TROUBLESHOOTING / PC & MAC
Microphone not working in the browser?
Separate a blocked start from a running microphone that stays silent. Permission problems and a muted or wrong input can look similar, but the next step is different. You do not need to send anyone a recording to do these checks.
1. Start with the device and input selection
- Connect the microphone and check any physical mute switch. Confirm you are using an input device, not just headphones with no microphone.
- Open the Microphone Test, choose Start and respond to the browser’s permission prompt.
- Choose the intended microphone from the device list when available. Speak normally and watch the level rather than tapping the microphone.
Do not grant access to unrelated sites. Our test processes the audio locally and does not upload or save a recording. Press Stop when finished.
2. If access is blocked, check this site’s permission
In Chrome, open Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Microphone. Review this site’s permission and the selected input. After changing access, return to the test, reload if needed and press Start again. Other browsers have their own site-permission controls.
Work or school management can restrict permission changes. If a control is managed, ask the administrator rather than trying to bypass it.
Official guidance: Google: microphone permissions in Chrome
3. Check the operating system independently
On Windows 11, check Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone for microphone and desktop-app access. Then inspect Settings → System → Sound → Input and test the selected microphone there.
On a Mac, use System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone to review browser access. Check the chosen input and its level in Sound settings. If prompted after a permission change, quit and reopen the browser. Menu wording can vary by system version.
Official guidance: Microsoft: microphone troubleshooting · Apple: Privacy & Security settings
4. Choose the next step from the meter
The system meter moves but the browser meter does not: recheck the browser’s input selection and permission, then compare another supported browser. Neither meter moves: inspect mute, the connection and input gain, or try another microphone.
A moving browser meter means audio samples are arriving; it does not prove that the voice is clear or free from distortion. The displayed percentage is a relative level, not calibrated sound pressure or a quality score. To assess clarity, stop this test and listen to a short local recording made in an app you trust.
Common questions
Why does the test start but show 0%?
A stream can exist while its input is muted or silent. Check the selected microphone and the operating system’s input meter before increasing gain.
Do I need to allow Google Analytics for the microphone?
No. Device permission and optional analytics consent are separate. Rejecting Google Analytics does not disable the microphone test.