain available so you can unlock the keyboard from the Mewte window or menu bar.
Why does Mewte disappear from the Dock when I close its window?
That’s intentional. Mewte can remain available in the menu bar when its main window is closed. Choose Open Mewte from the menu bar to show the window again.
Does Mewte record or upload my voice?
Mewte is designed to control the microphone’s mute property, not capture audio recordings. It does not need to record microphone audio to provide its mute and keyboard-cleaning functions.
Where can I report an issue?
Please use the Mewkoto contact page for current support information. A dedicated support email will be published before the public release.